This article provides 50+ SMS templates you can use in the weeks and days leading up to (and immediately following) your restaurant’s grand opening or expansion. We’ll cover everything from early “coming soon” teasers and VIP invite blasts to post-opening gratitude texts. We’ll also outline key best practices: ensuring you gather a local subscriber list, timing your messages for maximum impact, and weaving in unique selling points (like free appetizer tokens or live music) that give your audience a clear reason to come celebrate.

When orchestrated properly, your grand opening or expansion can excite new diners, re-engage dormant fans, and highlight what makes your restaurant stand out. Get ready to unveil your latest chapter with an effective SMS campaign that fills seats, warms hearts, and sets the tone for ongoing success.

Why SMS for Grand Openings & Expansions

1. Local Awareness
   By texting local subscribers, you directly target the most likely customers who can physically attend your new location or event.
2. Immediate Reach
   Time-sensitive announcements like “Join us tomorrow!” or “We open in 2 hours—come meet the staff!” are perfect for SMS, which typically sees near-instant open rates.
3. Celebratory Teasers
   A series of short messages can build anticipation—counting down the days or revealing new features (like new décor or a top-notch chef) in small bites.
4. Higher Foot Traffic
   The easier you make it to find your location, reserve a seat, or claim a free opening-day perk, the more guests will show up.
5. Automated Follow-Ups
   After the opening, you can quickly gather feedback, thank attendees, or invite them to your next event, keeping the momentum rolling.

Best Practices for Grand Opening SMS Campaigns

• Start Early: Begin teasing 2–3 weeks ahead, building hype gradually. Increase frequency as the opening date nears.
• Include Location & Hours: For expansions or brand-new spots, emphasize the address, parking details, or notable landmarks.
• Offer Opening-Day Perks: e.g., “First 50 customers get a free pastry,” or “Show your text for 10% off.”
• Follow a Timeline: Teaser, Official Announcement, Final Reminder, Opening Day Hype, Thank You / Feedback, Next Step.
• Collect RSVPs: For limited-seating events (like a VIP soft opening), gather replies or link to an RSVP page to manage capacity.

50+ SMS Templates for Grand Openings & Expansions

We’ll break down these 50+ templates into five sections of 10 each:

1. Teasers & “Coming Soon” Updates
2. Official Opening Announcements
3. VIP & Soft Launch Invites
4. Opening Day & On-Site Specials
5. Post-Event Follow-Ups & Ongoing Promotion

Teasers & “Coming Soon” Updates

1. “Guess what’s cooking, [Name]? A brand-new [Restaurant] location. Stay tuned for opening day details!”
2. “We’re expanding to [Neighborhood]! Watch for updates—our new space is almost ready to serve you.”
3. “Mark your calendar: in 2 weeks, [Restaurant] unveils our second spot. Keep an eye out for special previews!”
4. “Heads up, foodies! Something exciting from [Restaurant] is coming soon. Keep checking your texts for the big reveal.”
5. “Construction nearly done! Can you smell the fresh paint…and the fresh bread soon to come? Our new store is near!”
6. “[Name], thanks for supporting our first location. A new one’s opening soon—stay tuned for VIP invites!”
7. “We’re moving to a bigger space down the block. More seats, bigger kitchen, same great taste. Soft opening soon!”
8. “‘Coming soon…’ a sign you’ll love to see. Keep watch at [Street Name]. We’ll share exclusive deals next week.”
9. “Teaser alert: Our ocean-themed décor and new seafood menu are almost ready. Opening mid-month—stay hungry!”
10. “Shh, secret’s out soon. [Restaurant] is doubling in size. Final touches are in progress. Are you excited, [Name]?”

Official Opening Announcements

1. “It’s official: [Restaurant] Grand Opening is on [Date]. Join us for ribbon-cutting at 5 PM—first 50 visitors get freebies!”
2. “We’re thrilled to announce our grand opening at [Address] on [Date]. Show text for a welcome drink!”
3. “[Restaurant] has a new home! Doors open on [Date]—we can’t wait to serve you in our shiny new space.”
4. “[Name], it’s time! Our brand-new location on [Street] opens next weekend. Mark your calendar for amazing deals.”
5. “Come celebrate with us! Our expansion launch is [Date]. Enjoy live music, free appetizers, and more. Don’t miss out!”
6. “We’re cutting the ribbon at 4 PM on [Date]. Free dessert for all attendees—spread the word, [Name]!”
7. “Ready for bigger & better? Our expanded dining room welcomes you from [Date]. Join us for an opening special!”
8. “[Restaurant] is opening in [Neighborhood]. Doors swing open [Date, Time]. Show this text for a limited-time discount.”
9. “Join our grand opening festivities this Saturday, 2–5 PM. Bring friends, enjoy giveaways, and meet Chef in person!”
10. “It’s happening, [Name]! Our second location’s grand opening is set for [Date]. RSVP or just show up for tasty fun.”

VIP & Soft Launch Invites

1. “VIP invite: Be the first to dine at our new spot before the official opening. Limited seats—reply YES to claim your pass!”
2. “[Name], we saved a seat for you at our exclusive soft opening. Experience the new menu first—reply to confirm!”
3. “Soft launch alert! We want your feedback on our new kitchen. Book a spot at [short link], seats vanish quickly.”
4. “Chef invites you to a preview night. Taste our new concept before the grand opening. RSVP: [short link].”
5. “We’re hosting a private tasting event. As a loyal customer, you’re on the list! Reply TASTE to secure your seat, [Name].”
6. “Get a sneak peek: soft opening from [Date, Time]. 50% off the entire menu for VIPs. Show code SNEAKVIP.”
7. “[Restaurant] Soft Launch: next Monday, 6–8 PM. No official signage yet—just us, you, and new dishes. Interested?”
8. “We’d love your honest feedback at our pre-opening dinner. Free entrée if you share your thoughts. Must RSVP: [link].”
9. “[Name], meet our new location quietly opening this weekend. First 20 testers get a gift card. Want in?”
10. “Come test our expanded space! Invite-only practice run, [Date]. Two seats left—reply QUICK if you’re free.”

Opening Day & On-Site Specials

1. “Today’s the day! Our grand opening is LIVE. Stop by for a free welcome drink from 5–7 PM. Let’s celebrate!”
2. “Grand opening happening NOW—swing by [Address]. Show text to claim a free appetizer. We’re excited to see you!”
3. “[Name], your presence would make our opening complete. Join us tonight and spin our ‘opening wheel’ for prizes.”
4. “Doors open in 1 hour! Don’t miss the hype. The first 50 diners get 20% off. Let’s open in style!”
5. “We’re fully operational and ready to serve. Show up with this text for a free dessert while supplies last.”
6. “Celebrate Day 1 with a bang: live music at 6 PM, plus 2-for-1 cocktails. The party starts now, [Name]!”
7. “It’s official—our new cafe is open! Treat yourself to half-price pastries from 8 AM–10 AM, opening day only.”
8. “[Restaurant] Grand Opening Festival: bounce houses for kids, cooking demo by Chef. Join us til 8 PM!”
9. “You’re invited to the opening day dinner rush. We have a special raffle at 7 PM—prizes galore. Don’t miss out!”
10. “Happening today: brand-new menu, brand-new vibe. Show text for 15% off your first meal in our new digs.”

Post-Event Follow-Ups & Ongoing Promotion

1. “Thank you for making our opening day a success! We’d love your feedback—reply 1–5 or any thoughts, [Name].”
2. “[Name], we hope you had fun at our new place. Enjoy a ‘thank you’ discount next time you dine—show text for 10% off.”
3. “Couldn’t make it to the grand opening? No worries—stop by anytime this week for a free side with your order.”
4. “We appreciate your visit yesterday. Keep the love going: mention code NEWSPOT for $5 off your next meal.”
5. “Opening weekend was epic, thanks to you! Our extended hours continue—drop in for late-night bites.”
6. “We’d love an online review of your opening day experience. Post your thoughts on Google/Yelp—helps us grow!”
7. “[Name], missed the crowd? Our new location is still fresh. Come check us out this week—2-for-1 appetizers from 3–5 PM.”
8. “We value your suggestions. Let us know how we can improve after the big opening. Reply or fill [short link].”
9. “Ready for round two at our expanded spot? Show this text for a free dessert if you visit within 7 days.”
10. “Grand opening was just the start! Stay tuned for next week’s special event in our new party hall. We can’t wait!”
11. “Thank you again for celebrating with us. Keep an eye on future invites—plenty more exciting nights to come!”
12. “In case you missed it, our new bar area is open daily until midnight. Enjoy a free drink on your next visit with code NITEOWL.”
13. “We had a blast hosting you! Tag your grand opening pics on IG with #NewRestaurantSpot for a chance at a gift card.”
14. “Free parking is now confirmed! Visit our new location with the same great taste, easier access. Stop by soon.”
15. “[Name], as an opening celebration, earn double loyalty points all month at our new restaurant. Don’t miss out!”

Grand openings and expansions are high-stakes moments for any restaurant—occasions that define first impressions and kickstart word-of-mouth buzz. With SMS marketing, you can build anticipation weeks ahead, invite VIPs to a soft opening, share real-time updates on the big day, and maintain momentum afterward. The 50+ templates presented here provide a roadmap for each phase of your launch strategy, from early construction teases to post-event thank-yous.

As you plan your SMS campaign, remember to keep messages short, visually appealing (if using MMS), and always include essential info: opening date, location details, or RSVP links for special events. Consider offering celebratory discounts, freebies, or loyalty bonuses that nudge curious diners through your doors. Post-opening follow-ups—like gratitude texts or requests for feedback—help strengthen your fledgling relationship with new guests.

Most importantly, treat this event as a conversation starter. Encourage real-time replies, gather insights, and make your diners feel personally connected. A well-orchestrated series of texts can transform your restaurant’s opening from just another business event into a memorable milestone that garners local excitement and sets the tone for ongoing success.