This article provides 35+ sample re-engagement messages tailored specifically for restaurants. We’ll look at best practices for timing, personalization, compliance, and strategic offers. Whether you’re a neighborhood bistro looking to reignite old relationships or a fine-dining establishment aiming to reintroduce a newly revamped menu, these examples will help guide you. Remember that with SMS marketing, a concise, inviting message can make all the difference in rekindling a customer’s interest and bringing them right back through your doors.
Why Re-engagement Matters
Customer acquisition is often costlier and more time-intensive than nurturing existing relationships. Research shows that it can be 5–10 times more expensive to attract a new diner than to retain an existing one. By proactively reaching out to inactive customers, you effectively tap into a segment that already knows your brand—often leading to quicker conversions than first-timers.
Furthermore, lapsed customers might simply have forgotten about you amid busy schedules or the constant bombardment of new dining options. A well-crafted text message can serve as a friendly reminder of the positive experience they once had. With open rates for SMS often soaring above 90%, the odds of getting noticed are far higher than social media or email alone.
Best Practices for Re-engagement SMS
Personalize Whenever Possible
- Use the customer’s first name or reference their favorite dish if you have that data.
- Example: “Hi [Name], we miss you! Remember how you loved our truffle fries? They’re back on the menu—stop by soon!”
Be Brief and Direct
- SMS marketing relies on concise messaging.
- Quickly explain why you’re reaching out, highlight the incentive, and offer a direct call to action.
Offer Value
- Incentives like discounts, free items, or loyalty points can significantly increase your re-engagement success rate.
- Example: “Come back this week and enjoy 10% off your meal with code WELCOME10!”
Timing Is Key
- Send re-engagement offers when customers are more likely to make dining decisions: mid-morning for lunch deals or late afternoon for dinner specials.
Include a Clear Opt-out
- Compliance is crucial. In the U.S., for instance, always provide a simple way to opt-out (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
35+ Sample Re-engagement SMS Messages
Below, we group these messages into categories for different scenarios.
- Simple “We Miss You” Messages
- “Hey [Name], it’s been a while! We miss seeing you at [Restaurant]. Come by this weekend for a 15% discount—just show this text.”
- “Hello [Name], we noticed you haven’t visited in a while. Stop by for a free appetizer on your next order. Reply YES to claim.”
- “Miss us? We miss you too! Drop in this week and enjoy a special dessert on the house.”
- Personalized Incentives
- “Hi [Name], craving your favorite [Dish]? Come satisfy that craving with a 10% off coupon just for you! Use code FAVE10.”
- “Remember our Chef’s Special you loved? It’s back! Come taste it again at a special price.”
- “We’ve expanded our gluten-free options, [Name]. Let us delight you with a brand-new dish—10% off if you visit this week.”
- Loyalty Program Perks
- “Hi [Name], your loyalty points are still waiting! Redeem them this weekend for a free side or drink.”
- “You’re just 50 points away from a free entrée! Swing by [Restaurant] soon to claim your reward.”
- “Our loyalty program got an upgrade—earn double points this week! Come see what’s new.”
- Seasonal or Holiday-Themed
- “We miss you, [Name]! Warm up with our new winter menu—this week only, buy 1 entree, get 1 half off!”
- “Happy holidays, [Name]! Enjoy a festive treat on us if you dine in before Dec 25.”
- “Don’t let the summer slip away! Visit [Restaurant] for a refreshing cocktail on the house.”
- Limited-Time Offers
- “Hey [Name], flash sale for our best customers! 20% off tonight from 5–7 PM. Show this text to redeem.”
- “We’re having a 48-hour re-opening special. Come by and mention ‘WELCOME BACK’ for a surprise discount.”
- “Your table awaits! This weekend only, enjoy free dessert with any dinner entrée.”
- Brand New Menu Highlights
- “Big news—our menu has had a makeover. Come try fresh recipes and get 10% off for being a returning customer!”
- “Our new chef can’t wait to impress you, [Name]! Enjoy a complimentary appetizer with your next meal.”
- “We just launched a new brunch menu. Reply BRUNCH to get 15% off your first brunch back with us.”
- Time-Specific Deals
- “Power Lunch is back, [Name]! Get your midday meal fix at 10% off from 11 AM–1 PM.”
- “Craving a late-night snack? Show this text after 9 PM to get free fries with any main dish.”
- “Dinner for two special awaits! Dine between 5–6 PM and enjoy a complimentary appetizer.”
- Event or Entertainment Hooks
- “Live jazz tonight at [Restaurant]! We miss your presence—RSVP with code JAZZ for priority seating.”
- “Game night + great food = the perfect combo. Come watch with us and get a free drink with your order.”
- “Join us for a themed dinner party on Saturday! Reconnect with us and enjoy a 15% discount.”
- Personal Touch / Milestone
- “Happy [Anniversary of Last Visit], [Name]! It’s been a year since you dined with us. Celebrate with 10% off!”
- “Birthdays come and go, but our love for you remains! If it’s been a while, stop by for your free birthday dessert.”
- “We saw it’s been 6 months since your last visit. We value you—enjoy a free dessert to say thanks for coming back.”
- Feedback Request as a Hook
- “Hey [Name], we value your opinion. Share feedback on our new dishes and get a 20% off coupon for your next visit.”
- “Your thoughts matter! Complete a quick survey, then swing by for a free drink as a thank-you.”
- “We’d love to hear your voice, [Name]. Review us, then enjoy a treat on us when you stop by next.”
- Exclusive Return Offers
- “VIP alert! As a special returning guest, claim a free entree upgrade any day this week. Just mention VIP at checkout.”
- “Hello from [Restaurant]! Enjoy our new Tasting Menu at a special price just for you. Reply TASTE to book your table.”
- “We’ve missed your friendly face, [Name]. Come see us and receive an exclusive 2-for-1 deal all weekend.”
- Urgent / Last Chance
- “Only 24 hours left to redeem your free appetizer token, [Name]! Don’t miss out—dine in before midnight tomorrow.”
- “Last call, [Name]! Our re-engagement offer ends tonight. Show this text for a 10% discount on your entire bill.”
Implementation Tips
- Segmentation: Identify customers who haven’t visited in 30, 60, or 90 days. Tailor your offers to how long they’ve been inactive.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different offers or message styles to see which resonates best. Track redemption rates, conversions, and opt-outs to refine your approach.
- Compliance: In the U.S., comply with TCPA by having recipients opt-in and including easy unsubscribe options. In Canada, follow CASL guidelines.
- Timing: Avoid sending re-engagement texts at odd hours. Focus on meal-related time slots for maximum impact.
- Measurable Codes: Use unique coupon codes or short links so you can accurately track redemption data.
Re-engagement SMS campaigns can breathe fresh life into your restaurant’s customer base. By crafting messages that feel personal, timely, and enticing, you stand a great chance of getting lapsed patrons excited to walk through your doors again. Remember to keep offers relevant, add a sense of urgency, and always prioritize customer experience—nobody wants to feel spammed or coerced.
With the 35+ sample messages above, you can quickly launch your campaign and tweak it based on feedback and performance. Whether it’s a simple “We miss you” note or a targeted discount to sweeten the deal, these messages can help you reconnect and remind diners why they fell in love with your establishment in the first place. Keep refining your approach, analyzing the data, and soon enough, those quiet seats in your dining room will be filled with returning faces.