Problem
Empty tables Monday to Wednesday
Fix
Text a same-day special at 11 AM to regulars who opted in: happy hour deals, lunch specials, last-minute offers.
SMS for restaurants
Fill tables on slow nights.
Specials, waitlist alerts and reservation reminders, sent to guests who opted in, for a penny each. Turn first-time guests into regulars.
14-day free trial · $0.01 per text · Number verified in about 5 business days
Tue 11:00 AM
Taco Tuesday at Casa Verde! 2-for-1 all day. Show this text.
table for 4 at 7?
You're booked: 7 PM for 4. Reply C to confirm.
C
Tue 6:58 PM
Your table is ready! Head to the host stand.
Reply STOP to opt out
Problem → fix
What restaurants use Pinglo for.
Problem
No-shows on reservations
Fix
Send a reminder before each booking and let guests reply C to confirm or R to reschedule, so you can rebook the table.
Problem
Crowded lobby, lost walk-ins
Fix
Text guests when their table is ready. They wait at the bar or nearby instead of walking out.
Templates
More SMS templatesCopy, paste, send.
Swap in your details. Marketing texts should name your business and say how to opt out; Pinglo handles STOP replies automatically.
Daily special
Casa Verde: Today only, truffle pasta + wine $24. Dine-in till 9. Reply STOP to opt out.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
Reservation reminder
Hi {first_name}, see you tonight at {time} for {party_size}. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
Waitlist ready
{first_name}, your table is ready! Please see the host within 10 min.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
Birthday offer
Happy birthday {first_name}! Dessert is on us this month. Show this text. Reply STOP to opt out.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
Event night
Live music Friday 7-10 PM at Casa Verde. Reply YES to save a table. Reply STOP to opt out.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
Win-back
We miss you, {first_name}! 20% off your next visit this week: CV20. Reply STOP to opt out.
1 segment · $0.01 per recipient
The math
What a penny text is worth.
Worked example: a 1,500-guest list and one special a week (4 sends a month) on the Starter plan.
$60
monthly text cost
1,500 guests × 4 sends = 6,000 texts × $0.01
+ $22
Starter plan, per month
4 covers
a month covers the whole $82/mo bill
($82 ÷ $25 average check = 3.28, rounded up)
Illustrative only — plug in your own numbers. Assumes single-segment SMS at $0.01; longer messages use more segments and MMS is $0.05. Try the cost calculator
FAQ
Restaurant questions.
How can restaurants use SMS marketing?
Restaurants use SMS for reservation reminders, waitlist notifications, flash promotions for slow nights, loyalty rewards, event announcements (live music, holiday menus) and feedback requests. Texts are read quickly, which makes them a good fit for time-sensitive offers.
Is texting guests legal?
Yes, with consent. Guests opt in by texting a keyword, ticking a box on your reservation or sign-up form, or signing up at the counter. Every marketing message should include opt-out instructions, and Pinglo processes STOP replies automatically.
Will SMS reminders help reduce no-shows?
Reminders give guests an easy way to confirm or cancel, so you find out about empty tables early enough to rebook them. Send the reminder about 24 hours ahead (or the same afternoon) and ask guests to reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.
How do I build an SMS list for my restaurant?
Add a keyword opt-in to receipts, table tents and your website, and offer a small incentive, for example "Text FOOD to join and get 10% off your next visit." You can also collect numbers (with consent) during online reservations and takeout orders, then import them.
What promotions work best for restaurants via SMS?
Time-sensitive offers: happy hour specials, flash deals for slow nights, birthday offers, loyalty rewards and new menu announcements. Keep messages short, with one clear call to action.
How often should I text?
Most restaurants do well with one promotional text a week plus transactional messages (reservations, waitlist) as needed. Watch your opt-out rate; if it climbs, send less often.
Your next slow Tuesday is on the calendar.
Start your 14-day free trial today. We handle carrier verification — your number is ready to send in about 5 business days.