Holiday SMS Messaging
Roadmap for Restaurants
The fourth quarter can make up as much as 40% of a restaurant’s total annual business.1 From catering promotions to last-minute gift reminders, we’ve created an SMS roadmap for restaurants with easy-to-use message templates for all key messaging dates from now through New Year’s Eve.
77% of consumers plan to visit a restaurant during the holiday season2
AUGUST
The Labor Day Reminder:
Wednesday, August 30
Take advantage of the unofficial end of summer with Labor Day specials—Monday, Sept. 4 this year. Show off fall menu items and catch last-minute catering opportunities while growing your list for larger opportunities to come.
61% of Labor Day celebrants plan to grill on
Labor Day weekend3
Labor Day weekend3
SEPTEMBER
The Holiday Party Reminder:
Tuesday, September 5
Be top of mind when early schedulers start planning holiday office parties and holiday gatherings. Capture big catering opportunities now to keep the kitchen humming throughout December. Give guests $20 off orders of $100+ or a free appetizer with their first online order.
39% of people planned to outsource part
of their holiday meal in 20224
of their holiday meal in 20224
SEPTEMBER
The Review Drive:
Thursday, September 28
Customers have lots of dining options, which is why 98% of them read online reviews for local businesses5. Pair a review request with a coupon to drive diners to your door and generate a new crop of five-star reviews before the busy season starts.
52% more revenue generated by businesses
with more than 9 recent reviews6
with more than 9 recent reviews6
NOVEMBER
The Thanksgiving Reminder:
Wednesday, November 1
Holiday meals are hard work. Help your customers enjoy Thanksgiving with a special in-house menu or offering to cater their meal for them. Don’t forget dessert! Many restaurants will finalize their catering lists in the first half of November.
45% of diners plan to order a part or their
entire Thanksgiving meal from restaurants.7
entire Thanksgiving meal from restaurants.7
DECEMBER
The Holiday Gift Reminder:
Friday, December 22
Help out customers still searching for a personal, last-minute gift by sending a reminder that they can purchase a digital gift card. You can even add extra incentive by offering loyalty points for every $50 or $100 spent on gift cards.
$82 - The average more added to digital gift cards vs.
physical cards8
physical cards8
DECEMBER
The New Year’s Dinner Reminder:
Thursday, December 14
New Year’s Eve is the pinnacle of the very busy fourth quarter, and you can see your revenue soar with revelers ready to ring in the new year with great food and ambiance! Offer a prix-fixe menu, specialty cocktails, and complimentary champagne at midnight to complete the package.
4.4 - The average number of alcoholic drinks
consumed per person during New Year’s Eve9
consumed per person during New Year’s Eve9
1 Marketplace, Make money versus stay healthy, December 2021
2 National Restaurant Federation, What’s Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast
3 Numerator, 2022 Labor Day Weekend Consumer Survey Report
4 Restaurant Business, December 2022, Why Consumers Are Sourcing More Holiday Meals From Restaurants
5 brightlocal, Local Consumer Review Survey 2023
6 womply, Impact of Online Reviews on Small Business Revenue
7 Popmenu, November 2022 Consumer Survey
