How to Implement a Restaurant Texting System [All Use Cases]

Customers expect quick and efficient communication from businesses, including restaurants. But with so many channels available, knowing where to focus your efforts can take time.

The good news? Text message marketing offers a direct way to connect with your customers, build loyalty, and drive more sales.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of text messaging for restaurants and provide practical tips for creating compelling text campaigns.

We will also cover texting for reservation management, increasing sales and customer loyalty through text message marketing, building a subscriber list, and crafting effective messages.

How to Use Texting for Reservation Management

One of the most effective ways you can use business texting is to simplify your reservation and waitlist process. Instead of making customers wait on hold or navigate complicated booking systems, you can allow them to simply text their reservation requests or ask to be added to your waitlist.

Here’s how you can use text messaging to speed up reservation management and create a better customer experience.

Set Up Text-Based Reservations

You can start by using a business texting platform that allows customers to send reservation requests straight to your restaurant’s main number. Avoid using random or unfamiliar numbers, as customers should feel confident they’re reaching you directly.

Once a request comes in, your system can automatically send a confirmation text once the reservation is booked. If customers are joining a waitlist instead, they can also receive a text when their table is ready.

Send Real-Time Updates

You can use texting to keep customers informed in real-time. If there’s a delay, a table opens up early, or plans change, you can send an instant update via text. This keeps customers engaged and happy while freeing your staff from making endless phone calls.

Reduce Phone Call Volume for Your Team

Shifting reservations and waitlist communication to texting can lighten the load on your front-of-house team. This allows them to focus on creating a welcoming, memorable experience for the guests already inside your restaurant.

How You Can Set Up Texting for Pickup and Delivery Orders

Other than for reservation purposes, text messaging is also one of the easiest ways for you to simplify pickup and delivery orders. Offering a direct text ordering option provides your customers with a faster, more convenient experience.

Offer Direct Ordering Through Text

Rather than relying on third-party apps, allow your customers to send their orders via text to your main business number. This simplifies the ordering experience and keeps everything under your control.

Once an order is received, you can confirm the details and provide an estimated pickup or delivery time through the same text thread.

Simplify Communication in Real-Time

Text messaging opens up a two-way conversation channel. Customers can reach out with questions, request modifications, or confirm details quickly and clearly. This reduces confusion and ensures both parties stay on the same page throughout the process.

Eliminate Third-Party Fees and Maintain Control

Managing your orders through text can reduce your reliance on third-party platforms that charge transaction fees. When you take back control of the ordering process, you protect your profit margins and ensure that the customer experience aligns with your brand standards.

Build a Direct Relationship With Your Customers

Text-based ordering allows you to gain deeper insights into customer behavior and preferences.

You can collect data, recognize patterns in repeat orders, and build your own opt-in list for future marketing campaigns without relying on outside platforms.

The Power of Text Messaging for Restaurants

Text messaging is a powerful way for you to build stronger customer relationships and drive up revenue. A thoughtful restaurant SMS strategy can help you reach customers with personalized promotions, timely updates, and helpful text reminders.

When done right, text messaging can boost customer engagement, increase repeat visits, and create new opportunities to grow your sales. It offers a direct, personal connection that other marketing channels often miss.

Here are several additional ways you can use text message marketing to achieve these results:

Promoting Special Offers and Discounts

Text message marketing allows you to promote special offers and discounts in a simple, direct way. You can send exclusive deals such as free desserts, appetizer specials, meal bundles, or limited-time holiday promotions.

These offers create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to make a reservation or place an order, ultimately boosting sales and increasing revenue for your restaurant. Including limited-time promo codes can further motivate customers to take immediate action.

Providing Relevant Information

Texting also gives you the ability to share important updates with your customers. You can inform them about new menu items, changes in hours of operation, upcoming events, or limited-time specials.

Inviting customers to opt into updates by texting a keyword to your designated number helps you expand your list of contacts while maintaining clear expectations.

Make sure to include necessary compliance details, such as data rates that may apply, and clear unsubscribe instructions by letting customers know they can reply stop at any time.

Remarketing Through Text Messaging

You can use SMS to re-engage past customers and encourage repeat business. If you send targeted offers to guests who have previously visited your restaurant, you remind them of their experience and invite them to return.

Offering a special incentive, such as a discount or exclusive deal, can also strengthen customer loyalty and increase their likelihood of coming back for their next visit.

“We offer our cafe customers a free sandwich on their birthday if they text in their birth dates. After that, we use texting to tell them about new menu items, holiday menus, and other specials. It’s great, and who doesn’t like to be remembered on their birthday!”
Jeffrey W.
Owner – Legacy Cafe

You can also implement automated drip campaigns to schedule follow-ups at the right time, especially when you’re running seasonal menus or short-term offers.

For broader reach, you can send group texts or mass texts to keep your audience informed and excited without compromising organization or message clarity.

If you’re focused on review generation, texting can also serve as a timely prompt. You can ask satisfied customers to leave feedback on platforms like Google or Yelp shortly after their meal. This boosts your visibility and credibility online.

How to Gain Reviews Through Text Message Marketing

Text message marketing gives you a powerful way to get customer feedback and reviews, generate online reviews, and strengthen your restaurant’s reputation. With the right approach, you can turn customer experiences into valuable insights, stronger loyalty, and greater visibility online.

Collect Customer Feedback

You can use a restaurant texting system to quickly request feedback after a customer’s meal or visit. Sending a simple message asking about their experience allows you to gather honest insights that help you improve your offerings and service quality.

Consistently collecting feedback also shows your customers that you value their opinions, which builds stronger relationships over time.

Encourage Online Reviews

You can ask satisfied customers to leave a review, which can help you build a strong online reputation. Positive reviews play a major role in attracting new customers, as many people rely on online ratings when deciding where to dine.

When you handle any complaints promptly and professionally, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction, which further strengthens trust and loyalty.

Improve Search Engine Visibility

Strong online reviews do more than impress potential customers; they also boost your restaurant’s SEO performance.

Reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor send positive signals to search engines, helping your restaurant appear higher in local search results.

A higher ranking makes it easier for new customers to find you. Using SMS messaging to encourage reviews can improve your visibility, enhance your reputation, and drive more traffic to your restaurant.

How to Get Customers to Opt-In for Restaurant Text Messaging

Before using texting to market to communicate with your customers, you must build an opt-in text marketing list. This is essential, as regulations from the FCC now require clear consent to protect consumers from spam.

A strong opt-in strategy ensures SMS compliance and sets the stage for impactful SMS marketing.

You can grow your text marketing list by promoting “text-only” offers and offering multiple easy ways for customers to sign up.

You also need to make sure to clearly communicate the benefits of joining your texting list, such as exclusive promotions or updates on special events. Always make it easy for customers to opt-out if they no longer wish to receive texts from your restaurant so you remain compliant.

Here are some best practices for building a booming restaurant text marketing list:

Incentivize Customers to Opt-In

You may offer meaningful rewards for customers who join your text messaging program.

You might provide a discount on their next meal, a free dessert, or a birthday gift. A clear incentive can motivate more customers to sign up right away.

Make the Opt-In Process Easy

You need to make sure opt-in instructions are visible throughout your restaurant. You can use table signage with a keyword and short code, include links in newsletters, or encourage sign-ups during service.

This approach helps grow your contact list without adding pressure to your team.

Provide Relevant and Valuable Information

Customers are more likely to opt in if they believe the texts will offer real value.

You need to focus on sharing promotions, new menu launches, event updates, and limited-time specials. Set clear expectations about the types of messages you will send, and always deliver information that matters to your audience.

Tip for Building a Booming Subscriber List

Segment your subscriber list based on customer preferences and behavior.

For example, a customer responds to your marketing campaign for updates on specials or limited-time menu items. You can add the tag “Specials” to make sure they receive promotions for those limited-time offers or featured items.

Segmentation also strengthens your future SMS campaigns so that each message lands with the right person at the right time.

Incentivizing opt-ins makes it easy to opt in, and by offering relevant information, restaurants can build a strong subscriber list.

Effective Messaging: What to Say and How to Say It

Marketing for restaurants through texting only works when your messages feel timely, useful, and personal. You need to avoid generic wording and make sure each message has a clear call to action.

Below are common types of restaurant messages and how to use them effectively, followed by ready-to-use templates for each scenario.

Special Offers

Special promotions are a great way to encourage visits and drive sales. You can reward new subscribers or loyal customers with something valuable. This might include a discount, a free item, or an exclusive deal that isn’t available anywhere else.

Template:

Thanks for signing up for our text alerts! Here’s your reward—enjoy a free dessert on your next visit.

Limited-Time Promotions

Use text messaging to create urgency around weekly specials or short-term menu items. Let customers know what’s new, what’s popular, and how long it’ll be available.

Template:

This week’s special: <WEEKLY_SPECIAL>. Don’t miss out—it’s only here for a few days! – <RESTAURANT_NAME>

Reservation Confirmations

Texting is a reliable way to confirm bookings and reduce no-shows. A quick confirmation message keeps customers informed and shows that your restaurant is organized and attentive.

Template:

Hi <FIRST_NAME>, your reservation for 10 guests is confirmed for 8 PM this Thursday. Looking forward to seeing you! – <RESTAURANT_NAME>

Review Requests

Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review after their visit. It builds your online reputation and gives potential diners confidence in choosing your restaurant.

Template:

Hi <FIRST_NAME>, we’d love your feedback. Please leave us a quick review of your recent visit: <REVIEW_LINK>

Loyalty Program Messages

Welcome messages for VIP or loyalty members should feel exclusive. Let them know what benefits they now have access to and what they can expect moving forward.

Template:

Welcome to our VIP Club, <FIRST_NAME>! Get ready for text-only deals and exclusive off-menu items. – <MANAGER_NAME>, <RESTAURANT_NAME>

Holiday Greetings

Texting customers during holidays adds a thoughtful, personal touch. These messages build an emotional connection and keep your restaurant at the top of your mind.

Template:

Happy Holidays, <FIRST_NAME>! Wishing you a joyful and safe season. – <MANAGER_NAME>, <RESTAURANT_NAME>

Birthday Messages

You can celebrate your customers’ special day by offering a birthday treat. These automated birthday messages show appreciation and often result in a visit or order that day or week.

Template:

Happy Birthday, <FIRST_NAME>! Here’s a coupon for a free dessert. Hope your day is amazing! – <RESTAURANT_NAME>

Modernize Your Restaurant Communication With Textellent!

Looking for a smarter way to connect with your customers and speed up your restaurant’s communication?

A powerful restaurant texting system can make all the difference, and that’s what Textellent delivers!

Diners expect fast, convenient, and personal interactions, and relying on outdated methods like phone calls can leave you behind. It’s time to upgrade to a solution built for the modern restaurant experience.

Textellent offers a cost-effective way to keep your restaurant at the forefront of your mind. Whether you’re confirming reservations, sending promotions, or reminding guests about upcoming events, you can manage it all through one easy-to-use platform.

What makes Textellent even more powerful is its ability to send personalized messages that make each customer feel valued. From reservation confirmations to birthday greetings and exclusive VIP offers, you can craft texts that build real relationships and keep your tables full.

Discover how Textellent can transform your customer experience today. Sign up for a free trial or request a demo consultation!

FAQs About Restaurant Texting System

How much is EZ Texting?

EZ Texting offers several pricing tiers based on usage volume and features. The more contacts or tools you need, the higher the plan cost. For restaurants seeking two-way texting, automation, and campaign tracking, EZ Texting provides scalable plans.

However, Textellent is often preferred for its restaurant-focused tools, better customer support, and flexible options that help you bring customers back.

Is SMS blasting legal?

Yes, but it comes with strict regulations. SMS blasting or mass texting must comply with laws like the TCPA. This includes gaining clear customer consent before sending marketing texts.

Make sure your platform includes all the features required for compliance, such as opt-in tracking, opt-out options, and message frequency controls that help you remind customers without overwhelming them.

How does EZ Texting work?

EZ Texting is a cloud-based marketing platform that helps businesses send SMS campaigns to their audience. You can manage contacts, automate responses, and schedule messages from a user-friendly dashboard.

However, Textellent stands out by offering restaurant-specific features, built-in appointment reminders, loyalty campaigns, and smart contact tagging.

Textellent also offers comprehensive software with easy onboarding for users, hands-on support if your messages get blocked, and direct access to a developer when you need advanced help or integrations.