When is the Best Time to Send SMS Campaigns - Restaurants and Cafés

Timing is one of the key factors in sending any form of marketing messages, especially when it comes to sending messages about food.

Below are few ideas for restaurants and cafés could send SMS marketing messages out to their customers:

Best times to send SMS campaign:

Weekdays

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

The lunch time is the best time in the week to send a marketing campaign out for the simple reason, it’s lunch time.

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
A couple of hours before evening meal, where people start to get hungry, and it will give them enough time to text their friends or loved ones about what they should eat for dinner.

*The most popular time on Fridays is between 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Weekends

Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The most popular time on weekend is during lunchtime, but with a slight extension compared to weekdays. This is because lunch period might differ due to less strict eating time on the weekend.

Saturday & Sunday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Just like in the week, the best time to send is prior to the evening meal, ensuring there is enough time for people to book a table and arrange their evening plans.

Best days to send SMS marketing messages:

Saturday – The most popular day in the week for takeaways and restaurants to send marketing messages out is on a Saturday. With 94% of messages on a Saturday being sent out between 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Friday – Friday is the second most popular day of the week for marketing messages to be sent. There are over twice as many messages going out on a Friday compared to any other day in the week.

Useful SMS Templates for Restaurants and Cafés:

1. Diner Coupon
DAILY DINER COUPON –Show this SMS for a free coffee with any purchase.*restaurant name*

2. Dinner Confirmation
You have a reservation scheduled for today, at 8pm. Please reply this text for confirmation. *restaurant name*

3. Only for Students
SPECIAL MENUS FOR STUDENTS. Enjoy your lunch at *restaurant name* between 12pm and 2pm and benefit from a 25% discount. (Bring along your student ID card)

4. Weekly Specials
Italian chef special: Tortellini Pasticcio and Chicken Piccata at discounted prices. Grab yours for 20% off only at *restaurant name*.

5. Limited-Time Discounts
Hurry! Only until 7pm: Buy two pizzas before 7pm and get a third one for free. Only at *restaurant name*

6. Customer Satisfaction Survey
*Restaurant name*: Hi Peter, thanks for having a meal with us yesterday. Would you recommend us to a friend?

Reply with a number (1 or 2)
1: Yes
2: No

7. Birthday Text Rewards
Happy birthday Tania! Stop in at *restaurant name*, and show this text to claim a free ‘Rich Chocolate Ice cream’ on us!