WhatsApp has quickly become a powerhouse for restaurant marketing, offering instant, direct, and personalized communication with your guests. With open rates as high as 98%, it’s a channel you can’t afford to ignore.
But to truly scale your WhatsApp strategy, you need more than just good timing. You need great templates.
In this blog, we’ll explore 13 ready-to-use WhatsApp marketing templates that help you engage guests, confirm reservations, recover no-shows, promote offers, and more.
Why should you create WhatsApp messaging templates?
Still wondering whether it’s worth investing time in WhatsApp templates? Here are a few reasons why you should create templates for your WhatsApp marketing strategy.
Save time and stay consistent: By far the top reason marketers use templates is to save time. They can tailor the templates to their needs. The more templates you have, the faster you can launch your campaigns.
Automate guest communication: Using WhatsApp templates, you can automate sending based on triggers. For example, if a guest makes a booking, they get a personalized confirmation message with Google Maps link.
Streamline seasonal campaigns: Planning for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Eid? Templates help you roll out promotions and speed up marketing operations so you can focus on improving your guest experience.
Deliver personalised marketing at scale: WhatsApp marketing templates allow you to enhance your personalized messaging strategy without manual effort - making every guest feel special.
Identify potential opportunities: With each WhatsApp messaging campaigns, you can get insights into your guests’ behavior, the types of messages they engage with and uncover opportunities. You can also expand your communication channels. For example, you can notify guests of your restaurant’s newsletter, which they can subscribe to.
Track results and improve: Last but not least, you need to track the impact and results of every marketing campaign, including WhatsApp campaigns.
Top WhatsApp marketing templates to create for your restaurant
Now, let’s create those WhatsApp marketing templates so you add a flavor of personalization to your restaurant’s WhatsApp communication.
If you’re using Servme’s restaurant reservation management system, you can create all the following templates in minutes.
Welcome message
Most marketers think a welcome message is just that. But you can take it a tiny step further and make guests feel recognized.
Welcome messages are a critical part of various marketing campaigns, including email and WhatsApp.
Here is a template you can use:
Welcome to [Restaurant Name]! We're thrilled to have you join our community. Stay tuned for our latest news, delicious offers, and updates from [Your City/Area].
Follow us on social media here [add link to Instagram/Facebook/other platform].
Confirmation message
This is a common message where you can add a touch of personalization like the customer’s name. Confirmation messages for restaurants are usually for confirming bookings or payments.
For example, if a guest makes a reservation via your website or via another WhatsApp message, you need to send a confirmation message. Similarly, if a guest pays a reservation deposit. You can confirm receiving the deposit.
Template example 1: Deposit confirmation
Hi [guest name]
We are confirming receipt of your deposit of [add amount] for [number of people] on [day and date] at [restaurant name].
We look forward to seeing you!
Template example 2: Confirmed booking
Hi [guest name]
We are confirming your reservation for [number of people] at [restaurant/bar name] on [day and date].
We look forward to seeing you!
Template example 3: Confirmed booking
Hi [guest name]
Reservation for [number of people] at [restaurant name] on [day and date] has been confirmed!
See you soon.
Cancellation message
Research has found that 20% of diners don’t show up for a reservation. Roughly 45% of guests say they don’t cancel because they couldn’t find information about how to cancel.
If guests take the time to cancel their bookings, then make sure you acknowledge that with a confirmed cancellation.
Template example:
Hi [guest name],
We have received your request to cancel your booking at [restaurant name]. If you did not cancel, please reply to this message.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Reservation reminder
Besides not finding information about cancelling, 18% of diners say they don’t cancel because they forgot they made a booking.
We highly recommend reservation reminders as a means to reduce restaurant no-shows.
If you manage multiple restaurants or venues, you can add the venue location in the message. Alternatively, if you’re using WhatsApp Business for restaurants through Servme, you can have different WhatsApp Business Sender IDs, with an ID for each location.
A branded Sender ID includes the name of your venue, branch name, logo, and cover image. It ensures guests know who they are communicating with and your team can easily keep track of guest conversations.
Here’s a template we recommend:
Hi [guest name]
We look forward to seeing you on [date] at [restaurant name/branch]. This is a reservation reminder. If you wish to update your booking information, please reply to this message.
Note: We don’t recommend saying ‘If you wish to cancel’ because this may increase the number of cancellations.
New menu announcement
You can increase restaurant reservations as well as boost footfall with new or seasonal menus. You can also send a WhatsApp marketing campaign to entice guests back to your venue.
Menu template 1:
NEW MENU ALERT! 🔥
[Restaurant name] just dropped a delicious new menu! Get ready to devour our newest dishes and desserts. Explore the menu here [add link to menu] or book a table [add reservation link].
See you soon!
Menu template 2:
Guess what's new at [Restaurant name]?
A fresh, delicious [summer/desserts/new] menu to entice your palate! Explore our newest flavors. Book you table and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. [add reservation link]
Menu template 3:
[Restaurant name] is excited to unveil a new menu. Check it out here and visit your nearest branch to savor our unique flavors!
[add link to new menu]
You can further tailor messages based on guests’ previous dining experiences or in-house notes.
For example, if a guest ordered vegetarian food and you’ve launched new vegetarian dishes, you can send them a personalized WhatsApp message highlighting those new dishes.
Sending your venue location(s)
An important WhatsApp marketing template to have in your arsenal is the geolocation template. This is to help guests find your venue faster.
Here’s an example:
Hi [guest name]
Find [restaurant name’s] venue faster with a Google Maps link.
[add link to your venue]
You can also create a template combining the confirmed booking with providing your location on Google Maps.
This is helpful for venues that have several branches in various areas in the same city or in different cities in the same country.
New branch announcement
Increase restaurant footfall and build excitement around your brand by announcing new branch/venue openings.
Create a marketing template with the aim of getting guests to visit your newest venue. Depending on your brand, you can launch a special offer for the first week of opening.
Here’s a template you can use:
Great news from [restaurant name]!
Our newest [branch/venue] in [location/city] is opening its doors on [date].
Come join us for a special [soft opening] and enjoy 10% off on your first order.
Find directions here [add Google Maps link].
Birthday campaign
One of the best personalized messaging campaigns you can send is the birthday campaign. It makes guests feel valued.
It’s like your restaurant, of all things and people, remembered their special day.
Use WhatsApp messaging for a more direct and personal communication.
Grab this template:
Happy birthday [guest name]!
The team at [restaurant name] wishes you a splendid birthday. We also have a special [free/discounted] [menu item/dessert] ready for you.
This offer is available for one week only. Just show this message to your host and you’ll get the discount on your bill.
Happy birthday [add emojis]
Here’s an alternative
[Restaurant name] wishes you a Happy Birthday, [guest name]!
On this special occasion, we’re offering you a [special offer like 2-for-1 on main courses, free salad, free dessert, something else] available in any of our venues.
Just show this message to your host and enjoy your special day from [restaurant name]!
Book a table here [add reservation link].
See you soon!
Re-engagement campaign
A re-engagement campaign is for guests who haven’t visited your venue(s) in a while. You can get this information from a restaurant CRM, like one through Servme.
Through your CRM, you can see when a guest last visited your restaurant, how much they paid, among other details.
You can create a trigger or list for those who haven’t visited your venue in 6 months (or more) and send a re-engagement campaign, inviting them back.
Pro tip: Add something enticing to your message. If you’ve recently launched new beverages, menus,...etc, mention those in your message. Alternatively, you can add a special offer.
Here’s a WhatsApp marketing template you can use:
Hi [guest name]
It’s been a while since your last visit to [restaurant name]. Grab family and friends and enjoy our special new dishes.
Book a table here [add reservation link]
And another template idea:
We’ve missed you at [restaurant name]. Visit us at [venue closest to them] and enjoy your favorite food with a seasonal twist.
Book a table here [add reservation link]
Upcoming special event campaigns
A restaurant marketing idea and tactic is to create special dining events like Mexican night, Standup Comedy, Musical Monday, among others. These events can feature special food or beverage menus (or both).
If you regularly host such events, consider creating a WhatsApp marketing template so you can tailor it for every event.
You can use emojis and tailor them to your upcoming event.
Here’s a template idea:
We’re excited to invite you to [event name]!
Join us on [event date] for a night of fun, food, and drinks. Book your table using the link. [add signup link]
Special discounts or offers
Whether you’re trying to boost bookings or footfall, you can use WhatsApp to share your latest special offers.
We recommend using special offers for slow days, especially weekdays, when you want to increase restaurant footfall.
Take it a step further by targeting guests who frequently visit your dining concept when you’re running an offer. These are discount-seekers and will jump at the opportunity to dine at your venue.
You can add a specific time of day when footfall is weak or simply mention a day. You can also create a prix-fixe (fixed-price) menu that gives guests several courses for a fixed price.
You can also add an image like a banner or photo to explain the promotion.
WhatsApp marketing template 1 for special offers:
Hi [guest name],
We’ve got a special offer for you!
Get [discount amount/free dessert/unlimited refills] when you visit [restaurant name] on [days].
WhatsApp marketing template 2 for special offers:
Grab the latest [lunch/dinner] offer from [restaurant/bar name]. Get our fixed-price menu featuring an appetizer, dessert, and hot/cold beverage for [currency + amount].
Available from [time] to [time] on [day(s)] only!
Referral campaigns
If you have a restaurant loyalty or referral program, you can spruce it up with a WhatsApp marketing template. You can use this template if you’ve just launched referrals or if it’s been a while since guests used the referrals feature.
An important tip for getting referrals is to make sure it’s a win-win for your guests and their friends.
Restaurant referral campaigns should have an offer or a benefit. It can be a free small coffee for every referral or loyalty points if you have a customer loyalty program. It could be a salad for every 3 referrals…etc.
Here’s a WhatsApp template you can use:
Hi [Guest name],
Did you know that [restaurant name] has a referral program?
Refer friends and family and get [mention offer, points or a free salad or dessert for every 3 referrals]
Start referring friends using this [link/referral code/method]
Guest surveys
Increase customer loyalty at your restaurant with automated guest surveys. Use WhatsApp to send those surveys after a guest dines at your venue.
Use or tailor this template:
Thank you for dining at [restaurant name].
We hope you enjoyed your meal. Will you take a minute to answer our survey? These quick surveys help us improve and maintain our quality of service.
[add survey link]
Essential elements for building a WhatsApp messaging template library
By now you have an idea about the different types of personalized WhatsApp messages you can create. You may already be thinking of the WhatsApp messages you’ll start with.
Before you do, make sure you have this quick checklist of what to include in each message.
One clear message: Make sure you have one message/idea for each WhatsApp message. This ensures clarity and doesn’t confuse guests. If you make 2 requests in the same message, guests will either ignore both or perform only one request. For example, don’t ask them to sign up to your newsletter AND make a booking.
Professional tone: Maintain a professional albeit not overly formal tone when messaging guests. This enhances the credibility of your brand name.
Personalize when possible: With templates, you can still add a personal touch to your restaurant’s communications. This varies from addressing guests by their name to personalization based on previous behavior or a specific interaction. For example, a personalized campaign can be to customers who regularly take your Happy Hour offer or have attended your special dining events.
Communicate in your guest’s language: In some countries, customers can be bilingual or you may have a large number of expatriates. Ask guests about their preferred language for communication.
Test your templates: Before you send out your well-crafted message, test it among your team or restaurant staff first. Make sure links are clickable, Google Maps are working correctly, no typos…etc.
Include a CTA: Make sure you add a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your message. This will ensure guests know what to do next and you can measure the results accordingly. For example, if you send out a campaign for an upcoming dining event, the CTA can be ‘Use the link to register.’ While some messages may not have a CTA, like confirmation or cancellations, the majority will.
Don’t overdo it: Lastly, avoid spamming guests with too many messages. Especially your WhatsApp marketing campaign messages.
Wrapping it up
Done right, WhatsApp marketing can elevate your guest experience, drive more bookings, and build lasting relationships.
Templates make it easier to scale your efforts, maintain consistency, and deliver timely, personalized messages that resonate with your audience.
Ready to bring your guest communication to the next level? Start with these 13 proven WhatsApp marketing templates and turn every message into a meaningful interaction.
Nada Sobhi
Marketing
