SMS Templates for Restaurants

Restaurants rely on SMS because it reaches guests fast and makes it easy to respond in the moment, whether they are booking, asking a quick question, or confirming a change. Used across the lifecycle from new leads and trial visits to follow-ups and renewal-style loyalty nudges, texting stays practical and conversational rather than promotional. This collection provides ready-to-use SMS templates that give restaurant teams a clear starting point for common scenarios.

Reservation Confirmations

Restaurants use reservation confirmations to reduce no-shows and handle last-minute changes by quickly verifying details like party size and arrival time. SMS works well because it reaches guests fast and supports simple replies. The goal is follow-through and timely responses that keep tables accurately assigned.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], confirming your reservation with [Company Name] for [Date] at [Time] for [Party Size]. Reply YES to confirm or CHANGE with your update.

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], we have you set for [Date] at [Time] with [Company Name] - can you still make it? Reply YES to confirm or NO to release the table.

Reservation Reminders

Restaurants send reservation reminders shortly before arrival to confirm timing and flag changes that affect seating. SMS is effective because it’s read quickly and supports brief, reply-ready updates. The goal is follow-through through fast confirmations, fewer no-shows, and cleaner table planning.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], just a quick check-in for your [Company Name] reservation on [Date] at [Time] for [Party Size]. Reply CONFIRM to keep it or UPDATE with any changes.

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], we’re holding your table at [Company Name] for [Date] at [Time]. If you’re running late or need to adjust, reply NEW TIME or CANCEL.

Waitlist Notifications

When guests join a waitlist, SMS provides immediate updates on table status, reducing uncertainty and keeping interest high. Timely notifications prompt quick responses, supporting smoother seating flow and helping maintain engagement while guests wait for their turn.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], quick update from [Company Name] - your table is almost ready. Reply HERE to keep your spot or PASS if you’re no longer waiting.

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], [Company Name] has a table ready for [Party Size]. Reply YES to be seated now or ETA with your arrival time.

Order Ready Alerts

When an order is ready for pickup, SMS notifications provide instant updates that reach guests wherever they are, reducing wait times and confusion. This approach supports prompt responses, helps maintain steady pickup flow, and encourages guests to complete their transactions efficiently.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], your [Company Name] order [Order Number] is ready for pickup. Reply HERE with your ETA.

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], [Company Name] has your order [Order Number] ready at the pickup area. Reply PICKUP when you’re on the way or HELP if you need to change plans.

Promotion Announcements

Restaurants often announce limited-time offers or special deals to attract interest and drive visits. SMS is effective for these announcements because messages are delivered instantly and typically read quickly, supporting timely responses and encouraging immediate action from recipients. The goal is increased engagement.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], [Company Name] has a limited-time [Offering Name] running through [Date]. Reply INFO for details or STOP to opt out.

Template 2:

Hey [First Name], quick update from [Company Name] - today’s [Campaign Name] deal is available until [Time]. Reply YES to save your spot or DETAILS for the offer.

Event Invitations

Restaurants often invite guests to special events, such as tastings or themed nights, and need a reliable way to share details and track interest. SMS is effective because it delivers invitations directly and allows for quick responses, supporting higher attendance and timely guest engagement.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], you’re invited to [Event Name] at [Company Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Reply RSVP for details or NO if you’d like to skip.

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], we’re putting together a guest list for [Event Name] at [Company Name] on [Date]. Reply YES to be included or INFO for the full lineup.

Review Requests

After a meal, restaurants frequently request feedback to understand guest satisfaction and improve service. SMS is effective for review requests because it reaches guests promptly and makes it easy to respond, supporting higher response rates and more actionable insights for future improvements.

Template 1:

Hi [First Name], thanks for visiting [Company Name] on [Date]. Would you share a quick note about your experience? Reply with 1-5 or leave a review here: [Link]

Template 2:

Hi [First Name], we’d love your feedback from your recent visit to [Company Name]. What was one thing we did well and one thing we could improve? Reply here or review at [Link]

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