Stay In Your Customer’s Pocket: The Benefits Of Restaurant SMS Marketing

• Why Text Messaging Still Works In 2025?
• 5 Practical Benefits Of Restaurant SMS Marketing
• How To Build Your SMS List (Without Being Annoying)?
• Best Practices For Restaurant Texting
• Why Restaurant SMS Works Best When It’s Part Of A Bigger System?
• FAQ

Reaching customers is harder than ever. Between crowded inboxes and noisy social feeds, getting noticed takes more than a good menu. That’s why many restaurants are turning to something much simpler: text messages.

Restaurant SMS marketing works because it meets customers where they already are—on their phones. Messages are short, direct, and almost always read. It’s one of the fastest ways to share a promotion, confirm a reservation, or thank someone for visiting.

You don’t need a big team or budget to make it work. With the right tools, sending timely, relevant messages is something you can do in minutes. And yes, it brings results—higher return visits, better feedback, and more consistent sales.

In this article, we’ll cover what makes restaurant texting so effective, how it fits into your daily operations, and how Orders.co helps you manage it all from one place.

Key Takeaways 

• Text messages get opened and read—fast.
  
• SMS marketing is affordable, easy to use, and delivers real results for restaurants.
  
• Use SMS to send promotions, reservation reminders, feedback requests, and updates.
  
• Short, friendly, and timely texts perform best—don’t overthink it.
  
• Build your list by offering clear value, and always ask for permission.
  
• Link SMS with your direct ordering site and other tools for better outcomes.
  
• Orders.co makes restaurant texting smarter by tying it into your daily operations.

Why Text Messaging Still Works In 2025?

With so many marketing tools available, it’s fair to ask: why text messaging? The answer is simple—it still gets through.

Here’s what makes restaurant SMS marketing worth your time:

✅ Nearly all restaurant text messages—around 98%—get opened, making SMS one of the most reliable ways to connect with your customers.

✅ 72% sales. Most people purchased after receiving an SMS from a brand. You won’t find that with email or social media.

✅ No extra apps needed. Your customer doesn’t have to download anything or check a different platform.

✅ Works for any kind of restaurant. Whether you run one food truck or five casual dining locations, text marketing fits your schedule and your customer base.

Customers are used to messaging. Texts feel personal, fast, and to the point—exactly what people expect from restaurants.

More importantly, SMS isn’t about replacing other marketing channels. It complements what you’re already doing. Running a single food truck or managing multiple casual dining spots—text marketing fits your schedule and connects with your customers.

Pro Tip: SMS marketing is particularly effective for sending time-sensitive updates. Got a weather delay? Sold out of an item? A quick text helps avoid confusion and keeps guests informed.

5 Practical Benefits Of Restaurant SMS Marketing

Texting isn’t just a communication tool—it’s a business driver. When used with a clear purpose, restaurant SMS marketing helps you bring in more orders, keep guests engaged, and improve operations without adding more to your plate.

Here’s what it can do for you:

1. Bring in More Orders During Slow Hours

Text marketing for restaurants works best when paired with real-time promotions. On a slow Tuesday lunch or during a rainy evening, a quick message with a same-day deal can drive instant traffic.

Example:
“Need a break? 15% off all online orders today until 3 PM. Use code TEXT15.”

2. Increase Repeat Visits with Timely Promos

Want to stay top-of-mind without being pushy? Send targeted offers based on previous behavior, like birthday texts or rewards for loyal customers. These short nudges keep guests coming back without a big marketing push.

3. Simplify Reservation Reminders and Confirmations

No-shows cost you time and money. A simple reminder an hour before the reservation can reduce last-minute cancellations and give guests an easy way to confirm or cancel.

Tip: Use text messaging to notify waitlist guests at restaurants when a table becomes available.

4. Improve Your Feedback and Review Process

Collecting customer feedback doesn’t need to involve long surveys. Send a simple follow-up asking for a review or a quick rating after their meal or delivery.

Sample Text Message Marketing for Restaurants:
“Thanks for dining with us! Tell us how we did—takes less than 30 seconds. [Link]”

5. Keep Guests Informed Without Relying on Social Media

Not everyone follows your Instagram. Texts make sure your guests actually see your updates. Launching a new menu item, adjusting your hours, or closing early—SMS is the fastest way to reach your customers.

Reminder: Text marketing for restaurants isn’t about sending more—it’s about sending better. Use it thoughtfully, and your customers will thank you.

How To Build Your SMS List (Without Being Annoying)?

Before you can start texting guests, you need permission—and a list. But collecting phone numbers doesn’t have to be awkward or aggressive. When done right, it feels natural and helpful.

Start with Clear Value

Guests are more likely to share their number when there’s something in it for them. Make the benefit obvious and immediate.

• Offer a first-time discount for signing up
  
• Give access to a VIP-only item or promo
  
• Enter them into a giveaway or loyalty program
  

Example Opt-In Message: “Get $5 off your next order—just sign up for texts. We’ll only message when it matters.”

Use Multiple Sign-Up Touchpoints

Don’t limit yourself to just one method. Include SMS opt-ins across:

• Your online ordering site (via Orders.co’s custom website builder)
  
• In-store signage with QR codes
  
• Table tents or receipts
  
• Your Google and Yelp profiles
  
• Social media bios and posts
  

Pro Tip: Clearly state how often you’ll text (e.g., “up to 4 messages per month”) to set expectations and minimize unsubscribes.

Stay Legal and Respectful

Restaurant texting must follow compliance rules—especially TCPA in the U.S.

• Always require explicit opt-in (checkbox or keyword)
  
• Make opt-out easy (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”)
  
• Don’t send texts outside of normal hours
  

With Orders.co’s Restaurant Marketing feature, these standards are built into the system. You can collect opt-ins during online orders and send compliant messages automatically—no legal headaches required.

See How It Works

Best Practices For Restaurant Texting

• Keep it short and focused: Get straight to the point. One message, one offer, one action—ideally under 160 characters. The shorter it is, the more likely it gets read and acted on.
• Talk like a person, not a brand: Your tone should match how your staff speaks to guests. Skip the corporate buzzwords. A natural, friendly message feels more personal and is more likely to get a response.
• Time it right: Send texts when customers are most likely to act: 

1. Lunch promos? Send around 10:30 AM 
2. Dinner deals? Try 4:30 PM
   

• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA): Tell customers exactly what to do next. Phrases like “Order now,” “Book a table,” or “Show this text to redeem” are simple and effective.
• Use personalization when possible: Include the guest’s name or reference a past visit or favorite item. For example: “Hi Mike, your usual burger is $2 off today. Order by 3 PM.”

Also, read: 

• AI For Restaurants: Top 5 Restaurants Using AI And Machine Learning For Growth
• The Future Of Dining: Why Customer Loyalty Programs Are Essential For Restaurants?
• Boosting Your Restaurant’s Sales with AI-Powered Email Marketing
• How Restaurant Trends in 2024 Will Impact Your Marketing Strategies
• The Power Of Text: How SMS Marketing For Restaurants Revolutionizes Customer Engagement

Why Restaurant SMS Works Best When It’s Part Of A Bigger System?

Sending a great text is only one part of the process. For restaurant SMS marketing to really work, it needs to connect to the rest of your operations—menus, orders, customer data, and more. That’s where most texting tools fall short.

With Orders.co, SMS marketing isn’t just an add-on. It’s part of a connected system that ties into your online orders, menus, feedback, and customer engagement. The result? Smarter, more timely messages without the manual hassle.

Here’s how Orders.co supports better texting:

Restaurant Online Orders Management

All your orders—from third-party platforms and your own site—flow into one device. This restaurant’s online orders management feature helps reduce errors, shorten ticket times, and gives you the insight needed to send texts that reflect real customer behavior, like time of order or platform used.

Custom Ordering Website

Orders.co’s AI-powered website builder launches a branded, commission-free direct ordering website in under 30 seconds. You can link it directly in your texts, giving customers an easy way to place orders while helping you keep 100% of the sale.

Menu Management

With our Master Menu feature, you can update your entire menu in one place and instantly push changes across all channels. From adding a promo item to marking something sold out, everything stays accurate, especially when it’s featured in an SMS offer.

Guest Feedback Monitoring

Automatically gather reviews from delivery apps and your direct ordering site. View trends, spot issues early with our guest feedback monitoring tool, and send targeted follow-ups via SMS to turn feedback into loyalty.

Local Business Optimization

Keep your listings updated on Google My Business, Yelp, Bing, and 80+ other directories—all from one local business optimization dashboard. When a nearby diner searches for food, they’ll find you first, with accurate contact info and links to join your SMS list or order directly.

Restaurant SMS marketing gets real results—but only when it’s connected to the systems that drive your daily operations.

Want to see how it works in your setup? Schedule a free demo and we’ll walk you through it.

FAQ

1. How is restaurant SMS marketing different from email marketing?

While email allows for longer, more detailed content, SMS is faster and more immediate. Customers usually check texts right away, making it ideal for time-sensitive offers or quick updates. SMS also doesn’t compete with cluttered inboxes or spam filters.

2. What kinds of restaurants benefit most from SMS marketing?

SMS marketing is highly effective for independent restaurants, food trucks, quick-service, and casual dining formats. It’s especially useful for businesses that rely on repeat customers, local traffic, and last-minute promos.

3. Can I manage SMS campaigns without a dedicated marketing team?

Yes. Tools like Orders.co are designed so that restaurant owners or managers can run campaigns in just a few minutes per week. Automation, pre-built templates, and smart scheduling make it accessible for busy operators.

4. What if I don’t have customer data yet?

Start small. You can begin collecting phone numbers through online orders, QR code promotions, and in-store signage. Even a list of 50-100 local opt-ins can yield meaningful results when messaged strategically.

5. How do I prevent customers from unsubscribing?

Only send texts when there’s real value—promos, updates, or offers they’ll care about. Set expectations clearly at sign-up, and avoid over-messaging. Consistency and relevance are key.

6. Can I combine SMS with other marketing efforts?

Absolutely. SMS works best when used alongside tools like email marketing, loyalty programs, and social media. It’s a fast-response channel that can complement your broader marketing strategy.

7. What if my customers speak multiple languages?

Our SMS platform allows you to segment your audience based on preferences and send messages that resonate better with each group, improving engagement.