This blog post features 101+ promotional SMS templates tailor-made for restaurants. Whether you’re pushing new menu items, announcing a surprise flash sale, or inviting diners to a special event, you’ll find templates to suit every scenario. Beyond the examples themselves, we’ll discuss tips for building trust, avoiding spammy language, and ensuring compliance with regulations in the U.S. and Canada. With these ready-to-use templates, you can easily supercharge your marketing strategy and keep your restaurant buzzing with satisfied customers.

Why SMS Promotions Work for Restaurants

1. Instant Visibility: Most people check their phones within minutes of receiving a text, making SMS the perfect channel for time-sensitive offers like lunch specials or same-day promotions.
2. Personal Connection: A text message feels more personal than a social media post or email. Diners who have opted in for SMS updates are likely already fans of your brand.
3. High Open & Conversion Rates: On average, SMS open rates are significantly higher than other digital channels, boosting the likelihood that your offers will be seen and acted upon.

 

Best Practices for Promotional SMS

• Keep It Short & Impactful: Aim for quick, enticing messages.
• Use a Clear CTA: Encourage customers to “Reply,” “Click,” or “Show This Text” for redemption.
• Respect Timing: Avoid very early or late hours.
• Segment Offers: Tailor promotions based on location, previous purchases, or known preferences.
• Be Compliant: Remember “Reply STOP to opt-out” to respect customer choice.

101+ Promotional SMS Templates

Below, we split the templates into thematic groups to simplify your selection.

1. General Promotions

1. “Craving something delicious? Head to [Restaurant] today for a 10% discount on all meals—just mention this text!”
2. “Stop by for our lunch combo! Main dish + drink for just $9.99. Show this SMS to redeem.”
3. “We’re celebrating big! Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all appetizers from 5–7 PM today.”

1. New Menu Launch

1. “Taste the excitement! Our new summer menu is here—reply YES to see highlights.”
2. “Ready for a flavor adventure? Introducing our spicy shrimp taco—show this text for a free sample!”
3. “Brand new vegan dishes now available. Come try our plant-based delights at 15% off.”

1. Happy Hour / Drink Specials

1. “Thirsty Thursday is on! Half-priced cocktails from 5–8 PM. Bring a friend and get free nachos.”
2. “It’s wine o’clock! Show this text at [Restaurant] and sip on a glass of wine for half price.”
3. “Happy Hour mania: buy 2 beers, get 1 free! Today only from 4–6 PM.”

1. Flash Sales / Limited-Time Offers

1. “FLASH SALE: 2-for-1 burgers TODAY ONLY! Hurry in before 9 PM.”
2. “24-Hour Deal Alert! Grab 20% off any family-sized pizza with code PIZZA20.”
3. “Tonight only—free dessert with every entrée. Mention ‘SWEETDEAL’ at checkout!”

1. Seasonal & Holiday Promos

• Valentine’s Day: “Celebrate love with our 2-for-1 dinner special! Reserve now, spots filling fast.”
• Thanksgiving: “Turkey time! Pre-order our Thanksgiving feast and get a free pumpkin pie.”
• Summer: “Stay cool this summer—enjoy 2 refreshing mocktails for the price of 1 all weekend.”

1. Lunch & Dinner Specials

• “Join us for a power lunch: main + drink for just $10—weekdays from 11 AM–2 PM!”
• “Dinner date? Treat yourself to a 3-course meal at 20% off—this weekend only.”

1. Customer Loyalty & Rewards

• “You’ve earned 200 loyalty points! Redeem them this week for a free appetizer or dessert.”
• “Loyalty perk: free side dish for VIP customers all day. Show this SMS at checkout.”

1. Upselling & Cross-Selling

• “Ordering pizza? Add our cheesy bread for just $2 more. Reply ADD to upgrade!”
• “Love our steak? Pair it with a glass of red wine at a discounted price—today only.”

1. Special Events / Entertainment

• “Live Music Fridays at [Restaurant]! Enjoy 10% off all entrées if you show this text.”
• “Join our Karaoke Night—drinks at half price till 9 PM. Bring friends for group discounts!”

1. Group Bookings & Parties

• “Planning a party? Book a table of 6+ and get a complimentary bottle of wine!”
• “Need catering? Let us handle the stress—reply CATER for a 10% off coupon.”

1. Celebrations & Milestones

• “Congrats on your anniversary with us! Enjoy a free dessert on your next visit, courtesy of [Restaurant].”
• “Happy birthday from all of us at [Restaurant]! Show this text for a free slice of cake.”

1. Last-Minute Promos

• “No dinner plans yet? Swing by [Restaurant] before 8 PM and get 15% off your total bill.”
• “Late-night cravings? Mention code NIGHTOWL and get free fries with any purchase after 9 PM!”

1. Exclusive / VIP Only

• “Exclusive to our VIP members: $5 off any order over $20. Click here [short link] to claim.”
• “VIP flash deal: dinner for two at 25% off! Book now, limited seats available.”

How to Execute a Successful Promotional SMS Campaign

1. Plan Ahead: Schedule campaigns around known busy and slow periods, seasonal events, and major holidays.
2. Automate: Use an SMS marketing platform that lets you automate messages, set triggers, and handle opt-outs.
3. Measure Success: Track redemption rates, click-through rates (for short links), and overall revenue impact.
4. Adjust & Optimize: Based on performance, refine your messaging, offers, and timing to achieve better results.
5. Stay Compliant: Laws like TCPA (US) and CASL (Canada) require explicit permission for marketing texts. Always include an unsubscribe option.

Promotional SMS campaigns remain an indispensable marketing tool for restaurants of all sizes. By weaving creativity into your offers and timing them wisely, you can fill empty tables, boost off-peak sales, and keep diners continually excited about your brand. Whether you’re leveraging a flash sale, launching a new seasonal menu, or rewarding loyal customers with exclusive perks, the 101+ templates provided here serve as a starting point to craft messages that resonate.

Always remember that relevance and respect form the backbone of effective SMS marketing. Get permission, tailor your messages, and respect opt-out requests. With these best practices and a diverse set of promotional templates, you’ll be well on your way to sustained success—keeping your restaurant top of mind for hungry customers looking for their next memorable dining experience.