Restaurant SMS marketing: texts people don't mind getting

By · 2 min read · Updated

The short answer

Restaurant SMS marketing works for things that are time-sensitive: a table opened up tonight, a pickup special until 7, a reminder about Friday's wine dinner. Guests need to give written consent to marketing texts, every message needs a way to opt out, and business texting in the US must be registered. Two to four texts a month is plenty.

Texts worth sending

  • "We have two tables at 7:30 tonight. Reply YES to hold one."
  • Today-only pickup specials, sent before the dinner rush.
  • Reminders the day before a ticketed event.
  • Holiday hours and closures.

The rules

US law requires express written consent before sending marketing texts, which a checkbox at signup can give if it says so plainly. Include "Reply STOP to opt out" in messages. Text platforms register your business for 10DLC, which carriers now require; unregistered messages get blocked.

Where the numbers come from

Reservations and online orders, with a separate, unticked box for texts. A table card with a keyword to text works too. A number given for an order confirmation isn't consent to marketing.

Questions

Text or email for restaurants?

Text for tonight, email for this month. Use both if you can.

What time should I send?

Mid-afternoon for dinner offers. Avoid early mornings and late nights.

Do I need a separate texting tool?

Check your reservation and POS systems first; many include it.

About the author

, Founder

Jason has spent two decades building sites, search programs, and digital products for businesses. At Lehvel, he leads product and strategy.

Jason Murphy on LinkedIn

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