Updated October 2, 2026 · 11 min
SMS marketing for restaurants works because texts get read fast, usually within minutes, which makes them perfect for anything time-sensitive: tonight's special, a slow-night offer, an order that's ready. It also wears out fast if you overdo it. Here's how to collect consent properly, what to send and when, examples you can copy, and the rules that keep you out of trouble.
When SMS beats email for a restaurant
The short version: SMS for the nudge, email for the story. Most restaurants do best with both.
| Use SMS for | Use email for |
|---|---|
| Tonight's special or a slow-night offer | Newsletters and seasonal menus |
| Order ready, order delayed | Catering menus and event details |
| A reminder before a holiday or big game | Stories, photos and the full menu |
| A short win-back with one reward | Longer win-back series |
How to get consent for restaurant text messages
- Ask at checkoutAdd an unchecked box at online checkout to opt in to marketing texts, separate from order updates.
- Say what they'll getTell guests what you'll send and roughly how often: "Specials and offers, about twice a month."
- Offer a keyword in the restaurantA table tent with "Text PIZZA to join" and what they get for joining.
- Confirm the sign-upSend one confirmation text with your name, what to expect, and how to opt out (reply STOP).
- Keep recordsStore when and how each guest opted in.
Restaurant SMS examples you can copy
| Message | Example | When to send |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome | Thanks for joining Flour & Flame texts! Your free garlic knots are waiting on your next order. Reply STOP to opt out. | Right after sign-up |
| Slow-night offer | Tuesdays are quiet here, so tonight any large pizza is 15. Order: [link] | Afternoon of the slow night |
| New dish | New: hot honey pepperoni is on the menu this week. [link] | When it launches |
| Holiday reminder | Ordering for the game Sunday? Pre-order by Saturday 6pm and skip the wait. [link] | Two days before |
| Win-back | It's been a while! Here's 5 off your next order this week. [link] | 30–60 days after the last order |
| Order ready | Your order is ready for pickup at the counter. See you soon! | When the order is ready |
How often restaurants should text
Two to four promotional texts a month is plenty for most restaurants, plus order updates and automated messages like birthdays. Send between late morning and early evening, before the meal you're selling, and never late at night.
Every text should be worth reading. If you wouldn't want it on your own phone, don't send it.
Writing rules for restaurant SMS
- Put your restaurant's name in the message so guests know who it's from.
- One message, one offer, one link.
- Keep it under about 160 characters when you can.
- Give a reason to act now: tonight, this weekend, until we sell out.
- Skip all caps and piles of emoji.
- Include how to opt out, at least in the first message and regularly after.
SMS rules restaurants need to follow
In the US, marketing texts are covered by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and carrier rules. In practice: get clear consent before sending marketing texts, identify your business, honor STOP and opt-out requests right away, respect quiet hours, and keep records of consent. Rules vary by state, so check with your provider or a lawyer. This is a summary, not legal advice.
What to measure
- Orders from each text (use a separate link per message).
- Opt-out rate per send: a jump means the message or timing missed.
- Sign-ups per week from checkout and in the restaurant.
- Revenue per message sent, compared with email.
