Far beyond promotions and reminders, SMS marketing can also facilitate two-way communication—turning your diners into active collaborators who shape your menu, ambiance, and overall brand. By sending short polls or surveys directly to customers’ phones, you gain fast insights into everything from flavor preferences to event ideas, seasonal specials, and potential improvements. This real-time feedback is incredibly valuable, especially when it’s quick, user-friendly, and convenient for busy customers.

In this blog, we bring together 50+ SMS templates for polls and surveys aimed at engaging restaurant customers. You’ll find short yes/no questions, numeric rating prompts, clickable link surveys, and even creative multiple-choice sessions. Each approach is designed to keep your requests succinct while maximizing response rates and meaningful data collection. We’ll also discuss best practices—like offering small incentives for longer surveys, timing your polls to align with relevant decisions (e.g., new menu item in the works?), and how to handle the data you gather for continuous improvements.

By regularly crowdsourcing opinions through text, your restaurant can innovate faster, customize offerings to true demand, and increase diner loyalty—customers feel heard, valued, and part of your culinary journey. Let’s dive into how your next SMS campaign can be more than a broadcast and become a genuine conversation.

Why Polls & Surveys via SMS

1. Instant Participation
   Text-based polls let customers respond in seconds—simple replies or single-click links beat lengthy email forms.
2. Data-Driven Improvements
   Real-time results guide your next menu rotation, event planning, or pricing strategies with confidence.
3. Creates a Sense of Community
   Diners appreciate being asked for input, feeling like their voice impacts your restaurant’s direction.
4. Higher Response Rates
   SMS-based queries often see more engagement than email or social media polls, which can get lost or overlooked.
5. Efficient & Low-Cost
   With minimal overhead, you get a direct pipeline to your customer base—no complicated software needed, just short, well-crafted messages.

Best Practices for Polls & Surveys via SMS

• Keep It Simple: One question at a time or a short link to a quick (2–3 question) form. Overly long surveys deter participation.
• Offer Incentives: For more detailed feedback, provide a small discount or free item to encourage better completion rates.
• Timing & Relevance: Send polls about brunch favorites midweek, or new dinner dish ideas late afternoon. Align with real consumer mindsets.
• Segment: If you know some customers frequent brunch, ask them about new brunch items; approach dinner regulars with dinner polls.
• Follow-Up: Share poll results or mention how you implemented top suggestions. This closes the loop, encouraging future participation.

50+ SMS Poll & Survey Templates

We’ll organize them into five categories—10 each:

1. Quick Yes/No & One-Word Replies
2. Multiple Choice Questions
3. Rating & Star-Based Feedback
4. Link-Based Short Surveys
5. Creative & Thematic Polls

Quick Yes/No & One-Word Replies

1. “Would you like to see more vegetarian mains on our menu? Reply YES or NO.”
2. “We’re considering late-night hours on Fridays. Interested? Reply LATE if yes, NO if you’re good.”
3. “Thinking about adding a seafood salad. Are you a fan of seafood, [Name]? Reply SEA or NO.”
4. “Should we bring back our pumpkin spice latte? Reply PSL if you want it, or NO if you’ve had enough!”
5. “We want to add a spicier curry. Are you a heat lover? Reply SPICE if yes, MILD if no.”
6. “Looking to open for Sunday brunch—would you come? Reply BRUNCH or NO to help us decide!”
7. “We’re debating a lunch buffet. Thumbs up or down? Reply UP for yes, DOWN for no.”
8. “Is our restaurant location convenient for you, [Name]? Reply YES or NO.”
9. “We might add a dinner & movie night. Sound fun? Reply MOVIE if yes, PASS if no.”
10. “Should we try live music on weekends? Reply TUNES if you’d enjoy it, or NO if it’s not your jam.”

Multiple Choice Questions

1. “What dessert should we feature next? A) Cheesecake B) Apple Crumble C) Tiramisu. Reply A, B, or C.”
2. “Help pick our new appetizer: A) Jalapeño poppers, B) Spinach dip, C) Loaded nachos. Reply with your choice!”
3. “Which day do you prefer for a special lunch deal? A) Monday B) Wednesday C) Friday.”
4. “We plan a signature cocktail. Which flavor? A) Fruity, B) Minty, C) Sour. Let us know your taste!”
5. “Which décor style suits us better? A) Rustic wood, B) Modern minimal, C) Vibrant pop-art. Share your vibe!”
6. “Which brunch dish should we add? A) Avocado toast, B) Pancake stack, C) Breakfast burrito. Reply A, B, or C.”
7. “Looking to rename our kids’ menu. Which name do you like? A) Little Bites, B) Tiny Tummies, C) Kiddo Kitchen.”
8. “We’re thinking a new vegetarian entrée. A) Eggplant parm, B) Veggie stir-fry, C) Lentil shepherd’s pie. Vote now.”
9. “Which spice level do you prefer for wings? A) Mild, B) Medium, C) Fiery. Help us set the heat!”
10. “Our next ‘theme night’ should be: A) Taco Tuesday, B) Sushi Saturday, C) Burger Bonanza. What’s your pick?”

Rating & Star-Based Feedback

1. “How was your last takeout experience? Rate 1–5 (1=poor, 5=amazing). We appreciate honesty!”
2. “Rate our new spicy burger from 1–5. Did it meet your heat expectations, [Name]?”
3. “We introduced table tablets for ordering. Rate them 1–5 for ease of use. Thanks for shaping our tech!”
4. “On a scale of 1–5, how welcoming was our staff last visit? We want every diner to feel like family.”
5. “Please rate your overall satisfaction with our lunch menu, 1–5. Looking forward to your input.”
6. “How do you like our updated décor? 1 = not a fan, 5 = absolutely love it. Thanks, [Name].”
7. “Rate the taste of our new vegan pizza 1–5. We’re testing if it’s good enough for everyone to enjoy!”
8. “How’s the variety on our drinks menu, 1–5? We’re considering adding more craft beers if demand is high.”
9. “Rate our weekend brunch service, 1–5. We want to keep your Sundays happy and hassle-free!”
10. “We tested a new ordering kiosk system. 1–5, how was your experience? Let’s make it better if needed.”

Link-Based Short Surveys

1. “Got 1 minute, [Name]? Fill our 3-question survey on [short link]—earn a free coffee next visit!”
2. “Help us shape the next season’s menu with a quick poll at [link]. We’ll reward you with a side dish discount!”
3. “We love your opinion. Full survey (2 mins) at [short link]. Complete it for a chance at a $10 gift card.”
4. “Chef wants feedback on new dishes. Fill our short form at [link] and get 15% off your next meal. Thanks!”
5. “Improve your next visit—tell us about your latest experience: [short link]. Data helps us refine everything!”
6. “We’re exploring delivery expansions. Take a quick poll at [link], earn 5 loyalty points for your time.”
7. “Want to see local craft brews on tap? Let us know at [short link]. Completion nets you a free appetizer coupon.”
8. “[Name], shape our new décor color palette. 2-question poll at [link]. We truly value your eye for style!”
9. “Time for our monthly diner feedback. 1-minute, 5 questions at [short link]. We appreciate your help, [Name].”
10. “Planning a new event series. Voice your preference in our mini-survey: [link]. You might see your idea come to life!”

Creative & Thematic Polls

1. “Spooky poll: Halloween menu ideas—A) Ghostly garlic bread, B) Pumpkin spice wings, C) Witch’s brew soup? Reply!”
2. “Holiday helper: which Christmas dessert do you want us to serve? A) Yule log, B) Gingerbread cookies, C) Peppermint brownie.”
3. “Mardi Gras mania: Should we add gumbo or jambalaya? Text GUMBO or JAMBALAYA, help us pick!”
4. “Football season poll: A) More wings flavors, B) Tailgate burger deals, C) Big screens for the game. Reply A, B, or C.”
5. “Valentine’s Vibes: prefer a romantic set menu or a la carte? Reply SET or ALA. Thanks for the insight!”
6. “Oktoberfest question: Which German dish do you love? A) Bratwurst, B) Schnitzel, C) Pretzel & cheese sauce.”
7. “Summer special: best thirst-quencher? A) Lemonade, B) Iced tea, C) Fruit smoothie. Let us know!”
8. “Would a live chef demonstration interest you? Reply DEMO if yes, pass if no. Let’s spice up your dining.”
9. “Eco-friendly push: how do you feel about reusable utensils for takeout? A) Must-have, B) Fine, C) Not needed.”
10. “We’re naming our new dessert after a rock song. Choose: A) Sweet Child O’ Mine, B) Sugar Sugar, C) Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
11. “New Year, new traditions—A) Karaoke Fridays, B) Trivia Tuesdays, C) Board Game Sundays. Which event resonates most?”
12. “Culinary trip: next month’s theme—A) Mexico, B) Italy, or C) Japan? Reply to help pick our spotlight cuisine.”
13. “Restaurant reno theme: A) Vintage diner, B) Industrial chic, C) Rustic farmhouse. Cast your vote, [Name]!”
14. “Fight the winter blues: A) Hot cocoa bar, B) Soup buffet, or C) Chili cook-off? Which warms your heart?”
15. “Chef’s challenge: which exotic ingredient to feature next? A) Dragon fruit, B) Purple yam, C) Durian. Dare to decide?”

Polls and surveys transform your SMS marketing from a one-way street into a collaborative conversation with diners. These short, interactive messages can yield real-time insights on everything from menu innovations and décor changes to new event ideas—ensuring you always stay aligned with your audience’s preferences. The 50+ templates above illustrate how to keep your poll requests concise yet compelling, from quick yes/no or numeric ratings to multiple-choice and thematic questions.

Remember to embed small rewards or simply highlight that the diner’s opinion genuinely matters to maximize response rates. Once you gather the feedback, follow through—share final results (“80% of you voted for Tiramisu!”) or act on suggestions (“we’re adding a new spicier curry next month, as requested!”). This loop fosters trust, showing customers they’re genuinely shaping your restaurant’s offerings.

By consistently inviting your patrons to weigh in, you not only refine your offerings but also deepen loyalty—people love seeing their voices influence a brand they admire. Over time, weaving polls and surveys into your SMS strategy can sharpen your competitive edge, evolving your restaurant into a place that truly resonates with its community’s tastes and values.