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Empty tables, slow nights, and an Instagram post no one saw.
We’ve all been there.
Text messages, however, are nearly impossible to ignore. That’s why restaurants are swapping algorithms for inboxes, and using SMS marketing as their secret weapon to boost sales.
But get this: not all SMS marketing tools are created equal. Some are too generic, some are built for e-commerce, and some make you feel like you need a PhD in coding to get started.
So we’ve done the homework for you.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best SMS marketing software for restaurants in 2025, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases—so you can pick one that actually delivers ROI (Return on Investment), not just dry text messages.
Key SMS Marketing Features to Look For
When choosing an SMS marketing software for your business, here’s what matters most:
- Automation: Set up recurring campaigns for birthdays, loyalty milestones, or slow days.
- Segmentation: Target specific diner groups (e.g., “VIP members,” “steak lovers”).
- Integration with loyalty CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Reward customers directly via SMS.
- Performance Tracking: See conversion rates, redemptions, and ROI.
- Compliance: Ensure opt-in/opt-out features are legally sound.
Best SMS Marketing Software for Restaurants in 2025
1. SimpleLoyalty
Ideal for: Restaurants that want easy loyalty + SMS marketing in one platform.
SimpleLoyalty isn’t just SMS marketing—it’s a full loyalty CRM system built for businesses (prioritizing restaurants and cafes). You can segment your diners, send targeted campaigns, and track exactly how much revenue each SMS brings in.
Key Features:
- Loyalty program integration (points, tiers, rewards)
- Scheduled and triggered SMS campaigns
- Segmentation based on spend, last visit, or birthdays
- Easy redemption tracking via POS (Point of Sale) system
- ROI tracking per campaign
Why Restaurants Love SimpleLoyalty
One local bar runs monthly SMS promos and sees a 3-4% conversion rate every single time. Another cafe offers a free birthday drink via SMS and gets a 12% redemption rate. Talk about a cheat code to reel in customers.
2. Klaviyo
Ideal for: Restaurants with strong e-commerce/delivery arms.
Klaviyo is a heavyweight in email marketing that’s added SMS capabilities. While originally built for online stores, it’s a solid choice for restaurants with Shopify, WooCommerce, or other e-commerce integrations.
Key Features:
- SMS + email marketing in one
- Advanced automation flows (cart abandonment, re-engagement)
- Customer segmentation and behavior tracking
- Strong integration with online ordering systems
Why Restaurants Love Klaviyo
Perfect for restaurants selling meal kits, merch, or offering pre-orders. You can automate follow-ups and upsell without lifting a finger. The only drawback is the pricing can scale quickly as your list grows, and some features feel more retail-focused than restaurant-specific.
3. EZ Texting
Ideal for: Restaurants looking for a straightforward SMS marketing software.
EZ Texting focuses on making SMS campaigns easy to set up and run without a steep learning curve. It’s great for restaurants that want to send promotions, event reminders, or last-minute deals without overcomplicating things.
Key Features:
- Simple campaign creation with ready-made templates
- Contact list segmentation
- Scheduled and recurring message options
- MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) support for sending food photos and menus
Why Restaurants Love EZ Texting
You can get it up running fast, making it ideal for busy restaurant owners. The platform’s MMS capabilities are perfect for showcasing your specials in a visually appetizing way. EZ Texting, however, is better suited for basic campaign needs due to the limited automation features compared to other more advanced platforms.
4. Tatango
Ideal for: High-volume restaurants or chains running large-scale promotions.
Tatango specializes in sending mass SMS campaigns at scale with strong compliance tools. It’s particularly useful for franchises, national chains, or restaurants with big loyalty databases.
Key Features:
- Built for sending millions of messages quickly
- Advanced list segmentation and targeting
- Strong compliance and opt-in management
- Detailed performance analytics
Why Restaurants Love Tatango
Perfect for nationwide promotions, seasonal campaigns, or big launches. Its speed and scalability mean you can reach your entire audience in minutes. Pricing is higher than most, so it’s best to reconsider if you’re running a small restaurant or sending only occasional messages.
5. Attentive
Ideal for: Larger restaurants and multi-location brands.
Attentive is a premium SMS platform with strong personalization features and advanced analytics.
Key Features:
- Triggered and bulk SMS campaigns
- Dynamic personalization based on behavior
- Strong compliance and opt-in tools
- Detailed ROI analytics
Why Restaurants Love Attentive
National chains use Attentive for flash promos and personalized offers that drive instant foot traffic. Again, only consider using Attentive if you have a bigger budget for SMS marketing.
Conclusion
When it comes to SMS marketing for restaurants, each platform brings something to the table. The deciding factor isn’t just sending messages, but sending the right ones that bring diners back.
SimpleLoyalty combines SMS marketing with loyalty rewards and re-engagement tools designed specifically for F&B businesses. Yes, you! This positions SimpleLoyalty a more natural fit for owners who want their marketing to work hand-in-hand with customer retention.
So, before your competitors excel in their SMS marketing advancements, don’t miss out and get started with SimpleLoyalty for your restaurant today!
