The key to standing out in the saturated world of digital marketing is personalization—making your customers feel recognized as individuals rather than part of a generic mailing list. Personalized SMS marketing elevates the conversation, allowing you to address customers by name, reference their past orders, or tailor promotions to their preferences. Whether you’re wishing them a happy birthday, recommending a new dish based on their usual picks, or simply checking in after a recent visit, these small touches can significantly boost engagement, loyalty, and overall brand perception.

This blog showcases 50+ examples of how to effectively personalize your restaurant’s SMS marketing. From referencing an item they frequently order to celebrating special dates in their life, these templates will help you forge deeper emotional connections. By mining simple data points—like birthdays, favorite dishes, dietary preferences, or total points in a loyalty program—you can craft messages that resonate on a personal level, prompting immediate action or a warm response.

Before diving into the templates, we’ll explore why personalization matters for modern diners and how to gather relevant data ethically. Get ready to spark more meaningful conversations with your audience, stand out in a busy marketplace, and see the tangible benefits of focusing on 1-to-1 relationships—one text at a time.

 

Why Personalized SMS Messaging Matters

1. Higher Open & Click-Through Rates
   When customers sense a message is crafted specifically for them, they’re more likely to read and act on it.
2. Stronger Emotional Connection
   A text referencing past orders or personal events fosters a sense of rapport, making diners feel appreciated and understood.
3. More Effective Recommendations
   Suggesting dishes or add-ons based on known preferences or past purchases often leads to upsells and higher satisfaction.
4. Decreased Opt-Outs
   Generic mass blasts can frustrate recipients, leading to unsubscribes. Personalized offers, on the other hand, resonate better and keep them engaged.
5. Competitive Edge
   Restaurants that invest in personalization stand out in a market where diners are bombarded with marketing. A small personal touch can yield big results.

Best Practices for Personalized SMS Marketing

• Collect Data Ethically: Gather info like birthdays, dining preferences, or top-selling items with explicit consent—e.g., sign-up forms or loyalty program enrollment.
• Keep It Relevant: Only mention data points that genuinely serve the customer (e.g., referencing vegetarian options for known vegetarians).
• Don’t Overdo It: Being too personal can appear creepy. Strike a balance—use the data to help or reward, not to intrude.
• Use Merge Fields: Automate personal touches (e.g., “Hi [Name], we noticed you enjoyed [Recent Dish]…”) to scale personalization efforts.
• Segment Audiences: Group customers based on preferences, order frequency, or location. Tailor your messages to each segment’s interests.
• Double-Check Your Data: Ensure references to past orders or birthdays are accurate to avoid awkward mistakes.

50+ Personalized SMS Templates

We’ve categorized these 50+ templates into five sections for easier reference:

1. Personal Name & Greeting
2. Past Order References
3. Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations
4. Preference & Dietary-Specific
5. Loyalty Points & Tier Highlights

Personal Name & Greeting

1. Simple Warm Hello
• “Hi [Name]! We miss you at [Restaurant]. Drop by soon for your favorite meal—your table awaits.”
2. Friendly Check-In
• “Hey [Name], how’s your day going? Thinking about dinner? We’ve got a cozy seat waiting for you!”
3. Morning Personal Greeting
• “Good morning, [Name]! Start your day with our fresh breakfast special—show this text for $2 off coffee.”
4. After-Work Invite
• “Hello [Name], tough day at work? Unwind with a cold drink at [Restaurant]. We’d love to see you tonight!”
5. Weekend Plans
• “[Name], got weekend plans? Swing by for our new chef’s special. Let us treat you to a free appetizer.”
6. The “Miss You”
• “It’s been a while, [Name]! Ready to dine with us again? We’ve got a new dish we think you’ll love.”
7. Reservations Reminder
• “Hi [Name], remember to reserve ahead for Friday dinner. Our tables fill fast—reply BOOK to secure yours.”
8. Local Resident
• “We appreciate our neighbors, [Name]! Enjoy 10% off your next meal—just mention you’re from [Neighborhood].”
9. Name Mention 2.0
• “Hey [Name], Chef Sam asked if you’re stopping by soon—he’s perfecting your favorite dessert!”
10. Casual ‘Just Because’

• “[Name], we’re sending good vibes your way. Whenever you’re craving deliciousness, we’re here for you.”

Past Order References

1. Dish Revisit

• “Remember our BBQ ribs you loved, [Name]? They’re on special this week—10% off if you show this text!”

1. New Twist on Old Fave

• “We’ve revamped that fried chicken you tried. Crispier, tastier—come by and see what you think!”

1. Dessert Return

• “[Name], last time you enjoyed our molten lava cake. We just added a salted caramel version—worth a visit?”

1. Similar Recommendation

• “Hi [Name], you loved our spicy tacos. Try our new habanero burrito. Show text for a free side of guac!”

1. Seasonal Variation

• “We noticed you enjoyed our summer salad last year. Our new fall harvest salad might be your next favorite!”

1. Upsell Opportunity

• “You’re a fan of our pizza, [Name]. How about a stuffed crust version tonight? Order by phone for 15% off.”

1. Chef’s Note

• “Chef Carlos perfected a spicier marinade on your usual chicken dish. Try it for 10% off, code SPICEUP.”

1. Repeat Category

• “We see you’re a big pasta lover. Our new creamy Alfredo is calling your name, [Name]—dine in or take out!”

1. Drink Pairing

• “Hey [Name], last time you had our steak. Pairs great with our new Cabernet. Enjoy a glass at 50% off if you mention this text.”

1. Healthy Option

• “We recall you chose our vegan bowl last time. Try our new plant-based wrap—2 days only, $2 off with code VEGLOVE.”

Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations

1. Birthday Reminder

• “Happy early birthday, [Name]! Celebrate with a free dessert on us. Show ID for proof of your big day.”

1. Day-Of Bday Greeting

• “It’s your special day, [Name]! Enjoy a free slice of cake if you pop in. Have a wonderful birthday from all of us at [Restaurant].”

1. Belated Birthday

• “We might be late, but happy birthday, [Name]! Present this text for a 15% discount—better late than never!”

1. Birthday Dinner for Two

• “Treat yourself on your birthday, [Name]. Dine with a friend and get 1 entrée half off. Wishing you a fantastic celebration!”

1. Anniversary Warmth

• “Hi [Name], is it your anniversary month? Celebrate with a complimentary appetizer for you and your partner at [Restaurant].”

1. Milestone Discount

• “Turning 30? 40? 50? We’re giving you 30% off on your milestone day—just show ID for your special discount!”

1. Birthday Month

• “Enjoy your entire birthday month, [Name]! Show this text anytime in [Month] for a free mocktail or cocktail.”

1. Double Points

• “Happy birthday, [Name]! Earn double loyalty points on all orders this week. Cheers to another great year.”

1. Group Celebration

• “Bring your birthday crowd, [Name], and get a free bottle of bubbly if you have 6+ guests. Let’s party!”

1. Surprise Birthday Offer

• “We left a surprise gift for you at [Restaurant]. Come in any day this week and mention BDAYGIFT at checkout.”

Preference & Dietary-Specific

1. Vegetarian Special

• “Hi [Name], we know you’re into veggie options—our new roasted cauliflower steak is a must-try. Stop by soon!”

1. Gluten-Free Notice

• “Looking for gluten-free bites? We added GF pizza crust and brownies, [Name]—taste them with 10% off your first order.”

1. Low-Carb Alert

• “Hey [Name], new low-carb dishes just arrived. Perfect for your healthy lifestyle. Show this text for a free side salad.”

1. Allergen-Friendly

• “We recall your peanut allergy. Just so you know, we introduced a new peanut-free dessert line—safe & delicious!”

1. Spicy Lover

• “[Name], you love heat! Our new ghost pepper wings are off the charts. Dare to try? We have milk on standby!”

1. Kid-Friendly

• “Got kids? We’ve expanded our kids’ menu—bring the family, [Name], for a stress-free dinner plus a free coloring book.”

1. Wine Preference

• “We noticed you often opt for red wine, [Name]. Our Malbec’s on special this weekend—$2 off each glass.”

1. Dessert Enthusiast

• “Sweet tooth? Our new sugar-free cheesecake is calling your name, [Name]! It’s guilt-free & tasty—try it soon.”

1. Seafood Fan

• “Hi [Name], fresh catch alert! Our salmon fillets arrived. Come in for a special price all weekend. Sea you soon?”

1. Coffee Lover

• “[Restaurant] knows your coffee obsession. Try our expanded espresso menu—free shot upgrade with this text. Enjoy, [Name]!”

Loyalty Points & Tier Highlights

1. Points Update

• “Hi [Name], you have 45 points—just 5 away from a free entrée. Dine soon to claim your reward!”

1. New Tier

• “Congrats, [Name]! You’ve reached Silver Tier. Enjoy 1.5x points on all orders this month—cheers to loyal dining.”

1. Redeem Reminder

• “Don’t forget, you have enough points for a free dessert. Redeem them on your next visit at [Restaurant].”

1. VIP Invitation

• “As a VIP, [Name], you’re invited to our exclusive chef tasting event. Limited spots—reply YES to join!”

1. Loyalty Expiration

• “Heads up, 20 points expire soon, [Name]. Swing by this week to use them on your favorite dish.”

1. Points + BOGO

• “Double dip: use your loyalty points and get a BOGO half off appetizer. Show text to combine offers!”

1. Membership Milestone

• “You’ve earned 100 points total, [Name]! Celebrating with a free side or dessert—just mention 100POINTS.”

1. Upgrade Tease

• “Only 10 points away from Gold status. Earn them on your next meal and unlock bigger perks—go for gold, [Name]!”

1. Chef’s VIP Table

• “Gold Tier perk: guaranteed Chef’s Table seating if you visit this weekend, [Name]. Book soon, limited availability.”

1. Cash-In Prompt

• “Ready to redeem your points, [Name]? Show this text and let the staff know you want to ‘cash in’ for freebies!”

1. Thank You Bonus

• “Just because we appreciate you, [Name]: 5 bonus points added to your account. Thanks for being a loyal diner!”

1. Exclusive Weekend Offer

• “Loyalty members only, [Name]: earn triple points Sunday 6–9 PM. Your new favorite time to dine, guaranteed.”

1. Combo Deal

• “Combine your 20 points with a half-off entrée coupon for a major discount! Just mention ‘COMBO20’ at checkout.”

1. Feedback for Points

• “We want your thoughts, [Name]. Complete a quick survey, earn 5 loyalty points. [Short link].”

1. Tier Celebration

• “Platinum Tier—wow, [Name]! We’re celebrating you: free dessert every Monday this month. Stop by soon!”

Personalized SMS marketing can be the secret sauce that drives deeper customer relationships and encourages frequent visits. By leveraging customer data—from names and birthdays to order history and dietary preferences—your restaurant can deliver hyper-relevant messages that stand out amid generic promotions. The 50+ templates above demonstrate how small, personal details can be woven into your marketing, creating an immediate sense of recognition and goodwill.

Remember to use data responsibly, segment thoughtfully, and always offer genuine value in your texts. Whether it’s referencing a popular dish they’ve ordered before, celebrating their loyalty milestones, or ensuring you cater to specific dietary needs, personalization fosters trust and excitement. Over time, your diners will anticipate your messages, knowing they’ll receive offers and updates tailored to their tastes rather than random mass campaigns.

By systematically integrating personalization into your SMS strategy—testing different approaches, tracking results, and refining your tactics—you’ll set your restaurant apart from competitors. When customers feel recognized and catered to, they’ll keep coming back for more, bringing friends and spreading the word about your thoughtful, individualized approach to dining satisfaction.