In the competitive landscape of restaurants vying for customer attention, flash sales and limited-time offers (LTOs) can be game-changers. These short-term, impactful promotions create a sense of urgency and tap into diners’ love for spontaneous deals—whether it’s a quick lunch discount during off-peak hours or a surprise BOGO meal for dinner. With SMS marketing, you have a direct line to your audience, ensuring your time-sensitive offers aren’t lost in crowded inboxes or social feeds. Instead, text messages get near-instant visibility, driving immediate foot traffic or takeout/delivery orders.

This blog presents 75+ SMS templates tailored to spark urgency for your restaurant’s flash sales and LTOs. We’ll cover everything from last-minute lunchtime promos to holiday-themed limited deals and loyalty-member exclusives, offering a broad spectrum of creative approaches. With a strategic plan—like sending flash sale texts at just the right hour or using countdown messages to build excitement—you can fill tables fast, clear slow-moving inventory, or simply energize your diner base with fresh, engaging content.

Before diving into the templates, we’ll explore best practices to maximize each campaign’s ROI—from segmenting your audience by mealtime preferences to scheduling reminders that keep your LTO top-of-mind. By combining thoughtful planning with compelling calls-to-action, you’ll make each flash sale or limited-time promotion a hit, giving diners a reason to keep coming back for more.

Why Flash Sales & LTOs Work for Restaurants

1. Creates Urgency
   A well-crafted “offer ends tonight!” message compels customers to act fast, reducing hesitancy and boosting conversions.
2. Moves Inventory Quickly
   If you have surplus ingredients or a new dish you want to promote, a flash sale can clear stock while also gauging demand.
3. Fills Slow Periods
   Target midweek lulls or off-peak hours with enticing deals, turning typically quiet times into mini rushes.
4. Builds Customer Excitement
   The unexpected nature of flash sales fosters a sense of exclusivity and excitement, especially if it’s a short window.
5. Boosts Loyalty & Visibility
   Customers who take advantage of your deals are more likely to stay subscribed, share the promotion with friends, and return for future visits.

Best Practices for Flash Sale & LTO SMS Campaigns

• Be Specific & Clear: Clearly state the discount, the time frame (e.g., “Valid only 3–5 PM today!”), and how to redeem (e.g., “Show this text,” “Reply YES,” etc.).
• Time It Perfectly: Send lunchtime deals mid-morning or dinner promos late afternoon. Resist sending flash sale texts too late in the evening or early morning.
• Limit Frequency: Overusing flash sales can train customers to only respond to discounts. Keep them occasional to maintain excitement.
• Segment Your Audience: If you have data on who usually orders takeout vs. dine-in, or who typically responds to lunch vs. dinner deals, tailor your flash sale to each group.
• Include a Strong CTA: e.g., “Reply NOW to claim,” “Show this text at checkout,” or “Click [short link] to order.”
• Monitor Results: Track redemption rates, busiest times, or average spend. Use insights to refine future flash sales.

75+ Flash Sale & Limited-Time Offer SMS Templates

Below, we divide the 75+ templates into five categories:

1. Lunchtime Flash Sales (1–15)
2. Dinner & Evening LTOs (16–30)
3. Weekend & Holiday Specials (31–45)
4. Inventory Clearance & Surprise Deals (46–60)
5. VIP & Loyalty-Driven Flash Sales (61–75+)

 

Lunchtime Flash Sales

1. Midday Feast
• “Hunger alert! For the next 2 hrs, enjoy 20% off any lunch combo at [Restaurant]. Show this text to redeem.”
2. Quick Lunch BOGO
• “Lunchtime special: Buy one sandwich, get the second half off, 11 AM–1 PM only. Hurry, [Name]!”
3. Power Lunch Promo
• “Need a quick refuel? Our Power Lunch Bowl is half-price today from 12–2 PM. Claim in-store with code PL50.”
4. Office Crowd Deal
• “Calling all 9-to-5ers: show this text to get a free drink with any lunch entrée, 11 AM–1 PM. Today only!”
5. Healthy Midweek Special
• “Midweek lunch flash sale: get 20% off any salad from 12–1 PM. No code needed—just mention SALAD20.”
6. Last-Minute Lunch
• “It’s 11 AM—craving something tasty? Show this text at [Restaurant] before 2 PM for $3 off any entrée.”
7. Pick-Two Promo
• “Choose 2 lunch items for $10, valid 11–3 PM. This flash sale ends today, so grab a friend and enjoy!”
8. Soup & Sandwich Combo
• “Warm up at lunch: soup + sandwich combo only $7.99 from 11:30–1:30. Flash deals never tasted so cozy!”
9. Early Lunch Bird
• “Early lunchers! Come in before noon and get 15% off your meal. Show text at checkout. Hurry, ends 11:59 AM!”
10. Healthy Bowl Bargain

• “Lunchtime bowl mania: 2-for-1 on protein bowls from 12–2. Perfect chance to share with a coworker!”

1. Delivery-Only Deal

• “Working from home? Order delivery 11–2 PM for a free side with any entrée. Use code LUNCHFREE.”

1. Bite-Sized Offer

• “Flash sale: 50% off appetizers with any lunch meal, 11 AM–1 PM. Spice up your midday break, [Name]!”

1. Last Hour Lunch

• “One hour left for lunch! Grab 10% off all lunch specials from 2–3 PM. Show text to claim.”

1. Dine-In Dessert

• “Sweeten your lunch break: free mini dessert for dine-in orders from 12–2 PM. Must mention code SWEETLUNCH.”

1. Sandwich Shuffle

• “Try any signature sandwich for $5 between 11 AM–1 PM. Hurry—clock’s ticking!”

Dinner & Evening LTOs (16–30)

1. Date-Night Discount

• “Flash offer: 2 entrées + 1 dessert for $25 from 5–7 PM tonight only. Perfect date-night deal!”

1. Pasta Rush

• “Craving carbs? Our pasta dishes are 25% off from 6–8 PM. Show text at checkout—bon appétit!”

1. Taco Tuesday

• “For 2 hours only (5–7 PM), enjoy $1 tacos. This is not a drill—bring your appetite, [Name]!”

1. Steak Night Sale

• “Calling steak lovers: 20% off all steak entrées from 6–9 PM. Taste the sizzle while it lasts!”

1. Late Dinner BOGO

• “Night owls, rejoice! BOGO half off any entrée after 8 PM. Perfect for a late dinner craving.”

1. Family Dinner Pack

• “Feed a family of 4 for just $30, 5–8 PM tonight. Includes 2 sides and drinks—reply YES to pre-order.”

1. Chef’s Surprise

• “Our chef is testing a new dish—try it for 50% off from 5–7 PM only. First come, first served!”

1. Sushi Hour

• “Flash sushi sale: 2-for-1 rolls from 6–7 PM. Roll on in, but hurry—time’s short!”

1. Weekend Kickoff

• “Start your weekend early, [Name]! Friday dinner deals: 15% off all entrées from 5–8 PM. Use code FRIYAY.”

1. Date & Drink

• “Couples special: order 2 mains and get a free bottle of house wine, 6–10 PM tonight. Limited stock!”

1. Burger Bonanza

• “Flash burger sale: $5 signature burgers from 5–7 PM. Option for free cheese upgrade. Quick, while it’s hot!”

1. Last-Minute Seat Filler

• “We had cancellations tonight—grab a table after 6 PM and get a free appetizer. Reservations recommended.”

1. Early Dinner Perk

• “Hungry for dinner at 4 PM? Get 20% off any main dish if you dine before 5 PM. Valid today only!”

1. Nighttime Salad Sale

• “A healthy dinner deal: all salads 30% off from 7–9 PM. Perfect for a lighter late meal.”

1. Three-Course Flash

• “Enjoy a 3-course meal for only $19.99 from 5–6 PM. This flash deal ends once the clock strikes 6!”

Weekend & Holiday Specials (31–45)

1. Saturday Brunch Bash

• “Weekend alert: 2-for-1 mimosas on Saturday from 10–12 PM. Start your weekend right—spread the word!”

1. Sunday Funday

• “Sunday flash sale: 20% off any entrée from 12–4 PM. Bring the family for an early dinner treat.”

1. Long Weekend Feasts

• “Holiday Monday special! 25% off all main courses, 4–8 PM. Give yourself a break from cooking!”

1. Memorial Day Picnic

• “Fire up your Memorial Day with $5 off our BBQ picnic pack. Order before 2 PM—today only!”

1. Labor Day Delights

• “Take a break this Labor Day: free side with any burger or sandwich. Valid 11 AM–3 PM. Show text to redeem.”

1. Halloween Spooktacular

• “Spooky flash sale: free ‘Monster Milkshake’ if you dine in costume. Only on Oct 31, 5–9 PM!”

1. Weekend Early Bird

• “Beat the rush: dine before 6 PM on Saturdays for 10% off your meal. Perfect for a relaxed date night.”

1. Easter Weekend Family

• “Easter flash: get 15% off a family meal if you dine before 2 PM. Hop to it, [Name]!”

1. Mother’s Day Surprise

• “Today only for Mother’s Day: free dessert for all moms. Make her day special at [Restaurant]!”

1. Father’s Day Grill

• “Sizzling Father’s Day Deal: $5 off our signature steaks, 4–8 PM. Show text at checkout—cheers, Dad!”

1. Holiday Weekend Countdown

• “Flash sale leading up to the holiday: daily deals each day at 5 PM. Watch for tomorrow’s text, [Name]!”

1. Black Friday Dine-In

• “Escape the shopping frenzy: dine with us from 11 AM–2 PM and get 20% off any meal. Show this text to redeem.”

1. Cyber Monday Code

• “Order online with code CYBERFOOD for $5 off any $20 purchase—today only, for that Cyber Monday spirit!”

1. Weekend Brunch Happy Hour

• “Brunch + bottomless coffee, 2 hrs only. This weekend’s flash sale: show code BRUNCHBLISS for $2 off each entrée.”

1. Seasonal Sunday Dinner

• “Tired from weekend errands? Our Sunday dinner is 15% off from 5–7 PM. Quick pick-me-up before the new week.”

Inventory Clearance & Surprise Deals (46–60)

1. Surplus Seafood

• “We’ve got extra fresh seafood today—enjoy 30% off fish entrées for the next 3 hrs. Don’t let it go to waste!”

1. Clear the Fridge

• “Help us clear out—Chef’s random leftover specials from 8–10 PM at 50% off. Mystery but tasty!”

1. Daily Surprise Deal

• “Surprise! For the next hour, all appetizers are BOGO. Perfect excuse to drop in spontaneously.”

1. Closing Shift Sale

• “One hour before closing: 2-for-1 pizzas. Show text for deal. Hurry, we shut at 10 PM!”

1. Excess Dessert Inventory

• “We overbaked brownies! Get a free brownie with any meal from 2–4 PM. Save them from being wasted!”

1. Soup of the Day Overload

• “Today’s soup pot is too big—flash sale: $1 off each soup from 4–6 PM. Warm up with us!”

1. Chef’s Overstock

• “Chef says we have too many fresh avocados. Guac-based dishes are 25% off from 5–7 PM. Mmm, guac time!”

1. Vendor Mix-up

• “We got extra shipment of ribeye—our mistake, your win: half off ribeye steaks tonight only!”

1. Surprise Mystery Meal

• “Feeling adventurous? Mystery meal for $10 from 6–8 PM. We guarantee it’s delicious, promise!”

1. Leftover Lunch Box

• “Didn’t finish all daily specials? Grab a leftover lunch box for $5 at 2 PM. First come, first served.”

1. Same-Day Ingredient Shelf Life

• “We must use these veggies today—veggie entrées 40% off from 5–7 PM. Fresh & cheap, let’s go!”

1. Surprise Social

• “A random sale for you, [Name]! Show code SURPRISE to get $2 off any item for the next 2 hours.”

1. Chef’s Whim

• “Chef whipped up something special—try it for half price from 7–8 PM. Ask for ‘Chef’s Whim’ at the counter.”

1. Stock Clearance Sunday

• “Every Sunday, we clean the pantry. Today’s special: 30% off any item using leftover produce. Limited availability!”

1. Discount Countdown

• “Each hour we’ll knock off 5% more. Right now it’s 5 PM—so 25% off. At 6 PM it’s 30%… Hurry in for bigger savings or risk missing out!”

VIP & Loyalty-Driven Flash Sales (61–75+)

1. Member Exclusive

• “Hey VIP, for the next 3 hrs, show this text for 20% off your entire meal. Thanks for your loyalty!”

1. Points Multiply

• “Loyalty flash: Earn triple points on all orders today from 5–8 PM. Perfect time to rack ’em up!”

1. Gold Tier Deal

• “Gold Tier only: free entrée upgrade from 6–8 PM. Show your loyalty ID at checkout—enjoy the perks!”

1. Anniversary Member Sale

• “Celebrate your loyalty anniversary with a 1-hr flash sale: mention code ANNIV to get 25% off.”

1. VIP BOGO

• “Just for our VIPs: BOGO free on appetizers if you order by phone or in-person from 4–6 PM. Don’t miss it!”

1. Top Spender Surprise

• “You’re in our top 10% of customers! Enjoy a 2-hour window of 30% off your entire bill. Thank you for your support.”

1. Double Rewards for VIP

• “Flash: double your loyalty rewards on any purchase from 7–9 PM. Show text at register, [Name].”

1. Birthday Month LTO

• “If it’s your birthday month, claim a 2-for-1 entrée tonight only from 5–7 PM. Happy b-day spree!”

1. Late Night for Members

• “Loyalty members: from 9–11 PM, get half off all desserts. Sweet dreams indeed!”

1. Tier Move-Up

• “Need 10 more points to reach Silver Tier? Order dinner tonight and we’ll double those points—level up today!”

1. Referral Bonus

• “Refer a friend tonight, get 20% off your meal instantly. Flash perk ends at closing—spread the word!”

1. Points Burn

• “For 2 hrs only, each point is worth double for redemption. Spend your points and get more freebies!”

1. VIP Text Code

• “Exclusive code for loyal diners: VIPFLASH. Enter or mention it to get 15% off your meal from 4–8 PM.”

1. Frequent Lunch Buyer

• “If you visited us for lunch thrice this month, your 4th is free. Reply LUNCHLOVE to verify. Ends soon!”

1. Weekend Loyalty Frenzy

• “Saturday only for loyalty members: 2-for-1 cocktails from 6–8 PM. Must show text & loyalty card. Cheers!”

1. Loyalty Deadline

• “Flash deal for the next 60 min: earn 50 bonus points on any purchase. Time is ticking—enjoy the reward!”

1. Platinum-Only Hour

• “Platinum tier perk: your entire table gets 25% off for dinner tonight from 6–7 PM. Show text for discount.”

Flash sales and limited-time offers deliver immediate impact—nudging diners to act now or risk missing a great deal. Leveraging SMS marketing amplifies that sense of urgency, ensuring your short-lived promotions cut through the noise and reach customers when they’re most likely to engage. By structuring your campaigns carefully—whether focusing on lunch, dinner, weekends, or VIP loyalty segments—you can fill seats during slow periods, increase average ticket sizes, and keep your audience excited about fresh, time-sensitive opportunities.

The 75+ SMS templates above offer inspiration for varied scenarios, from clearing surplus inventory to rewarding your highest spenders. Always keep your calls-to-action clear, highlight the narrow redemption window, and respect frequency—overly frequent flash sales can diminish perceived value. Track redemption rates, test different send times, and refine your approach. Over time, your restaurant will develop a proven formula for maximizing each sale event.

With a strategic mindset, thoughtful messaging, and well-timed blasts, you’ll drive consistent traffic and cultivate brand loyalty. After all, who doesn’t love a great deal—especially when it arrives directly in their pocket, just in time to satisfy that craving?