13 Restaurant Email Marketing Ideas That Drive Reservations

Luke Januschka

May 28, 2024

Is your email list gathering dust, or are you using it to drive reservations and fill your tables? If you’re not tapping into email marketing, you’re leaving money on the table.

With an average ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, it’s one of the most powerful tools to boost restaurant sales.

But here’s the catch: many restaurant owners struggle to keep their campaigns fresh, engaging, and profitable. Sending promotional emails is one thing, but if your messages don’t resonate, they won’t get results. Plus, with inboxes crowded with competition, standing out is tough.

That’s where we come in.

In this post, we’ll share 14 actionable email marketing ideas to grab attention, increase reservations, and drive revenue. These strategies tackle the key challenges restaurant owners face, helping you stay on track and see measurable results.

Also note, before you hit send, ensure your email list meets legal standards like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing aka CAN-SPAM . This shows respect for privacy laws and builds trust with both customers and legal authorities.

Once you have this in place, here are some unique email marketing ideas you can leverage to stand out in the crowd.

1. Welcome Emails to Kickstart Customer Relationships

Welcome emails are often the first direct interaction a customer has with your restaurant after signing up. It’s a powerful opportunity to establish a positive relationship from the get-go and encourage them to return for their next visit.

Example Email:

Subject: Welcome to [Restaurant Name] – We’re Glad You’re Here!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

Thanks for signing up! We’re thrilled to have you as part of the [Restaurant Name] family. To show our appreciation, here’s 10% off your next meal when you show this email to your server.

Looking forward to seeing you soon! We’ve got more special deals and updates coming your way.

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work :

Subject Line – Personalized and welcoming: Establishes a warm tone and immediately invites curiosity.
Why it works: Personalization increases open rates, especially when the subject is customer-focused.
Greeting – “Hi [First Name],” – Creates a personal connection, making the email feel one-on-one.
Why it works: Personalized greetings lead to higher engagement, as they make the message feel relevant.

Offer – “Here’s 10% off…” – Gives immediate value, incentivizing the customer to return.
Why it works: Welcome offers are proven to drive initial engagement and encourage action.

Tone – Casual and warm: Keeps the conversation light and welcoming while reinforcing the brand’s personality.
Why it works: A casual tone builds trust and relatability, making the brand feel accessible.

Not sure if your marketing plan is working? Our team at Restaurant Growth can help you measure and optimize your efforts for maximum impact.

2. Hyper-Personalized Dish Recommendations Based on Customer Preferences

Offering tailored dish recommendations shows customers that you’re paying attention to their individual tastes, creating a stronger bond. Personalized suggestions based on past orders or preferences increase engagement and create an experience that feels custom-built just for them.

Example Email:

Subject: We’ve Got Something Spicy Just for You!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

We’ve noticed you love spicy dishes, so we thought you’d enjoy our new chili-infused shrimp tacos. They’re perfect for your taste buds!

As a loyal customer, enjoy 15% off your next meal when you try them!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Personalized with specificity: It immediately speaks to the customer’s known preference for spicy food.
Why it works: Personalized subject lines increase open rates and create immediate relevance.
Tailored Content – “We’ve noticed you love spicy dishes…” – This shows the brand is paying attention to customer behavior.
Why it works: Personalization increases engagement and conversion by offering exactly what the customer wants.
Exclusive Offer – “15% off your next meal…” – Provides an incentive to act on the recommendation.
Why it works: Special offers for loyal customers boost retention and encourage return visits.
Tone – Friendly and upbeat: Reflects the brand’s approachable nature while delivering an offer that feels personal.
Why it works: A friendly tone promotes positive feelings and strengthens the customer relationship.

3. “Behind-the-Scenes” Content to Build Emotional Connection

Sharing behind-the-scenes content helps customers feel like they’re part of the restaurant’s journey. Whether it’s showing the care behind every dish or the personalities of your staff, these glimpses into your kitchen and daily operations create an emotional connection that strengthens brand loyalty.

Example Email:

Subject: Meet the Chef Behind Your Favorite Dish!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

Ever wonder who’s behind your favorite [Dish Name]?

Meet our chef, Sam!
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He’s the mastermind behind our signature [Dish], and today he’s giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s made, from selecting the freshest ingredients to the final plating.

Watch the full video here [link] and get an insider’s peek into how we bring the magic to your table.

We’re proud to serve you,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Personalized and intriguing: It creates curiosity about the chef and what goes into making their favorite dish.
Why it works: Personalized subject lines generate higher open rates (Campaign Monitor, 2022).
Emotional Connection – “Meet our chef, Sam!” – Featuring real people behind the scenes humanizes the brand and fosters deeper emotional engagement.
Why it works: Customers feel more connected when they know the faces and stories behind the food.
Behind-the-Scenes Insight – “How it’s made, from selecting the freshest ingredients…” – Offering transparency about the process builds trust and reinforces your commitment to quality.
Why it works: Transparency has been shown to build stronger relationships with customers.
Call to Action – “Watch the full video here…” – Directs customers to engage with the content and learn more about the brand’s story.
Why it works: Clear CTAs encourage action and help drive traffic to your website or social media channels.

Struggling to fill tables?

Boost your reservations with email campaigns designed to captivate and convert.

4. Customer-Brand Milestone Celebrations

Recognizing and celebrating milestones in a customer’s journey not only makes them feel valued but also helps create lasting emotional connections. Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, or total spending achieved, offering a special reward strengthens their loyalty and encourages them to keep coming back.

Example Email:

Subject: Congratulations on Your 1-Year Anniversary with Us!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

Wow, it’s been one year since you first dined with us! We’re so grateful for your continued support. As a token of our appreciation, we’d love to offer you 20% off your next meal with us.

We can’t wait to see you again and celebrate many more milestones together!

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Celebratory and personal: The subject directly acknowledges the customer’s milestone, making the email feel important.
Why it works: Personalization in the subject line drives higher open rates and immediately makes the email feel relevant.
Recognition of Milestone – “It’s been one year since you first dined with us…” – Milestone recognition strengthens emotional ties and makes the customer feel special.
Why it works: Recognizing milestones shows that you care about the customer’s relationship with your brand.
Exclusive Offer – “We’d love to offer you 20% off…” – The discount offers immediate value and further incentivizes the customer to return.
Why it works: Offering exclusive rewards for milestones has been shown to improve customer retention and repeat business.
Tone – Warm and friendly: The tone is welcoming, celebrating the customer’s loyalty.
Why it works: A casual and celebratory tone builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.

Here are over 90 slogan ideas for restaurants from our Marketer’s Playbook.

5. Interactive Email Polls for Customer-Driven Menu Innovation

Inviting your customers to take part in menu decisions is a great way to engage them. By using polls or surveys, you can give your customers a sense of ownership, making them feel valued and involved. This strategy also provides valuable data that can drive menu innovation and customer satisfaction.

Example Email:

Subject: Help Us Create Our Next Summer Dessert Menu!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

We want your input! Our team is working on next season’s dessert menu, and we’d love to hear what you think. Take our quick poll below to vote for your favorite options, and as a thank you, we’ll give you a free tasting sample of the new dessert once it’s ready!

[Link to Poll]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Involving the customer: The subject creates excitement by making the customer feel like their opinion matters.
Why it works: Emails that involve customers in decision-making increase engagement and make customers feel more invested.
Interactive Poll – “Take our quick poll below…” – Polls create a sense of participation, allowing customers to have a say in menu development.
Why it works: Interactive content boosts customer engagement and helps brands gather valuable insights.
Incentive for Participation – “A free tasting sample…” – Offering a reward for participating incentivizes engagement.
Why it works: Incentives can increase participation rates, leading to more meaningful interactions with your audience.
Tone – Casual and engaging: The email keeps the tone light, making the request feel like a fun and easy way to help.
Why it works: A friendly tone makes customers feel more comfortable engaging, which helps foster a sense of community.

6. Flash Contests or Challenges to Increase Engagement

Flash contests or challenges are another fantastic way to energize your customer base and increase interaction with your brand. These time-sensitive campaigns create a sense of urgency and excitement, driving both engagement and word-of-mouth promotion.

Plus, the nature of contests can lead to social media sharing, increasing your restaurant’s exposure in a fun and organic way.

Example Email:

Subject: The #SpicyChallenge is Here – Can You Handle It?

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

Ready to spice things up? Snap a pic of your meal and tag us on Instagram with #SpicyChallenge for a chance to win a free meal on us! We’ll pick one lucky winner every week, so don’t wait – your chance to win is just a snap away!

We can’t wait to see your pics – good luck!
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Exciting and intriguing: The subject line grabs attention by mentioning the challenge and using a fun hashtag.
Why it works: Strong, action-oriented subject lines increase open rates and set the tone for excitement.
Call to Action – “Snap a pic and tag us…” – The clear and simple call to action encourages participation.
Why it works: A direct, easy-to-follow action makes it more likely that the recipient will engage, especially when it’s framed as a challenge.
Urgency & Prize – “Chance to win a free meal!” – The offer of a prize, combined with the time-sensitive nature, prompts quick action.
Why it works: Offering a reward for participation and creating urgency are both proven strategies for driving engagement.
Tone – Playful and engaging: The light-hearted tone makes the email feel fun and approachable.
Why it works: Fun challenges create positive emotions that help build brand loyalty, especially when the interaction is social media-driven.

7. Exclusive “First Dibs” Email List for New or Limited-Edition Items

Giving your customers early access to new or limited-edition menu items through an exclusive email list not only increases engagement but also strengthens the feeling of community and exclusivity. This strategy makes customers feel special and motivates them to open your emails regularly to be the first to know about upcoming promotions or menu items.

Example Email:

Subject: Be the First to Try Our Limited-Edition Winter Menu!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

We’ve got something special just for you! As a valued member of our email list, you get exclusive first dibs on our brand-new winter menu. Be the first to experience seasonal dishes that are only available to our email subscribers!

Book your reservation today and treat yourself to something new. We can’t wait to serve you!
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Exclusive and exciting: The subject creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
Why it works: Subject lines that mention exclusivity or early access increase open rates by creating a sense of privilege and urgency.
Exclusive Offer – “Exclusive first dibs…” – Offering early access to new items builds excitement and makes the customer feel special.
Why it works: Offering exclusive experiences to loyal customers enhances engagement and strengthens brand loyalty.
Clear Call to Action – “Book your reservation today…” – A straightforward call to action guides the customer towards the next step, which in this case is making a reservation.
Why it works: Clear, direct calls to action help increase conversion rates by reducing friction.
Tone – Warm and inviting: The tone is welcoming, reinforcing the customer’s status as a valued member.
Why it works: A friendly, inclusive tone encourages ongoing loyalty and a personal connection to the brand.

8. Storytelling Emails Showcasing Customer Success or Memorable Experiences

Storytelling emails featuring your customers’ successes or special moments create an emotional bond and showcase your restaurant as a place where memories are made. Whether it’s a couple celebrating an anniversary or a local artist hosting their first exhibit, highlighting these experiences brings a personal and relatable element to your brand.

Example Email:

Subject: A Special Story From Us to You!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

At [Restaurant Name], we’re all about celebrating moments that matter. Last weekend, we had the honor of hosting Alex and Jamie’s engagement dinner. Surrounded by loved ones, they toasted to their future with our signature dishes and a perfect sunset view.

Stories like theirs remind us of the joy our restaurant can bring. Whether it’s a family reunion, a first date, or just a casual lunch that turns into something unforgettable, we’re here to make your moments special.

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear about your memorable experiences with us! Reply to this email or tag us on social media using #My[RestaurantName]Moment.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
With gratitude,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Emotional and intriguing: “A Special Story From [Restaurant Name]” piques curiosity and sets an emotional tone.
Why it works: Subject lines that tell a story or hint at one boost open rates by engaging the reader’s imagination.
Offer of Giving Back – A shared moment: Highlighting personal, real-life events fosters connection and makes the reader feel part of a larger community.
Why it works: Relatable stories create emotional resonance, making customers more likely to engage and share their own experiences.
Clear Call to Action – “Share your story…”: Encouraging customers to contribute deepens their connection to your brand and builds community.
Why it works: User-generated content increases engagement and provides authentic material for future campaigns.
Tone – Warm and genuine: The email’s tone conveys appreciation and inclusivity, making the customer feel valued.
Why it works: A sincere, friendly tone strengthens relationships and boosts brand loyalty.

9. AI-Driven Dynamic Email Campaigns for Engagement

AI-driven and dynamic email campaigns offer a high level of personalization, helping your restaurant send tailored content that appeals directly to individual customer preferences. This could include reordering past favorites, recommending dishes based on past behavior, or even providing personalized discounts.

This strategy increases customer retention by making the experience more seamless and relevant.

Example Email:

Subject: Craving Your Favorite Meal? Reorder in Just One Click!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

We noticed you’ve enjoyed our signature burger before. If you’re craving it again, why not make it easy? Click below to reorder your favorite meal with just one click.

[Reorder Now]

We can’t wait to serve you again!
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Straightforward and customer-centric: The subject line emphasizes simplicity and convenience, immediately offering a solution to the customer’s potential need.
Why it works: Clear and simple subject lines that address customer needs tend to have higher open rates.
Personalization – “We noticed you’ve enjoyed…” – This personalized approach taps into customer preferences, making the email feel more relevant and thoughtful.
Why it works: Personalization increases engagement and helps build stronger relationships by demonstrating that the brand remembers and values the customer.

Clear Action – “Click below to reorder…” – The straightforward, one-click reorder option makes it easy for customers to take immediate action.
Why it works: Simplifying the purchase process helps drive higher conversion rates, particularly with repeat customers who are likely to take advantage of a seamless experience.
Tone – Friendly and approachable: The tone is casual and inviting, reinforcing a customer-first approach.
Why it works: Friendly language enhances the sense of ease and convenience, making customers more likely to engage.

Not sure what to say in marketing emails?

Learn from the best on how to master it.

10. Surprise “Thank You” Gifts for Milestone Customers

Surprise thank-you gifts for milestone customers—like those who hit a certain number of visits—are a simple but effective way to show your appreciation.

Recognizing customers who have consistently supported your restaurant not only strengthens their loyalty but also encourages them to keep coming back. These small gestures leave a lasting impression, making customers feel valued and more likely to return.

Example Email:

Subject: Thank You for Dining with Us! Here’s a Special Treat for You

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

You’ve dined with us 10 times this year—thank you! As a token of our appreciation, enjoy a free appetizer on your next visit. We can’t wait to have you back.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Personalized and appreciative: The subject directly acknowledges the customer’s milestone, making it feel personal and special.
Why it works: Personalized subject lines increase open rates by drawing the customer’s attention.
Milestone Acknowledgement – “You’ve dined with us 10 times…” – Recognizing customer loyalty is a powerful way to foster emotional connection.
Why it works: Celebrating milestones makes customers feel appreciated, which in turn boosts loyalty.
Reward – “Enjoy a free appetizer…” – Offering a reward for continued patronage incentivizes the customer to return.
Why it works: A small reward can have a significant impact on retention and repeat business.
Tone – Friendly and warm: The email conveys gratitude in a casual, conversational manner.
Why it works: A warm, approachable tone reinforces the sense of connection and enhances the customer’s experience.

11. Community-Focused Email Campaigns

Community-driven campaigns not only demonstrate your restaurant’s commitment to the local area but also build stronger bonds with customers who value social responsibility.

By supporting local farmers and causes, you can align your restaurant with your customers’ values, turning your brand into a symbol of positive change. This approach can create goodwill, increase customer loyalty, and boost your restaurant’s local reputation.

Example Email:

Subject: Join Us in Supporting [Local Charity] This Month!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

This month, we’re donating 10% of proceeds from our new dish to [Local Charity]. We invite you to join us in supporting this great cause—come in, enjoy some delicious food, and make a difference!

Thank you for helping us give back!

Warmly,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Subject Line – Actionable and cause-driven: The subject emphasizes the community effort, making it clear that the email is about more than just food—it’s about giving back.
Why it works: Customers are more likely to engage with emails that highlight their values, especially when it’s linked to charitable causes (Sprout Social, 2021).

Call to Action – “Join us in supporting this great cause…” – Encourages customers to take action, not just as consumers but as contributors to the community.
Why it works: Calls to action with a sense of purpose encourage higher levels of participation (OptinMonster, 2020).
Reward and Impact – “Make a difference…” – Emphasizes the positive impact the customer is making by dining at your restaurant.
Why it works: Customers appreciate knowing their purchase contributes to a larger cause, which enhances their emotional connection with the brand (Harvard Business Review, 2020).
Tone – Warm and inclusive: The language invites customers to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Why it works: A tone that makes customers feel like they’re part of the solution increases brand loyalty (HubSpot, 2021).

12. Mobile-First Email Design for Improved Engagement

With the increasing reliance on smartphones, ensuring your email designs are optimized for mobile devices is crucial.

Mobile-first email design ensures your content looks great and is easy to interact with on smaller screens. This approach helps improve customer engagement by reducing bounce rates and encouraging more actions like making reservations or browsing the menu.

Example Email:

Subject: New Specials—Perfect for Dining on the Go!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

Our new specials are here—and they’re designed for easy reading and reservations on the go! Check out what’s fresh today and book your spot with just a tap.

Looking forward to serving you soon!

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Mobile-Friendly Design – Easy-to-read, single-column layout: This format ensures the email’s content is displayed properly on mobile devices, making it easier for customers to take action.
Why it works: A mobile-optimized design increases open and engagement rates by ensuring the content is readable and accessible.
CTA Placement – “Book your spot with just a tap” – A clear, mobile-friendly call to action that encourages immediate interaction.
Why it works: Simplified calls to action (CTAs) with mobile-friendly layouts increase conversion rates.
Subject Line – “Perfect for Dining on the Go” – Speaks directly to the mobile-user experience, making the email relevant for customers who are likely reading it while on the move.
Why it works: Subject lines that match the customer’s context (in this case, mobile usage) improve open rates.

13. Visually Compelling Emails to Reflect Your Restaurant’s Brand

Emails that are visually appealing and reflect your restaurant’s branding create a memorable experience for customers.

High-quality photographs and cohesive design elements (like colors and fonts) strengthen your brand identity and make your emails instantly recognizable. This visual consistency can help reinforce customer loyalty and increase engagement over time.

Example Email:

Subject: Discover Our Chef’s Special—Visually Stunning and Delicious!

Hi [Customer’s First Name],

We’re excited to showcase our chef’s special for the month! Designed to delight both your taste buds and your eyes, our latest dish is crafted to perfection with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Take a look at the visuals that capture the essence of our restaurant’s ambiance.

Come in and experience it today!

Cheers,
The [Restaurant Name] Team

Why this will work:

Visual Appeal – “Designed to delight both your taste buds and your eyes” – The focus on visual beauty reinforces the quality and thoughtfulness behind the restaurant’s brand.
Why it works: High-quality visuals in emails capture attention and leave a lasting impression, helping to build brand identity.
Brand Consistency – Visuals reflecting restaurant ambiance – Using consistent imagery and colors that reflect your restaurant’s vibe helps reinforce brand recognition.
Why it works: Consistent visual elements improve customer recall and deepen emotional connections with your brand.
Subject Line – “Visually Stunning and Delicious” – The subject line emphasizes both the visual and culinary appeal of the dish, making it attractive and engaging.
Why it works: Combining both visual and sensory elements in the subject line increases curiosity and click-through rates.

How to Track Your Restaurant Email Marketing Performance

When it comes to email marketing, sending out great campaigns is only half the job. The real value lies in understanding how well your emails perform. Tracking the right metrics ensures your efforts are driving results, helping you identify what’s working and what needs improvement.

The table below highlights the key performance indicators you should focus on to turn your email campaigns into powerful tools for growing your restaurant.

Essential Metrics for Restaurant Email Marketing
Explanation	How to Track (Industry Standard Metrics)	Actionable Tips
Open Rates
Indicates the percentage of recipients who open your email.	Track via your email marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign). Aim for 20-30% open rate in restaurants.*	Test subject lines regularly. Use urgency or personalization to improve open rates.
Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Measures the percentage of recipients who click on links in the email.	Monitor with platform analytics. Aim for 2-5% CTR for restaurants.*	Optimize CTAs with clear action words like “Order Now” or “Reserve Your Table.”
Conversion Rates
Tracks how many recipients complete the desired action (e.g., place an order).	Use UTM tracking or Google Analytics to monitor actions. Aim for 1-3% conversion.*	Ensure landing pages are mobile-optimized and match the email content exactly.
A/B Testing
Compares two versions of an email to determine which performs better.	Split test subject lines, CTAs, images, and email copy. Track via platform reports.	Test one variable at a time (e.g., subject line or CTA). Apply insights for future campaigns.
Regular Review
Analyzing past email campaigns to refine strategy continuously.	Regularly assess analytics for patterns. Review monthly or quarterly.	Use past data to predict customer behavior and tailor future emails accordingly.

*Figures may vary for different industries, restaurant & cuisine types and region.

Tracking metrics is only useful if you take action based on what you learn. If you notice lower open rates, try experimenting with subject lines. If click-through rates are below average, revisit your CTAs to make them clearer and more compelling. Always remember, email marketing is a dynamic process—refining your approach over time is the key to sustainable success.

Ready to see what works best for your restaurant? Start by choosing one metric to focus on and improve from there. Small changes can lead to big wins!

Making Your Restaurant’s Email Marketing Work For You

Now that you’re familiar with the key metrics for tracking your email performance, let’s dive into how to make them actionable. Simply tracking data isn’t enough. You need to interpret those numbers and adjust your strategy to improve engagement and drive real results for your restaurant.

Many restaurant owners struggle with email marketing because it’s time-consuming and requires specialized skills. With a full schedule running a restaurant, it’s tough to find the time for ongoing strategy tweaks, testing, and data analysis—all crucial for success in email marketing.

This is where we can help.

At Restaurant Growth, we specialize in transforming your email marketing into a streamlined, high-impact strategy that drives results.

Our team has over 40 years of combined experience helping restaurants increase their reservation rates, boost customer lifetime value, and build stronger customer loyalty.

With over 4,800 restaurants already trusting our expertise, we know what works. Our clients see predictable revenue growth and a more engaged customer base—all through data-driven, highly personalized email campaigns tailored to your restaurant’s needs.

Whether you’re new to email marketing or just looking to refine your approach, we offer hands-on support and insights that take the guesswork out of the process.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Let us handle the technical side so you can focus on what you do best—running your restaurant.

Contact us today!

FAQs

How to write an email for a restaurant?

Craft a catchy subject line, personalize the greeting, and highlight your offer early. Keep the email short (100-150 words) with a clear call to action like “Book Now” or “Claim Offer.”

What is the best platform for restaurant email marketing?

Platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Sendinblue are great for restaurants, offering user-friendly templates, automation, and segmentation.

However, if you’re looking for more than just a platform, Restaurant Growth can help you take your email marketing to the next level with tailored strategies designed specifically for restaurants, driving better engagement and more reservations.

How often should a restaurant send emails?

Consistency is key, but avoid overwhelming your customers. Typically, sending 1-2 emails per week is optimal. If you have a special promotion or event, it’s okay to send additional emails, but always aim for relevance. The best time to send emails is usually mid-week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, around 10 AM – 12 PM, or after 4 PM. These time slots are when people are more likely to engage with their emails, especially when they’re thinking about dinner plans or upcoming weekends.

How long should an email marketing message be?

Emails should be 100-150 words—short, clear, and visually engaging, with a strong CTA. Be sure to include visuals like images of your food or restaurant ambiance to make the email visually appealing and engaging.

Why is email marketing essential for restaurants?

Email marketing provides a direct, high-ROI way to engage customers, boost reservations, and promote offers. With an average ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, it helps build customer loyalty, drive more reservations, and ensure your restaurant stays top of mind.

Luke Januschka

Luke Januschka is a pivotal partner at Restaurant Growth, where he spearheads strategies that have generated over 30 million dollars in tracked sales for our valued restaurant clients.