Email marketing has been around a long time, and it’s likely to remain a core part of a marketer’s toolkit for a long time to come. It’s easy to see why, given how cost-effective it is. Restaurants have enough overhead costs as it is, and effective automated communication at scale doesn’t need to be one of them.

With a good email workflow template, you can nurture leads and acquire more business without breaking the bank. Restaurants and other service industry businesses will find that email marketing is an effective way to reach prospective customers, secure and manage bookings, and bring patrons back for more.

Dining and food-related services, as an industry, enjoy an above-average email open rate of 33.25%, according to research from Constant Contact, while the overall average across industries stands at 30.35%. With an audience that is already receptive to email marketing, you only need to play your cards right to enjoy a real return on your time and efforts. We can help you do just that while demonstrating that your business is professional and well-organized.

Email Templates for Restaurants

The email templates below will equip you with a winning formula for restaurants and related businesses. Give these a try:

New lead first contact

Reach out to new leads by introducing yourself and your business, and encourage them to get in touch for more information about what you have to offer.

Hi [prospect name], Are you looking for a great restaurant or venue in [your area]? Because that’s us! My name is [your name] and we’d love to host you. Take a look at what we have to offer: [website or menu link] I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
[your name]
[your contact number]

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Follow-up after a booking is made

Especially after making a large booking for a special occasion, customers will appreciate the reassurance that the details of the booking are correct and that everything is in safe hands. Also, offer to accommodate any special requirements or requests.

Hello [customer name], We look forward to hosting you on [booking date] at [booking time]. We’re sure that you’ll enjoy the occasion, but please let me know if there’s anything we can do to accommodate you, such as dietary preferences or allergy requirements. Please don’t hesitate to let me know and I’ll be sure to take care of it. I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks,
[your name]
[your contact number]

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Lead going cold

A lead that opted in a while ago and has since been inactive may need to be reminded of your service offerings. Get in touch to coax them by showing them your business’s rating on your preferred review sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp.

Hi [prospect name], I hope you’re well. A while ago you were looking for a good restaurant in [your geographic area]. If you haven’t tried [your business name] yet then you’re missing out! Making memorable occasions is what we do, and you’re sure to love what we have to offer. Take a look: [website or menu link] You’ll see that our establishment is highly regarded. Have a look at our rating on [review site]. We can help, so stay in touch. Kind regards,
[your name]

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Day of booking

Send a last-minute message on the day of a scheduled booking as both a reminder and a prompt for any last-minute requirements or booking adjustments.

Hi [customer name], Today’s the day, we look forward to hosting you at [booking time] at [your business name]. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything extra we can do to help you feel welcome. I hope you enjoy a memorable occasion with us. Kind regards,
[your name]
[your contact number]

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Post-booking date follow-up

A day or so after a customer has been to your business, send them a message to ask how they enjoyed themselves so that you can quickly respond to any complaints or issues that need to be resolved.

Hi [customer name], It was great to have you with us and we really hope you enjoyed the occasion. But if anything wasn’t entirely to your satisfaction, please don’t hesitate to let me know and I’ll do whatever I can to address it. Thanks again for choosing [your business name]. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Until next time, [your name]
[your contact number]

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Request a review

Some days or weeks after a customer has been to your establishment, get in touch with them and request a review. Be sure to include a link to your preferred platform. Positive reviews from other customers are a powerful marketing asset, and by openly addressing negative reviews positively, you can demonstrate trustworthiness.

Hi [client name], A while ago you visited [your business name] and I hope it was a memorable experience. If it’s no trouble, please would you write us a review on [platform] – it would mean a great deal. Thank you! [your name]
[contact number]

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One year follow-up

Close to one year after a customer’s booking, drop them a line to remind them about your business. There’s always a chance they might want to make another booking with you for an annual event if they enjoyed the previous experience.

Hi [client name], I hope you’re well. It’s been almost a year since you shared an occasion with us, and I was wondering if you might consider letting us host you again. Take a look at what we have to offer: [website or menu link] Feel free to get in touch any time. It would be great to see you again. [your name]
[contact number]

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These email templates will help you streamline your messaging and make every customer feel properly looked after. It’s that personal touch which really wins people over, so be sure to make the most of it. Email is ideal for building a long-term relationship with your customers, and you’ll soon see the benefits. Let us help you get started. Get in touch with CODESM.