27 Insightful Restaurant Marketing Statistics: Key Trends for 2024

Did you know that over 80% of consumers watch restaurant-related video content?

Restaurant marketing is a crucial component of any successful restaurant business.

With the rise of social media and online ordering, keeping up with the latest restaurant marketing statistics is essential to stay ahead of the competition.

From personalized promotions to loyalty programs, there are many ways to market your restaurant to potential customers.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most crucial restaurant marketing statistics to help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategy.

1. 72% of operators have a website for their restaurants.

(Source: Touch Bistro)

A website is crucial for your business if you own a restaurant. A website allows customers to find your restaurant online, view your menu, make reservations, and read reviews.

In addition, having a website also makes it easier for customers to find your restaurant through search engines like Google.

By optimizing your website with relevant keywords and information, you can increase your restaurant’s visibility online and attract more customers.

If you don’t have a website for your restaurant yet, it’s not too late to create one.

Many website builders are available, making it easy to create a professional-looking website without coding knowledge.

Some popular website builders include Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.

Owning a well-designed restaurant website is a great way to stand out from competitors.

2. 51% of customers find deals using a restaurant’s app, while 43% find deals through coupons in the mail.

 (Source: Bluedot)

Customers have several different options when finding deals at restaurants.

According to recent restaurant marketing statistics, the two most popular ways are through a restaurant’s app and coupons.

Many restaurants offer exclusive deals and discounts to customers who download and use their app. The app allows customers to place orders, make reservations, and earn rewards points.

On the other hand, some customers find deals through coupons in the mail. While this may seem more traditional, it’s still a popular way for customers to save money at restaurants.

Many restaurants send out coupons and promotional offers via direct mail, which can be a great way to entice customers to visit.

It’s worth noting that these two methods aren’t mutually exclusive.

Some restaurants may offer the same deals and discounts through their app and direct mail. This gives customers more options for finding deals and can help restaurants reach a wider audience.

3. 81% of restaurateurs use Facebook to promote their businesses, making it the most popular social media platform for restaurant marketing in the United States.

(Source: Touch Bistro)

As a restaurant owner, you know how important it is to promote your business to reach more customers and increase sales.

Social media platforms have become a powerful marketing tool for restaurants to connect with their audience and showcase their offerings.

Among all the social media platforms, Facebook is the most popular choice for restaurant marketing in the United States.

This is not surprising considering Facebook’s massive user base and ability to target specific demographics.

By creating a Facebook page for your restaurant, you can share updates about your menu, promotions, and events and engage with your customers through comments and messages.

Using Facebook’s advertising features, you can reach a wider audience and target people likely to be interested in your restaurant.

For example, you can target people who live in the same area as your restaurant, are interested in food, or have visited similar restaurants.

This can be a cost-effective way to attract new customers and increase sales.

In addition to Facebook, other social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Yelp, can be helpful for restaurant marketing.

However, it’s important to choose the most relevant platforms for your target audience and align them with your marketing goals.

4. Over 70% of customers are likelier to visit a restaurant with personalized promotions.

Personalized promotions are a great way to attract customers to your restaurant. You can increase foot traffic and boost your revenue by offering personalized promotions.

There are many ways to offer personalized promotions to your customers.

One way is to offer discounts or coupons based on their past purchases.

For example, if a customer frequently orders a specific dish, you can offer them a discount to encourage them to return and order it again.

Another way to offer personalized promotions is to send your customers targeted emails or text messages.

By collecting their contact information and tracking their past purchases, you can tailor promotions to their preferences. This can help build customer loyalty and keep them returning to your restaurant.

It’s important to note that personalized promotions should be used in moderation.

Offering too many promotions can devalue your brand and make customers less likely to pay full price for your menu items.

However, when used strategically, personalized promotions can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining customers.

5. Approximately 80% of consumers watch restaurant-related video content.

Video content has become a powerful marketing tool for restaurants. Incorporating videos into your restaurant marketing strategy can help you reach a wider audience and attract more customers.

One effective way to use video content is by showcasing your restaurant’s ambiance, menu items, and food preparation process.

This can help potential customers better understand what to expect when visiting your restaurant and entice them to make a reservation or order.

Another way to use video content is by creating tutorials or how-to videos that showcase your menu items and provide cooking tips.

This establishes your restaurant as an authority in your niche and attracts customers interested in learning more about your food and cooking techniques.

When creating restaurant-related video content, remember that the quality of your videos can significantly impact their effectiveness.

Invest in high-quality equipment and editing software to ensure your videos look professional and engaging.

6. 28% of Gen Z diners rely on social media for restaurant recommendations, while 39% have tried a new restaurant solely based on an online influencer’s recommendation.

If you’re looking to attract Gen Z diners to your restaurant, you must understand their dining habits. This means having a strong social media presence is crucial for reaching this demographic.

Post high-quality photos of your food, engage with your followers, and promptly respond to comments and messages.

There is also the growing influence of online influencers, particularly among younger generations.

To take advantage of this trend, consider partnering with local influencers to promote your restaurant. You could invite them to a special event or offer them a free meal in exchange for a review or social media post.

7. More than 70% of patrons use online ordering methods.

(Source: Pax)

One of the main benefits of online ordering is convenience.

Customers can browse your menu, place their orders, and pay all from the comfort of their own home or office. This is especially appealing for busy individuals who don’t have time to dine in or call in their orders.

Another advantage of online ordering is increased efficiency.

Using an online ordering system can streamline your order-taking process and reduce errors. This can lead to faster service and happier customers.

To take advantage of this trend, consider implementing an online ordering system for your restaurant.

Many options are available, from third-party providers to custom-built solutions. Be sure to choose a system that integrates well with your existing POS and other systems.

Ensure your online ordering system is easy to use and navigate. Customers should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.

Consider offering promotions or discounts to customers who use your online ordering system to encourage adoption.

8. 67% of restaurants now provide a loyalty program.

(Source: Touch Bistro)

If you’re a restaurant owner, you know that repeat customers are the backbone of your business. One way to keep customers coming back is to offer a loyalty program.

A loyalty program can take many forms, from a simple punch card to a digital rewards program.

The goal is to incentivize customers to return to your restaurant by offering them rewards for their loyalty.

The rewards can range from a free meal after a certain number of visits to exclusive discounts and promotions.

Implementing a loyalty program can significantly impact your bottom line.

Repeat customers spend more money and are more likely to recommend your restaurant to others.

In fact, according to a study by Bain & Company, customers who belong to loyalty programs spend 67% more than non-members.

If you’re considering implementing a loyalty program for your restaurant, keep a few things in mind. First, make sure the rewards are meaningful and achievable.

Customers won’t be motivated to participate if the rewards are too difficult to earn or not valuable enough.

Second, make it easy for customers to sign up and track their rewards. A digital program can simplify this process.

Finally, promote your loyalty program through your website, social media, and in-store signage to ensure customers know it.

9. Over 40% of the average household’s food budget is spent in restaurants.

(Source: PR Newswire)

Interestingly, almost 50% of people eat out more than once a week, and 20% visit a restaurant at least once a week. This shows that people enjoy eating out and are willing to spend money on it.

Restaurants can use this information to their advantage by focusing on marketing strategies that target households and families.

Offering family meal deals or discounts can attract more customers and increase revenue.

It is important to remember that food expenses can vary depending on location, dietary choices, spending habits, and household size.

However, the fact remains that restaurants play a significant role in people’s lives and should be considered when developing marketing strategies.

10. 94% of consumers read comments online, like on Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Yelp and TripAdvisor are the most popular platforms for finding restaurant reviews and ratings.

As a restaurant owner, it’s crucial to maintain a positive online reputation. Positive reviews can help attract new customers and increase your restaurant’s visibility.

Conversely, negative reviews can significantly impact your business.

Responding to negative reviews promptly and professionally, addressing the customer’s concerns, and offering solutions is important.

Responding to reviews is important for managing your online reputation and building customer loyalty.

When customers feel heard and appreciated, they are more likely to return to your restaurant and recommend it to others.

In addition to responding to reviews, it’s essential to encourage customers to leave feedback. You can include a link to your Yelp or TripAdvisor page on your website or email signature.

You can also offer incentives, such as a free appetizer or a discount on their next visit, to customers who leave reviews.

11. Google is the most popular source of information for diners, with 39% of Americans and 43% of Canadians looking for reviews within the last three months.

(Source: Touch Bistro)

A strong online presence and positive reviews on Google can greatly impact your restaurant’s success.

Google is the world’s most widely used search engine, so it’s crucial to prioritize your restaurant’s presence on this platform.

Ensure your Google My Business listing is up-to-date with accurate information and high-quality photos.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google listing to improve your restaurant’s visibility and reputation.

Understanding where diners are searching for information about your restaurant can help you better allocate your marketing efforts and improve your chances of success.

12. In the U.S., Yelp ranks second, with 30% of Americans using reviews to make dining decisions (compared to 16% in Canada).

(Source: Touch Bistro)

Yelp is a popular platform in the United States for dining decisions. It allows users to search for restaurants based on location, cuisine, price range, etc.

Users can also leave reviews and ratings for restaurants they have visited. Positive reviews and high ratings can help restaurants attract new customers, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect.

As a restaurant owner or marketer, keeping track of your Yelp reviews and ratings is important.

Responding to positive and negative reviews can show that you value your customers’ feedback and are willing to improve.

Additionally, offering incentives for customers to leave reviews can help boost your restaurant’s online presence.

13. 54% of restaurant owners say their profit margin is lower than pre-pandemic. Only 20% of restaurant owners reported a higher profit margin post-pandemic.

The pandemic has brought several challenges for the restaurant industry, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased costs of raw materials.

These factors have contributed to many restaurant owners’ declining profit margins.

In addition, the pandemic has also changed consumer behavior, with more people opting for takeout and delivery options.

While this has helped some restaurants stay afloat, it has also increased competition, decreasing profit margins.

Many restaurants have turned to marketing strategies like social media, email marketing, and loyalty programs to combat these challenges to attract and retain customers.

However, it’s important to note that marketing alone may not be enough to overcome the pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry.

14. 51% of consumers say eco-friendly food options would lead them to choose one restaurant over another.

(Source: Deliverect)

This statistic highlights the importance of sustainability in the restaurant industry.

Restaurants that offer eco-friendly options attract environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to the planet’s overall well-being.

By offering sustainable food options, restaurants can reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote a healthier environment.

Restaurants can also use this statistic to their advantage by promoting their eco-friendly options through marketing campaigns.

By highlighting their sustainable practices, restaurants can attract environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors.

15. Almost 50% of people eat out more than once a week, and 20% visit a restaurant at least once a week.

(Source: QSR)

Understanding consumer behavior is key to restaurant marketing.

One way to stand out is to focus on your food and service quality.

Consumers are more likely to return to a restaurant after a positive experience, so it’s important to prioritize customer satisfaction.

Another way to attract customers is through promotions and deals.

Offering discounts or specials can entice new customers to try your restaurant and encourage repeat visits.

It’s also important to consider the demographics of your target audience.

For example, younger generations value convenience and technology, so offering online ordering or delivery options may be a key factor in attracting their business.

16. 44% of Gen Z diners search for restaurant deals and coupons on social media.

(Source: Bluedot)

Social media has become an essential tool in restaurant marketing.

With over 3.6 billion people using social media worldwide, it’s no surprise that restaurants use these platforms to reach their target audience.

You should also consider investing in paid advertising to make the most of your social media marketing.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer highly targeted advertising options that allow you to reach your ideal customers.

By targeting your ads to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, you can increase your chances of converting social media users into paying customers.

17. 46% are more likely to visit coffee shops when presented with afternoon deals and offers.

(Source: Bluedot)

To maximize the impact of your promotions, it’s important to understand your target audience and what type of deals and offers they are most interested in.

For example, if your target audience is health-conscious, offering discounts on healthy menu items or free fitness classes with a meal purchase could be effective.

Promoting your deals and offers through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and in-store signage, is also important.

By getting the word out about your promotions, you can attract new customers and keep existing ones returning for more.

18. 90% of diners look up a restaurant online before visiting, higher than any other business.

(Source: Constant Contact)

When searching for a restaurant online, customers look for various information.

They want to see the menu, read reviews, and understand the atmosphere.

79% of customers say that online reviews influence their decision to visit a restaurant.

This is why restaurants need to have a strong online presence.

A well-designed website, active social media accounts, and positive online reviews can all help attract new customers.

Conversely, a poorly designed website or negative reviews can turn potential customers away.

Restaurants should also make sure their online information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes their menu, hours of operation, and contact information.

Customers who arrive at a restaurant only to find out it’s closed or the menu has changed may be less likely to return.

19. Two-thirds of restaurant owners spend money on social media.

(Source: Daily Star)

Why is social media marketing so effective for restaurants? For one, it allows you to reach a large audience quickly and easily.

With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can target users based on their location, interests, and other demographics to ensure your message reaches the right people.

Another advantage of social media marketing is that it can be relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of advertising.

By creating engaging content and leveraging user-generated content, you can build a loyal following and generate buzz around your restaurant without breaking the bank.

Of course, social media marketing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

To make the most of your efforts, you must understand your target audience and tailor your messaging accordingly.

Whether you’re promoting a new menu item or offering a special deal, your social media content should capture the attention of your ideal customers and drive them to your restaurant.

20. Email marketing for restaurants has an ROI of 4400%.

(Source: 99Firms)

Every dollar you spend on email marketing for restaurants can earn you an average return of up to $44. That’s quite a generous return on investment, meaning you’ll get your money’s worth and more.

To maximize your email marketing campaigns, collect guest data and segment your email list based on criteria such as demographics, interests, and purchase history.

This will allow you to create highly targeted emails that resonate with your audience and drive more conversions.

Some examples of effective email marketing campaigns for restaurants include:

• Promoting seasonal menus and special offers
• Sending personalized birthday and anniversary messages
• Encouraging customers to leave reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor
• Highlighting your restaurant’s unique story and values
• Providing cooking tips and recipes to engage your audience

Using email marketing strategically and thoughtfully can strengthen your customer relationships and increase your restaurant’s revenue.

21. Online food ordering has grown 300% faster than dine-in since 2014.

 (Source: Zippia)

This trend will continue as more consumers become comfortable ordering food online. As a restaurant owner, you must take advantage of this trend and offer your customers the option to order online.

Offering online ordering can increase your revenue and reach a wider audience.

Customers who order online tend to spend more money and order more frequently than those who dine in.

According to a survey, 34% of consumers spend at least $50 per order when ordering food online.

Additionally, 20% of consumers say they spend more on off-premise orders than a regular dine-in experience.

Not only can online ordering increase your revenue, but it can also improve your customer experience.

Customers who order online can easily customize their orders and avoid the hassle of waiting in line or on hold over the phone.

By offering a user-friendly online ordering platform, you can provide customers with a convenient and efficient way to order from your restaurant.

22. Roughly 40% of customers prefer to order directly from restaurant websites.

(Source: Deloitte)

This trend is likely due to several factors.

For one, ordering directly from a restaurant’s website can be more convenient than using a third-party app or website.

It also gives customers more control over their orders and ensures that their preferences are communicated directly to the restaurant.

Another benefit of ordering directly from restaurant websites is that it can be more cost-effective for customers.

Many restaurants offer discounts or promotions for customers who order directly from their website, which can help to offset the cost of delivery or takeout.

Overall, the trend toward ordering directly from restaurant websites will likely continue in the coming years.

As more restaurants invest in their online ordering systems and offer incentives for customers to order directly, this trend will likely only grow stronger.

23. More than 80% of restaurants use technology to run their business successfully and efficiently.

(Source: National Restaurant Association)

One of the most popular technological solutions restaurants adopt is online ordering and reservation software.

This software allows customers to place orders or make reservations online, which not only saves time but also helps to increase revenue.

Online food revenue is projected to rise to $220 billion in 2023, representing 40% of restaurant sales.

Another technology that is gaining popularity among restaurants is kitchen automation.

Kitchen automation involves using technology to streamline the cooking and food preparation process, which can help to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency.

Furthermore, restaurant analytics is another technology that helps restaurants make data-driven decisions.

By analyzing data such as sales figures, customer feedback, and social media metrics, restaurants can gain valuable insights into their business and make informed decisions about marketing, menu changes, and more.

Technology is increasingly important in the restaurant industry, and restaurants that embrace it are more likely to succeed in today’s competitive market.

24. 50% of diners prefer to hear from restaurants via email.

(Source: Touch Bistro)

When creating email campaigns, it’s important to follow the best practices for email marketing.

This includes using a clear and concise subject line, personalizing the email content, and clearly stating the call to action.

You should also ensure that your emails are optimized for mobile devices, as many people check their email on their smartphones.

Overall, email marketing is a powerful tool to help restaurants stay connected with their customers and drive sales.

Creating engaging content and following best practices can build a loyal customer base and keep them returning for more.

25. Emails with coupons and discounts are the most effective way to encourage diners to open emails, with over half (55%) responding positively.

 (Source: Touch Bistro)

Discounts and coupons are a great way to encourage customers to visit your restaurant.

You can offer a percentage off or a dollar discount to entice customers to try your restaurant or return for another visit.

Email coupons and discounts can increase sales and customer loyalty.

One way to implement email coupons and discounts is to offer them to customers who sign up for your email list.

This can be done through your website or in-store promotions.

Once customers have signed up, you can send them regular emails with exclusive discounts and offers.

Another effective way to use email coupons and discounts is to send them to customers who have not visited your restaurant.

You can encourage them to return and try your restaurant again by offering them a discount.

26. Approximately 92% of top-performing restaurants offer mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards programs.

(Source: PYMNTS)

In the current digital age, the restaurant industry has become very competitive, and it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the game.

One of the most popular technologies restaurants implement is mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards programs.

Mobile order-ahead allows customers to place orders online through a mobile app or website before arriving at the restaurant. This saves time and eliminates the need to wait long lines, making it a popular choice.

Conversely, loyalty rewards programs incentivize customers to return to your restaurant by offering discounts, free items, or other rewards for repeat visits.

Implementing mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards programs can improve customer experience, increase customer loyalty, and ultimately boost revenue.

These services can collect valuable data on your customers, such as their ordering habits and preferences, which can be used to improve your marketing strategies and menu offerings.

27. Around 4 out of 5 diners like to try different cuisines worldwide.

You can attract a wide range of customers by offering a diverse menu with dishes from different countries and cultures.

To take advantage of this trend, you must ensure that your menu is diverse and includes a variety of dishes that will appeal to different tastes and preferences.

You can also consider adding new dishes to your menu regularly to keep things fresh and exciting for your customers.

It’s also important to remember that offering a diverse menu is insufficient.

You must ensure that your food is high quality and prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

This will help you build a loyal customer base and attract new customers through word of mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Restaurant Marketing Statistics

Marketing is crucial to the success of any restaurant business, and understanding the latest trends and statistics can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Social media is a powerful tool for restaurant marketing, and platforms like Instagram and Facebook are becoming popular among consumers.

Ensure your restaurant has a strong social media presence and regularly posts high-quality content to engage with your audience.

Also, online ordering and delivery services have become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Offering these services can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales.

By considering these trends and adapting your marketing strategies accordingly, you can increase your restaurant’s visibility, attract more customers, and drive revenue growth.