Introducing new menu items or seasonal dishes is an exciting milestone for any restaurant—an opportunity to attract new diners, rekindle interest among regulars, and showcase the creativity of your kitchen staff. But great recipes alone won’t guarantee success; you need to effectively communicate these offerings to your audience. SMS marketing excels in delivering timely, hype-building announcements that pique curiosity and drive immediate taste tests.

In this blog, we present 100+ SMS templates designed specifically to highlight new dishes, seasonal rotations, and limited-run specials. Whether you’re rolling out a once-a-year pumpkin spice latte, unveiling a full winter menu, or simply testing a chef’s new creation, these messages will help you instantly connect with customers. By teasing flavor profiles, offering sneak peeks, or linking directly to online ordering, you maximize your reach and invitation power.

Before diving into the templates, we’ll explore best practices for unveiling new or seasonal items—like scheduling a multi-step campaign (teaser, official launch, follow-up), leveraging exclusivity for loyalty members, or collecting early feedback to refine your approach. When executed well, your menu announcements can foster enthusiasm, spark word-of-mouth, and keep your lineup fresh and relevant year-round.

Why New/Seasonal Menu Announcements via SMS

1. Immediate Visibility
   Launch-day excitement often demands timely messaging—SMS ensures your special hits customers’ screens the moment you’re ready.
2. Seasonal Relevance
   With items that are only available for a limited time, you can stress urgency, encouraging customers to “act now or miss out.”
3. Direct Feedback Loop
   By asking for quick replies (“Which dessert do you prefer?”), you gather real-time data on whether the new menu resonates.
4. Build Anticipation
   Teaser texts—hinting at secret dishes or exclusive tastings—create suspense and conversation around your brand.
5. Simplicity
   A short, well-crafted SMS can do the job of a lengthy email or social post, but with higher open rates.

Best Practices for New Menu & Seasonal Dish Promos

• Stagger the Announcement: Use a teaser campaign—briefly mention something new is coming, then reveal the details in a follow-up.
• Pair with a Launch Deal: Encourage first-time trials with a discount or free add-on.
• Leverage Visuals (MMS): If available, send mouthwatering dish photos—especially for visually appealing items.
• Request Feedback: Ask recipients who try the new item to rate it or fill out a quick poll, shaping future improvements.
• Keep It Exclusive: Reward loyalty members with early access or a first taste, building that sense of VIP excitement.

100+ SMS Templates

We’ll group the 100+ templates into ten sets of 10 messages each, focusing on different angles for new menu item promotions:

1. Teaser Campaigns
2. Seasonal & Limited-Time Rolls
3. Chef’s Specials
4. Sneak Peeks & VIP First Looks
5. Photo / Description Focus
6. Pairing & Combo Offers
7. Feedback Request for New Items (61–70)
8. Thematic & Holiday Dishes (71–80)
9. Price Drops & Promo Launches (81–90)
10. Follow-Up & Re-Engagement (91–100+)

 

Teaser Campaigns

1. Mystery Dish
• “Something new is cooking at [Restaurant]. Stay tuned for a surprise that’ll blow your taste buds away—launching soon!”
2. Countdown
• “3 days till our new menu reveal—any guesses what Chef’s whipped up? Keep your phone close for a special offer.”
3. Social Media Hint
• “We’re dropping hints on IG about our upcoming dish. Check out @RestaurantHandle for a mouthwatering clue.”
4. Spicy Surprise
• “Tick, tock…5 PM tomorrow we unveil a spicy new addition. Will you dare to try it, [Name]?”
5. Name the Dish
• “We’re naming a new pasta dish—suggest a name by replying here! Winner gets a free plate on launch day.”
6. Chef’s Secret
• “Chef can’t wait to reveal his best creation yet. Watch out for tomorrow’s text with all the details—get ready to devour!”
7. Flavor Fusion
• “How about a unique flavor fusion? We’re mixing two beloved cuisines in one dish. Official reveal soon!”
8. FOMO Teaser
• “Don’t miss out, [Name]! Our new item is limited. Only the first 50 orders get a free add-on—stay tuned!”
9. Light vs. Indulgent
• “Are you Team Healthy or Team Indulgent? Our upcoming dish might satisfy both. Launch day in 2 days, keep an eye out.”
10. Weekend Tease

• “Big reveal coming Saturday morning. Make sure to check your phone for a special code—taste awaits!”

Seasonal & Limited-Time Rolls

1. Pumpkin Spice Craze

• “Our fall menu arrives today—yes, that means pumpkin spice everything. Show text for 10% off your first PSL this season.”

1. Autumn Harvest

• “Celebrate the harvest! Try our new butternut squash soup, loaded with roasted seeds. Available this fall only.”

1. Winter Warmer

• “Cozy up with our winter stew, packed with seasonal veggies. Hurry—these hearty bowls last ‘til the cold snap ends!”

1. Summer Fruit Infusion

• “Dive into summer with our watermelon feta salad—refreshing, crisp, only here for a limited time. Enjoy the heat with a cool bite!”

1. Spring Garden Special

• “Brighten your day with our spring garden bowl—fresh peas, asparagus, herbs. Show text for a free iced tea add-on.”

1. Halloween Edition

• “It’s spooky season! Our ‘Blackout Burger’ is tinted with charcoal—eerie yet delicious. Available through Oct 31!”

1. Holiday Feast

• “Gear up for the holidays: sample our roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry aioli—only til end of December!”

1. Valentine’s Dessert

• “Fall in love with our limited Valentine’s chocolate fondue. Only two weeks to savor this sweet treat, [Name]!”

1. St. Paddy’s Special

• “Luck of the Irish in every bite—our corned beef & cabbage plus green beer is here for March only. Sláinte!”

1. Cherry Blossom Menu

• “Cherry blossom season calls for floral-inspired desserts. Try our sakura cheesecake—available for a fleeting spring moment!”

Chef’s Specials

1. Meet the Chef

• “Chef Oliver unveils his signature saffron risotto. One-of-a-kind creation—taste it while supplies last!”

1. Daily Creation

• “Today’s Chef Special: Salmon en croute with a lemon-dill sauce. Only 10 servings made fresh daily—don’t miss out!”

1. Chef’s Table

• “Exclusive Chef’s Table tasting for our new dish. 6 seats only—reply TASTE to book your seat, [Name].”

1. Highlight the Ingredient

• “Chef’s gone all-in on truffle season! Try our black truffle linguine for a limited run—he only brought so much supply.”

1. Fusion Experiment

• “Chef just fused Italian & Thai flavors in one dish—spicy pesto noodles. Grab it before it’s gone, [Name]!”

1. Chef Surprise Sunday

• “Every Sunday, Chef experiments with a new entrée. This week’s star? Lamb curry, aromatic spices, limited plates!”

1. Chef’s Award

• “Chef Marisol’s award-winning paella hits the menu tomorrow. Congratulate her and enjoy 10% off the dish!”

1. Culinary Art

• “Art on a plate: Chef’s seared duck with blueberry gastrique. Only 15 made daily—try it soon, [Name].”

1. Tasting Flight

• “Not sure what to pick? Chef’s mini tasting flight includes 3 new items. Perfect for adventurous eaters!”

1. Classic Reinvented

• “Chef redefined our classic burger with wagyu beef & gourmet toppings. Taste the difference while it’s hot!”

Sneak Peeks & VIP First Looks

1. VIP Early Access

• “Gold Tier perk: get first dibs on our new black pepper shrimp, launching tomorrow for the public. Show text to claim!”

1. Preview Night

• “You’re invited, [Name], to our preview night. Sample next week’s menu items & share feedback. Limited seats—reply YES.”

1. Focus Group

• “Help shape our new menu! Join a private tasting at 5 PM tomorrow. Try 3 new dishes and share your thoughts.”

1. Soft Launch

• “Soft launch for our winter menu tonight. Come from 6–8 PM for half-off the new specials, [Name].”

1. Invite-Only

• “Shh, invite-only first look at our summer cocktails. 7–9 PM. Show code SUMMERVIP at the door.”

1. Loyalty Preview

• “Loyalty members, tomorrow is your day! Taste the upcoming seasonal pastry line before it’s public.”

1. Media & Members

• “We’re hosting a mini event for media & top customers (that’s you!). Be among the first to try Chef’s upcoming dish.”

1. Private Tasting Link

• “Curious about our new vegan range? RSVP at [short link] for a private tasting session, [Name]. Spots limited!”

1. Exclusive Online Offer

• “Order online for an early taste of the new curry bowl. Use code EARLYBITE for 10% off—be the first to savor!”

1. Test Kitchen Tour

• “Want a behind-the-scenes peek at how we created our new dessert? Tour at 5 PM. Reply TOUR for a spot.”

Photo / Description Focus

1. MMS Photo

• “(Photo) Feast your eyes on our new triple-chocolate lava cake. Sinful? Absolutely. Available tonight!”

1. Visual Tease

• “(Photo) Just out of the oven: our brand-new garlic rosemary focaccia. Crispy edges, fluffy inside—care to try, [Name]?”

1. Menu Description

• “New arrival: Maple Bourbon Pork Chops—tender pork, sweet-savory glaze, served with roasted potatoes. A must-try dinner.”

1. Wine Pairing

• “Behold the Peppercorn Steak (photo). We recommend a glass of Malbec. Try it tonight and get $2 off your wine.”

1. Item Story

• “Chef Maria spent 2 months perfecting our new ramen broth. Deep, savory, soul-warming. Show text for a free topping upgrade.”

1. Behind the Scenes

• “(Photo) Our staff plating the new avocado toast—fresh avocados, drizzle of balsamic. Great for brunch or quick bites.”

1. Seasonal Dessert

• “(Photo) Strawberry Shortcake, featuring handpicked local berries. Light, creamy, perfect for summer nights!”

1. Vegetable Showcase

• “Roasted root veggies tossed in thyme butter, topped with goat cheese crumble. Simple, comforting, new on the menu.”

1. Sizzle Clip

• “Sizzling fajitas now added: (GIF link). Hear that sound? Only at [Restaurant], come sizzle with us!”

1. Exotic Highlight

• “Explore exotic flavors: our new Moroccan Tagine boasts succulent lamb and spiced chickpeas. Let your palate travel!”

Pairing & Combo Offers

1. Meal + Drink

• “Introducing a beer & burger combo for just $15. Our new craft brew is a perfect match—taste the synergy!”

1. Pizza + Wine

• “Try our new spinach ricotta pizza with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Show text for $3 off the combo.”

1. Salad + Soup

• “Fresh and cozy: pair our new Caesar kale salad with tomato basil soup—get $2 off the set!”

1. App + Main

• “Order our new buffalo cauliflower bites plus a main entrée, and dessert’s on the house—today only.”

1. Family Pack

• “We’ve added a family-size lasagna meal to the menu. Pair it with a salad for a 2-for-1 discount on sides!”

1. Chef’s Wine Pair

• “Chef recommends pairing our new seared tuna with a crisp Chardonnay. 10% off if you order them together.”

1. Breakfast & Coffee

• “Morning, [Name]! Grab our new breakfast wrap + latte bundle for $8 from 7–10 AM. Perfect start to your day!”

1. Afternoon Snack

• “New pastry + cappuccino combo for $5 from 2–4 PM. Quick treat to power your afternoon slump.”

1. Dessert Duet

• “Can’t decide between our new cheesecake or brownie? Have both with our dessert duet discount—$2 off each!”

1. Surf & Turf

• “Level up dinner with our new surf & turf combo—steak + shrimp—at a special launch price. Limited time!”

Feedback Request for New Items

1. Intro + Feedback

• “Tried our new Cajun shrimp yet, [Name]? Let us know if it’s hot enough—reply 1–5 rating!”

1. Taste Test

• “We want your take on our new sweet potato fries. Crisp enough? Rate 1–5 or reply with details!”

1. Chef’s Poll

• “Our new mac & cheese: too cheesy or just right? Reply with CHEESY or PERFECT. We appreciate the help!”

1. Short Survey

• “Help us refine our new brunch omelet. Fill this 2-question survey at [Link], get 5 loyalty points!”

1. Yes/No

• “Is our newly added chili sauce too spicy? Reply YES if you think so, or NO if you want more heat!”

1. Social Media Share

• “If you tried our new sushi roll, post your thoughts on IG and tag us. You might win a free roll next time!”

1. Chef’s Ears

• “Chef Alicia’s new tomato bisque is up for a recipe tweak. Let us know if it’s too tangy or just right. Thanks, [Name]!”

1. Direct Rating

• “Rate your experience with our blackened salmon: 1–5. We’ll keep perfecting it if needed.”

1. New Cocktail

• “Tested our peach-infused cocktail? Let us know if it’s sweet enough. Your feedback shapes our bar menu, [Name].”

1. Name Voting

• “We can’t pick a name for our new dessert. Options: A) Maple Dream, B) Sugar Crunch. Reply A or B to vote!”

Thematic & Holiday Dishes

1. Valentine’s Heart Dish

• “Celebrate love early with our new heart-shaped ravioli. Limited to February—don’t wait, [Name]!”

1. Patriotic Meal

• “Red, white, and bacon—our July 4th burger, featuring red sauce, white cheese, bacon stripes. Try it this holiday!”

1. Easter Eggstravaganza

• “Taste our pastel-hued Easter cupcakes—colorful icing, available for a short hop this spring. Show text for a free mini topper.”

1. Halloween Theme

• “Our new black garlic pasta is scarily delicious. Only for Halloween week—dare to try?”

1. Christmas Cheer

• “Feel the holiday spirit with our peppermint latte or gingerbread cookie sandwich. Seasonal only—deck the halls early!”

1. Thanksgiving Twist

• “Pumpkin spice turkey burger? That’s right—savory meets sweet. Limited from Nov 15–30, show text for $1 off.”

1. NYE Sparkle

• “New Year’s sparkle dessert: gold-dusted chocolate mousse, available Dec 29–Jan 2. Indulge in something sparkly!”

1. Spring Bloom Cupcakes

• “Bright, floral cupcakes to welcome spring—lavender or rose-scented icing. They vanish after April 30—hurry!”

1. Summer Solstice

• “Our grilled pineapple skewers are perfect for the solstice sunshine—limited run until July 1. Taste summer, [Name]!”

1. Fall Apple Frenzy

• “Autumn’s here! Try our apple cider donut bowl—warm donuts, crisp apples, caramel drizzle. Leaves in your mouth, in a good way!”

Price Drops & Promo Launches

1. Intro Discount

• “New dish drop: Buffalo Chicken Flatbread at an intro price of $8.99. Next week it goes up, so hurry!”

1. Limited $5 Deal

• “For 48 hrs: $5 ‘taste test’ price on our new vegan wrap. We want your feedback after you try it!”

1. Bundle Launch

• “Try 2 new tapas for $10 (normally $14) if you visit by Sunday. Perfect shareable for happy hour!”

1. Short-Term Happy Hour

• “Our new craft cocktails are half off from 4–5 PM all week. Grab a seat and sample, [Name]!”

1. 20% Off Introduction

• “Welcome our newest entrée with 20% off for 3 days. Show code NEW20 at checkout—taste it first, [Name]!”

1. Student Special

• “Students get an extra $2 off all new sandwiches this month. Show ID + this text—spread the word on campus!”

1. BOGO on Launch Day

• “Launch day BOGO: buy our new shrimp roll, get a second half off, only for today. Hurry, limited supplies!”

1. Price Slashed

• “Chef’s new chili bowl is half price 1–3 PM. Warm up your lunch break at [Restaurant]!”

1. Meal Upgrade

• “Order our new steak bowl and get a free side upgrade. Must mention code STEAKUP. 2 days only!”

1. Clear Shelf

• “New dessert mania: to celebrate, we slashed $2 off each slice for the first 50 customers. Will you be one of them?”

Follow-Up & Re-Engagement

1. ‘Did You Try It?’

• “Hi [Name], we launched that new salad. Popping by soon to give it a go?”

1. Second Chance

• “Missed our new item launch last week? It’s still here—show text for a free tasting sample, limited time!”

1. Feedback Loop

• “Enjoyed the new veggie burger, [Name]? Let us know if it’s a keeper, or we’ll keep iterating.”

1. ‘We Missed You’

• “Did you forget to try our new grilled salmon? We’ve extended the promo for 2 more days—stop by soon!”

1. User-Specific

• “Hey [Name], we recall your love for sweet & sour combos. Our new sweet chili tofu might be perfect. Care to visit?”

1. Multiple Items

• “We launched 3 new dishes last week—have you sampled them yet? We want your rating from best to not-so-best.”

1. Reverse Door

• “Last call for our seasonal pie, [Name]! Catch it before we switch to next month’s flavor. Save $1 with code FINALPIE.”

1. Upsell Next

• “Tried the new pork dumplings? Next up is a miso ramen—arrives next week. We’d love your feedback again!”

1. Revamp

• “Our new fish taco recipe got a small revamp after feedback. Care for a second taste at 10% off, [Name]?”

1. ‘One More Week’

• “One more week left for our winter menu. Don’t miss the top-selling creamy soup that made winter cozy!”

1. Extended

• “High demand! Our new loaded fries remain on the menu for 2 more weeks. Satisfy that craving, [Name]!”

1. Surprise Return

• “You spoke, we listened: our popular pumpkin spice latte is back for a short encore. Grab it before we remove it again!”

1. Late-Night

• “Hungry after hours? Our new midnight burrito is hooking night owls. 10 PM–12 AM only—give it a shot!”

1. Better Next Time

• “If our new falafel wasn’t perfect last time, we’ve tweaked the recipe. Try it again on the house, [Name].”

1. Chef Thanks

• “Chef thanks you for trying his new pasta dish. We’d love to see you again—enjoy 15% off your next meal!”

Rolling out new menu items and seasonal dishes can rejuvenate your restaurant’s offerings, spark diners’ curiosity, and emphasize your culinary creativity. With SMS marketing, you can orchestrate a well-paced promotion—from initial teasers and early VIP access to post-launch reminders and feedback follow-ups. The 100+ templates above are designed to help you generate interest, communicate details, and maintain excitement throughout the entire lifecycle of each new dish.

As you implement these campaigns, track performance metrics like redemption rates, online order counts, or foot traffic. Encourage diners to share feedback so you can refine or pivot if something doesn’t resonate. Regularly rotating or experimenting with new items keeps your restaurant dynamic and keeps customers coming back to see “what’s new.”

Remember, a well-structured approach—timely texts, clear calls-to-action, and occasional exclusives for loyal patrons—amplifies the success of each new offering. With a bit of creativity and strategic scheduling, you’ll ensure your fresh creations get the spotlight they deserve, turning first-time tasters into raving fans.