Restaurant SMS Marketing - Fill Empty Tables

Why Restaurants Need SMS

Empty tables at 6pm on a Tuesday? SMS can help fill them. Restaurants using text marketing see measurable increases in reservations and walk-ins.

Building Your SMS List

At the Restaurant

Table tents with "Text JOIN to [number]"

QR codes on receipts

Staff mentions during checkout

Loyalty program sign-ups

Online

Website pop-up or footer sign-up

Social media promotion

Email signature link

Incentive Ideas

"Join our text club for a free appetizer"

"Get birthday dessert free when you sign up"

"Text subscribers get early access to specials"

Message Types That Work

Daily Specials

"Today's Special: Grilled Salmon $18 (reg $24). Available until 9pm. Walk-ins welcome!"

When to send: 10:30-11am for lunch, 3-4pm for dinner.

Slow Day Promotions

"Quiet Tuesday? So are we! Show this text for 20% off dinner tonight. See you soon!"

When to send: Morning of slow days.

Reservation Reminders

"Reminder: Your table for 4 at Antonio's is confirmed for tonight at 7pm. See you soon!"

When to send: Day of reservation, morning or early afternoon.

Last-Minute Availability

"Cancellation just opened! Table for 2 at 7:30pm tonight. Reply BOOK to claim it."

When to send: As soon as cancellation happens.

New Menu Items

"NEW: Our chef's summer menu is here! Featuring fresh local ingredients. Reserve your table: [link]"

When to send: Launch day, mid-morning.

Special Events

"Wine Dinner next Thursday! 5 courses, 5 wines, $75/person. Limited to 30 guests. Reply WINE to reserve."

When to send: 1-2 weeks before event.

Holiday Hours

"Thanksgiving: Open 11am-4pm. Limited reservations remain. Book now at [link] or call [number]."

When to send: 1 week before, then reminder 2 days before.

Best Practices for Restaurants

Timing Is Everything

Lunch promos: 10-11am

Dinner promos: 3-5pm

Weekend specials: Thursday afternoon

Never: During typical dining hours

Keep It Short and Tasty

Describe food enticingly but briefly:

"Crispy fried chicken" not just "chicken"

"Creamy lobster bisque" not just "soup"

Include Clear CTAs

"Reply BOOK to reserve"

"Show this text for [offer]"

"Walk-ins welcome tonight"

Create Urgency

"Tonight only"

"First 20 customers"

"While supplies last"

"Last 3 tables available"

Sample Weekly Schedule

Monday

"Start your week right! All pasta dishes $12 tonight. No reservation needed."

Tuesday (typically slow)

"Taco Tuesday! $2 tacos + $5 margaritas. 4-9pm. Bring friends!"

Wednesday

"Midweek treat: Free dessert with any entrée. Mention this text."

Thursday

"Weekend preview! Our Friday special: Prime Rib. Reserve now before we sell out."

Friday (no promo needed usually)

Only send if you have availability.

Saturday

Same as Friday - only promote if needed.

Sunday

"Sunday Brunch is served! 10am-2pm. Walk-ins welcome, reservations guaranteed seating."

Loyalty Program Ideas

Points via SMS

"You've earned 50 points! 100 points = free appetizer. Keep dining with us!"

VIP Text Club

Early access to reservations

Secret menu items

Exclusive tastings

Birthday Program

"Happy Birthday! Your free dessert awaits. Valid all week."

Handling Replies

Customers will reply. Be ready to:

Confirm reservations

Answer questions about hours/menu

Handle complaints professionally

Update preferences

Quick Responses

"Thanks! You're confirmed for 7pm Friday. See you then!"

"Great question! Yes, we have vegetarian options. See our menu at [link]"

Measuring Success

Track These Metrics

Redemption rate (how many showed the text?)

Reservation increases after sends

Slow night improvement

List growth rate

A/B Testing

Try different:

Send times

Offer types

Message wording

Days of the week

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Sending during dinner rush - Staff too busy, customers annoyed

2. Too many messages - 2-3 per week maximum

3. Generic messages - Make it sound like YOUR restaurant

4. No tracking - Always ask "Did you get our text?"

5. Ignoring replies - Someone should monitor and respond

Conclusion

SMS is the perfect channel for restaurants. Food is time-sensitive, and so is SMS. When you have empty tables or a great special, text your list and watch the reservations come in.

Start small. Send one message promoting your slowest night. Track results. Adjust and grow from there.

Your tables won't stay empty for long.