Introduction
Let’s be honest—most restaurant social media feeds look the same. Another burger shot. Another “come try our special” post. Another blurry cocktail.
And what happens? People scroll right past.
But here’s the good news: your feed doesn’t have to be boring. Social media can be the engine that drives more butts in seats—if you know how to use it.
Here are 6 proven ways to make your content stand out and actually get guests excited to visit.
1. Show the People Behind the Plates
Food looks great, but faces sell.
Guests don’t just want to see what they’re eating—they want to know who’s making it.
- Introduce your chef in a quick video.
- Have your bartender walk through their favorite drink.
- Share a “day in the life” of a server or even the dishwasher.
This builds trust and connection. Suddenly, your restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s people your guests can root for.
👉 Pro Tip: Shoot short vertical videos (15–30 seconds). Keep them raw and real.
2. Tell Stories, Not Just Specials
Here’s the truth: nobody falls in love with menus. They fall in love with moments.
According to the Harvard Business Review, storytelling can be 22 times more memorable than facts or product pitches.
What’s the story behind your most popular dish?
Why did you open your restaurant in the first place?
Do you have a couple who’s celebrated every anniversary with you?
These are the posts people remember—and share.
👉 Pro Tip: Create a recurring series like “Dish Diaries” or “Chef’s Notes.” Consistency builds anticipation.
3. Lean Into Trends—But Make Them Yours
TikTok and Instagram trends blow up overnight, but the secret is putting your spin on them.
- Pizza spot? Try a trending audio while tossing dough.
- Cocktail bar? Put your own twist on a viral drink.
- BBQ joint? Show your pitmaster slicing brisket with trending sounds in the background.
Trends get you attention. Your brand personality keeps people sticking around.
👉 Pro Tip: Spend 10 minutes a day scrolling Reels or TikTok. Save trending audio and record your spin before it goes stale.
4. Engage Guests With Interactive Content
Don’t just broadcast—spark conversations.
Social media is a two-way street, and when people feel involved, they engage more.
Try:
- Polls on Instagram Stories (“Margarita Monday or Taco Tuesday?”).
- Caption contests.
- “This or That” posts with menu items.
- Sharing guest photos (UGC) that tag your restaurant.
Fun fact: brands that use UGC see 28% higher engagement on average.
👉 Pro Tip: Create a branded hashtag and highlight one guest post every week.
5. Create Shareable, Scroll-Stopping Moments
Want free marketing? Give people something they have to post.
This could be:
- A milkshake stacked with cookies and candy.
- A sizzling fajita platter that smokes up the dining room.
- Seasonal decor that doubles as a selfie backdrop.
When guests pull out their phones, your reach multiplies without you spending a dime.
👉 Pro Tip: Train your staff to prompt these moments with a simple line like: “You’ll want to record this!”
6. Actionable Tips to Keep Content Fresh
Alright, let’s get practical. Here’s how to keep your content machine humming without burning out:
- Batch shoot once a month. Capture tons of photos and videos in one afternoon.
- Rotate 4–5 content pillars. People, food, stories, guests, events.
- Write captions that sound human. Like you’re texting a friend, not writing an ad.
- Check analytics weekly. Double down on what works, cut what doesn’t.
- Use scheduling tools. Later, Buffer, or Meta’s free suite keep you consistent.
👉 Pro Tip: Perfection doesn’t win—consistency does. Show up regularly and you’ll stay top of mind.
Remember: Boring Feeds Don’t Build Brands
You don’t need Hollywood-level videos or a huge budget to win on social. You just need to stop posting like every other restaurant and start creating content that connects.
Show your people. Share your stories. Ride trends your way. Make it interactive. Create unforgettable moments. And then keep showing up.
That’s how you turn scrollers into followers—and followers into paying guests.
Use This Tool To Help You Create Better Content:
Want a shortcut to creating scroll-stopping posts that drive real sales?
👉 Try our Social Media Post Generator Tool today. In seconds, you’ll have posts that actually grab attention and bring more guests through your doors—without the stress of starting from scratch. 🚀
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