SMS marketing is perfect for engaging loyal patrons. Texts have high open rates (often exceeding 90%), making them a direct line to your biggest fans. By sending targeted SMS messages—ranging from point balance updates to exclusive “VIP tier” perks—you not only keep your restaurant top-of-mind, but also reinforce the value customers get from their loyalty. In this blog, we’ll share 100+ SMS templates designed specifically for restaurant loyalty programs. We’ll break them down by scenario: from on-boarding new members to celebrating milestone achievements, from redemption reminders to re-engaging dormant subscribers.

Let these templates spark inspiration. Feel free to tailor their tone, length, or reward details to match your brand. By keeping loyal diners informed, excited, and rewarded, you’ll cultivate meaningful relationships that stand the test of time—and keep your tables filled day in, day out.

Why a Loyalty Program + SMS Is Essential

1. Retain High-Value Customers
   Studies often show that 80% of a business’s sales come from just 20% of its customers. Focusing on nurturing loyal diners directly grows revenue.
2. Direct Communication
   With email inboxes flooded and social media platforms constantly shifting algorithms, SMS ensures your most valued patrons see your messages right away.
3. Personalized Engagement
   Loyalty programs typically track user preferences, purchase history, and more. With the data in hand, you can deliver timely, customized rewards that resonate.
4. Higher Spend
   Customers in loyalty programs frequently spend more per visit—tempted by the potential of racking up points or unlocking new tiers.
5. Peer-to-Peer Marketing
   Satisfied loyalty members often become brand advocates, recommending you to friends, family, and coworkers.

Best Practices for Loyalty Reward SMS

• Provide Clear Reward Structures
  For every $1 spent, how many points do they earn? How many points equal a free item? Spell it out in concise language.
• Keep Messages Short & Actionable
  Use calls-to-action like “Reply YES to redeem” or “Click [short link] to claim your reward.”
• Personalize
  Incorporate the member’s name or reference past orders. Show you remember their preferences.
• Time It Right
  Consider sending point-balance nudges after typical dining intervals, or redemption reminders before points expire.
• Stay Compliant
  If you mix promotional content (like coupons) with loyalty updates, ensure your customers have opted in to receive marketing texts.

100+ Customer Loyalty Reward SMS Templates

We’ve divided the 100+ messages into 10 categories, each with 10 templates, for different loyalty scenarios.

1. Onboarding New Loyalty Members
2. Points Updates & Balance Alerts
3. Tier-Level Up & VIP Upgrades
4. Birthday & Anniversary Integrations
5. Reward Redemption Reminders
6. Exclusive Loyalty Events
7. Referral-Based Loyalty Rewards
8. Dormant Loyalty Member Re-Engagement
9. Feedback & Surveys for Loyal Customers
10. General Loyalty Promos & Appreciation

Onboarding New Loyalty Members

1. Welcome Aboard
• “Welcome to [Restaurant] Rewards, [Name]! Earn 1 point per $1 spent—redeem 50 points for a free entrée. Enjoy your first 10 bonus points today!”
2. Program Overview
• “Hi [Name], thanks for joining our loyalty club! Collect points each visit and unlock freebies. Reply MENU for today’s specials.”
3. Immediate Incentive
• “Congrats on joining our Rewards! Get a free appetizer on your next visit—just show this text at checkout.”
4. Activation Confirmation
• “Your loyalty account is active, [Name]! Earn points by scanning your code or providing your phone number each time you dine with us.”
5. Quick Start Guide
• “Welcome to [Restaurant] Points! For every $10 spent, you earn 5 points. 50 points = free entrée. Reply BAL to check point’s anytime.”
6. Special Onboarding Bonus
• “Hello [Name], as a new member, enjoy double points this week. Just mention DOUBLE at checkout!”
7. Link to Loyalty Portal
• “Thank you for signing up, [Name]! Track your points & perks here: [short link]. Let us treat you soon!”
8. Personal Introduction
• “Hey [Name], Chef Ramirez here from [Restaurant]! Thanks for joining our loyalty circle. We can’t wait to serve you again.”
9. Immediate Spend Offer
• “Join us today and get 20 extra points on your first purchase. Show text upon ordering to claim.”
10. Next Steps

• “You’re officially a loyalty member! Earn 1 point per $1. Check your messages for surprise bonuses all year.”

Points Updates & Balance Alerts

1. Balance Check-In

• “Hi [Name], your current points balance is 35. Earn 15 more to grab a free dessert at [Restaurant]!”

1. Points Threshold Reached

• “Congrats! You’ve hit 50 points—redeem a free entrée on your next visit. Reply YES to confirm.”

1. Almost There

• “Only 10 points away from a free appetizer, [Name]! Dine soon and taste the reward.”

1. Monthly Balance Summary

• “Your monthly points summary: 80 points total. Redeem them for free meals or keep stacking for bigger perks!”

1. Mid-Week Nudge

• “Balance Alert: 45 points on your account. Visit before Sunday to earn 2x points and snag that free entrée.”

1. Surprise Bonus

• “Surprise! We added 10 bonus points to your account just because. Thank you for being loyal to [Restaurant]!”

1. Expiration Warning

• “Hi [Name], 20 of your points expire in 7 days. Drop in to redeem a sweet treat while you can!”

1. Auto-Reply Points Check

• “Reply BAL anytime to see your current points. Right now, you have 62 points—enough for a free side!”

1. Personalized Offer

• “We see you love pizza, [Name]. Earn double points on all pizza orders this weekend. You have 30 points so far!”

1. Weekly Update

• “Weekly check: You have 15 points. Earn 35 more for a free dessert. Let’s make it happen, [Name]!”

Tier-Level Up & VIP Upgrades

1. Tier Promotion

• “Congratulations, [Name]! You’ve been upgraded to Silver Tier. Enjoy 1.5x points on every purchase.”

1. VIP Welcome

• “Welcome to VIP status! You now get priority reservations and a free dessert every month. Thanks for your loyalty.”

1. Gold Tier Notice

• “You’ve hit Gold Tier, [Name]! Expect exclusive offers + 2x points for the next 30 days. Keep shining!”

1. Tier Benefits Reminder

• “Hey [Name], as a Silver member, you get free coffee refills all day! Don’t forget to claim your perk.”

1. Platinum Surprise

• “Platinum Tier unlocked! You’re in our top 5% of customers. Enjoy a complimentary entrée every quarter.”

1. Tier Renewal

• “Your VIP tier remains valid for another year. Keep enjoying faster earning and secret menus, [Name]!”

1. Approaching Next Tier

• “Just 200 points away from Gold status! Earn them by year-end to unlock bigger rewards.”

1. Exclusive Tier-Only Event

• “You’re a Gold-tier star, [Name]! Join our invite-only tasting event next Friday. Reply YES for details.”

1. Tier Celebration

• “Congrats on leveling up your loyalty tier! Stop by this weekend for a free toast on us—cheers!”

1. Tier Downgrade Warning

• “Your Gold Tier status is at risk—earn 50 more points this month to maintain your VIP benefits!”

Birthday & Anniversary Integrations

1. Birthday Points Boost

• “Happy Birthday from [Restaurant]! We’ve added 20 extra points to your account. Celebrate with us soon!”

1. Birthday Freebie

• “Hi [Name], enjoy a free birthday dessert on your next visit. You now have 65 points to sweeten the deal!”

1. Anniversary Milestone

• “It’s your 1-year loyalty anniversary! As a thank you, get 2x points on all purchases this week.”

1. Birthday Countdown

• “Your birthday is in 3 days, [Name]! Earn triple points on your special day—don’t miss out.”

1. Combined Tier + Birthday

• “Happy Birthday, VIP! Because you’re Gold Tier, we added 50 points to your account for the big day.”

1. Anniversary Dinner

• “Celebrate your loyalty anniversary with a free glass of wine. Check your 80-point balance for more perks!”

1. Extend the Celebration

• “Birthday perk extended! Redeem your free appetizer any time this month. Currently at 40 points.”

1. Belated Birthday Bonus

• “We missed your birthday, [Name]! Here’s a 15-point bonus—hope to see you soon to celebrate.”

1. Spouse/Partner Tie-In

• “Is it your spouse’s birthday too? Gift them a new membership and both earn 10 bonus points upon signup!”

1. Celebrate with Friends

• “Throw a birthday party at [Restaurant]! Everyone in your party earns extra points. You have 60 now—let’s grow that!”

Reward Redemption Reminders

1. Ready to Redeem

• “Hi [Name], you have 60 points—redeem for a free appetizer next visit. Your table’s waiting!”

1. Upcoming Expiration

• “10 points expire this Friday. Use them to enjoy a discounted meal—don’t let them go to waste!”

1. One-Click Redemption

• “You have enough points for a free entrée! Reply ‘ENTREE’ to redeem on your next visit. Bon appétit!”

1. Cart Abandon Reminder

• “We noticed items in your cart. Redeem your free side before checkout expires. Satisfy that craving, [Name]!”

1. Partial Payment

• “Hey [Name], you can use your 50 points as partial payment for dinner tonight. Just mention POINTPAY at checkout.”

1. Seasonal Redeem

• “Summer special: use 40 points for a refreshing iced tea or soft drink. Perfect for the heat wave!”

1. LTO (Limited Time Offer)

• “This week only: 20 points = free dessert instead of 30. Redeem soon if you have ’em!”

1. Redemption Link

• “Hi [Name], click [short link] to apply your points for an online takeout order. You have 55 available.”

1. Unique Code

• “Redeem your 65 points with code GET65 at [Restaurant]. That’s a free entrée or 2 sides—your choice!”

1. Personal Favorite

• “We saw you love our BBQ ribs. Redeem your 45 points for a free half-rack. Give it a go, [Name]!”

Exclusive Loyalty Events

1. Members-Only Tasting

• “Hello, VIP! Join us Saturday for a loyalty-exclusive menu tasting. Limited seats—reply YES to reserve.”

1. Double Points Event

• “Double Points Night! Earn 2x points on all orders from 5–9 PM. Mark your calendar, [Name].”

1. Sneak Peek

• “Loyalty members get first dibs on our new dessert—try it free next Tuesday, 4–6 PM!”

1. Loyalty Appreciation Dinner

• “Celebrate loyalty with us on [Date]. Exclusive dinner + free glass of wine for members. RSVP quickly!”

1. Private Chef Demo

• “Join our Chef’s Demo for loyalty members only. Watch, learn, taste—reply DEMO for a front-row pass.”

1. VIP Happy Hour

• “This Friday, enjoy a VIP-only Happy Hour—free appetizers and 2x points. Show this text at the door.”

1. Special Brunch Invite

• “Calling all brunch lovers: loyalty members get early seating and a free mimosa this Sunday. Reply BRUNCH to confirm.”

1. Live Music Night

• “We’re hosting a members-only live jazz evening! Use 30 points to reserve a spot. Don’t miss the vibes.”

1. Early Holiday Menu

• “Taste the holiday menu before the public. Loyalty event on [Date], 6 PM. Book with code HOLIDAYVIP.”

1. End-of-Year Gala

• “Join our big year-end loyalty gala—live entertainment, unique dishes, and triple points. Limited seats, act fast!”

Referral-Based Loyalty Rewards

1. Refer a Friend

• “Love [Restaurant]? Refer a friend and both earn 10 points. Just have them mention your name at signup.”

1. Referral Bonus

• “Thanks for referring [Friend Name]! We added 20 points to your account. Keep the referrals coming!”

1. Open Referral Period

• “For the next 48 hrs, earn triple points (30) per referral. Bring your friends to the table, [Name]!”

1. Referral Milestone

• “You’ve successfully referred 5 people to [Restaurant]. Enjoy a free entrée as our thanks!”

1. Free App for Both

• “Share the love! Refer someone new, and you both get a free appetizer on your next visit. Win-win.”

1. Link to Refer

• “Invite pals via [short link]. When they join, you earn 15 points instantly, and they get 10. Easy, right?”

1. “Who’s Next?”

• “We see your last referral enjoyed their meal. Anyone else in mind? 10 more points could be yours.”

1. Group Referral

• “Gather your office crew! For every new loyalty signup from your team, you get 5 points. Ready?”

1. Leaderboards

• “You’re in the top 3 referrers this month, [Name]! Keep going to win free meals for a week.”

1. Thank You for Referral

• “Your friend joined our loyalty program. 20 points have been added to your account—thank you for spreading the word!”

Dormant Loyalty Member Re-Engagement

1. We Miss You

• “Hey [Name], it’s been a while! Come back and earn double points on your next meal. We value your loyalty.”

1. Inactivity Alert

• “We noticed you haven’t dined in 2 months. We miss you! Reply RESTART for 10 bonus points to get you going again.”

1. Exclusive Return Offer

• “We’d love to see you again, [Name]! Here’s a free appetizer if you visit us this week. Your 30 points are waiting.”

1. Lapse Warning

• “Your loyalty status is about to lapse. Drop by soon to keep your points active, or let us know if you have any questions.”

1. Small Gift

• “As a welcome back, enjoy a 20-point boost when you dine within the next 7 days. We appreciate your past visits!”

1. We’ve Changed

• “So much has happened since your last visit, [Name]! New menu, new rewards. Come see for yourself and we’ll add 5 bonus points.”

1. Tier Retention

• “You’re still at Silver Tier, but time is running out. One more visit keeps your status—plus we’ll throw in a free side.”

1. Personal Note

• “Our staff misses you, [Name]! Show this message next time for a warm reunion—and a free dessert.”

1. Seasonal Hook

• “It’s [Season], and we have new flavors waiting. Earn 2x points if you drop by within 5 days. Don’t let them expire!”

1. Lost & Found

• “We found your loyalty card collecting dust! Reactivate with your next meal and get a 10-point bonus instantly.

Feedback & Surveys for Loyal Customers

1. Quick Poll

• “Hi [Name], we value your input! Rate your last visit 1–5. Reply to help us improve your loyalty perks.”

1. Survey Link

• “Help shape our next menu: take our 2-min survey at [short link]. Earn 5 points for participating!”

1. Menu Feedback

• “We’re adding new dishes, [Name]. Which do you want to see? Reply A for Taco, B for Sushi, C for Salad. Earn 3 points for voting!”

1. Service Check

• “How was our service on your last visit? We strive for 5 stars. Reply with your thoughts and we’ll add 2 bonus points.”

1. New Feature Suggestions

• “Got a minute, [Name]? Suggest a new loyalty perk or menu item—if we pick it, we’ll credit you 20 points!”

1. Rate Our App

• “If you use our loyalty app, we’d love your review on the App Store. Show a screenshot in-store for 5 bonus points.”

1. Chef’s Special Feedback

• “Tell us how you liked Chef’s new creation. 3 quick questions at [link], and earn 5 points as a thank you.”

1. Loyalty Experience

• “Rate your overall loyalty experience, [Name]. 1–5? We want to keep improving for dedicated members like you.”

1. Personal Check-In

• “We noticed you visited multiple times last month. How can we enhance your loyalty journey? Reply to share.”

1. Event Reflection

• “Thanks for attending our VIP dinner, [Name]. Let us know how it went with a short text or rating. 5 points on us for your time.

General Loyalty Promos & Appreciation

1. Thank You Blast

• “Thank you, loyal customers! All loyalty members get 2x points today only. We appreciate you, [Name].”

1. Instant Win

• “Scratch-off digital coupon! Reply WIN to see if you’ve instantly earned 5, 10, or 20 points. Good luck!”

1. Themed Promo

• “Taco Tuesday is here, [Name]! Earn triple points on tacos from 5–9 PM. Let’s go!”

1. Holiday Double Points

• “Season’s greetings! Enjoy double points on every holiday meal. Thanks for staying loyal all year.”

1. Off-Peak Bonus

• “Dine during off-peak hours (2–4 PM) and earn 3x points. Just mention OFFPEAK at checkout.”

1. Menu Launch Reward

• “Try any new menu item, earn 10 bonus points. We appreciate your feedback on fresh flavors!”

1. Spin-to-Win

• “Reply SPIN to see if you can multiply your next purchase’s points by up to 5x. Feeling lucky, [Name]?”

1. All or Nothing

• “Redeem 50+ points in one go, get an extra 5 points for free. Time to go big or go home!”

1. Social Media Tie-In

• “Tag us on Instagram with your meal pic and earn 5 bonus points. Don’t forget #RestaurantLoyalty!”

1. Member Milestone

• “We’ve hit 1,000 loyalty members! To celebrate, all purchases earn +10 points today only. Thanks for being part of our family.”

1. Flash Perk

• “Flash perk for 2 hours: triple points on desserts. Start ordering now, [Name]—the clock’s ticking!”

1. Unlimited Potential

• “Did you know there’s no limit to points you can earn? Dine, earn, repeat. We love feeding your loyalty.”

1. Add a Friend

• “Add a new family member to your loyalty account—both of you earn 10 bonus points. The more, the merrier!”

1. Survey for Extra

• “Get an extra 20 points for completing our quick loyalty program survey at [link]. Thank you in advance, [Name]!”

1. “Level Up” Weekend

• “This weekend is ‘Level Up’ time: every $10 spent earns 10 points (instead of 5). Don’t miss your chance!”

 

Loyalty programs can be a true game-changer for restaurants—turning casual diners into steadfast fans who happily spread the word and keep coming back for more. SMS marketing is an invaluable tool in this journey, ensuring loyal patrons never miss a perk, a points boost, or a limited-time redemption opportunity. By customizing messages like the 100+ provided above, you can engage your loyalty members at every stage—from initial sign-up to tier advancements, birthday freebies, and beyond.

Remember to keep your outreach consistent, personal, and timely. Always express gratitude for their continued support, highlight the tangible value of their loyalty (points, freebies, VIP experiences), and show a genuine desire to make their dining experiences special. Coupled with a robust CRM or loyalty platform, these texts can be automated or semi-automated to ensure no member falls through the cracks. Done right, your restaurant will cultivate a thriving community of loyal diners—and reap the sustained revenue and positive word-of-mouth that go hand in hand with building those lasting relationships.