34 Restaurant Email Marketing Subject Lines that Convert

September 8, 2023 5 min
Author
Senior Content Manager at Eat App
Reviewed by
Co-founder and CEO of Eat App

Do you send emails to the customers of your restaurant but find that only a few of them have been opened?

That could be connected to the topic lines you're employing. As the email's "hook," the subject line needs to have at least one thing that will draw the reader in.

  • "The subject line is the most important part of your email. It's the first thing your customers will see, and it will determine whether they open your email or not,” says Elana Kroon, Eat App Senior Content Manager

This might be a humorous comment, a statement that conveys urgency, or, most frequently, a benefit they will receive if they read the email.

In this post, we show you how to create subject lines for restaurant emails that work and give samples of effective subject lines for a range of themes and situations.

Key Takeaways

  • The subject line is the most important part of an email marketing campaign.
  • Use clear, concise, and attention-grabbing subject lines.
  • Use strong verbs, urgency, questions, humor, and personalization.
  • Use specific details and keep the subject line short.
  • Avoid all caps and exclamation points.
  • Proofread your subject line carefully.

Restaurant subject lines to increase open rates

Your emails' subject lines should be their main focus. They are what customers notice initially. They decide whether the user will open the email or leave it unopened in their inbox.

You must develop your ability to compose inventive subject lines for any circumstance if you want to create emails that convert. We examine several effective restaurant email subject line examples and their rationale below.

TIP: Utilizing an email marketing solution like Eat App, MailChimp, or Stripo makes it simpler to build and distribute customized restaurant emails to whole contacts.

Start by choosing one of the predefined email templates from the library, then simply add your content and images.

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1. Email subject lines for restaurant event invites

If your restaurant routinely has events, it would be a pity not to contact customers about them. The name or description of the event you are inviting clients to should always be in the subject line; otherwise, most won't bother to open it.

In order to encourage folks to check it out, attempt to add a feeling of urgency and exclusivity to the invitation. Here are some sample restaurant events and party subject lines.

  • [Name of event]: Don't miss out on the excitement
  • You’re invited to [event name] – FREE drinks on us
  • Nearly sold out! Book a table at [event name]
  • 3-days to [event name]. See you there!
  • Save the date: [event name, date]

Email subject lines for restaurant event invites

2. Promotional email subject lines for restaurants

It's usually sufficient to let the bargain speak for itself when you're trying to lure people with a special offer or a discount. People will rush at the chance to take advantage of it if it’s sufficiently alluring.

It's crucial to emphasize that the offer is time-limited and that customers must act quickly in order to take advantage of it.

Consider using these email subject lines to promote your business.

  • [Offer]: 1-day left to claim this
  • Only this V-Day: [offer] at [restaurant name]
  • [Discount] only on X-Mas Day
  • Surprise gift from [restaurant name]
  • 15% off new [menu item] today
  • Forgot to make a reservation? 10% off
  • Happy birthday! Free dessert
  • [Menu item] deals!
  • Claim your [deal] now
  • Happy hours start Friday 2 pm
  • Kids eat free on Sundays at [restaurant name]

Related content: 5 Simple Restaurant Email Marketing Strategies

3. Subject lines for restaurant win-back emails

It's a good idea to sometimes check in with subscribers who haven't been active recently.

Imagine that they used to interact with your restaurant regularly but are no longer opening your emails, clicking your CTAs, using your online ordering system, or otherwise.

Before you completely lose them, rekindle your relationship with them by sending them a win-back email.

Let's take a look at a few topic lines from restaurants that might bring them back.

  • We miss you! 10% off your next visit.
  • Don't miss out on our [deal]! Claim it now.
  • Let's catch up! Dinner for us at [restaurant name] on [date].
  • Long time no see! Still interested in our [deal]?
  • [Discount] on [menu item]! Don't miss out.

4. Email subject lines for closed restaurants

Not every communication from a restaurant must be promotional. You may occasionally only wish to inform your clients of news or announcements that they might find interesting.

An illustration would be if your restaurant was closed for the holidays or for any other reason.Email subject lines for closed restaurants

Although the subject may not be as open to creativity as the others, that doesn't mean you can't make your subject line humorous or odd.

Check out these restaurant email subject lines to use when your business is shutting.

  • We're reopening on [date]
  • We're taking a break until [date]
  • Merry Christmas! We'll be back on [date]
  • We’re on a BREAK! See you on [date]
  • We'll miss you! See you again on [date]
  • We're reopening our doors on [date]
  • We'll miss you! See you again soon.

5. Subject lines for restaurant newsletters

Do you often email newsletters to customers of your restaurant? As you are aware, the subjects change from month to month (or week to week).

Let's imagine you want to inform consumers about recent additions, such as food delivery and pickup or a dine-in QR code restaurant menu. Or perhaps you'd like to inform them of your latest health and safety policies.

The secret is to make the subject stand out in their inbox so they don't skim over it.

  • Easy delivery! Order online.
  • [NEW] QR code menu now available.
  • Learn to cook with us on YouTube!
  • September deals: Don't miss out!
  • WIN dinner for two!
  • Follow us for exclusive DEALS.

Related content: Tips for Restaurant Reservation Confirmation Emails

Subject lines for restaurant newsletters

How to create a catchy subject line for a restaurant email

Although it's not complicated, having a few techniques under your sleeve may help you double or treble your open rates.

1. Utilize keywords

People might not finish reading the subject line if they reach the middle and don't see anything that piques their curiosity.

However, if you start off with strong words, that may alter. Don't leave it till the very end of the subject line, for instance, if the email's goal is to provide a bargain.

2. Give specifics

Expect the user not to open the email to see what you are talking about, unless you want to create a sense of surprise. If not, state the subject line of the email right away.

3. Engage in inquiry

By posing a query to the recipients of your email, you may make it stand out. Compared to a basic statement, that is more attention-grabbing and could captivate their interest.

4. Make jokes

Puns and other witticisms are more than welcome but aren't always appropriate for email subject lines for restaurants.

Find out if the issue might benefit from some humor by scanning the room beforehand. Better to avoid anything if it's hit-or-miss.

Take the best restaurant subject line for an email

By bringing in new customers, maintaining current loyalty, and raising conversions, email marketing is a quick and simple approach to expanding your restaurant business.

So give it a try if you want to discover how to advertise your restaurant online and increase sales.

However, in order to achieve so, you need well-prepared restaurant subject lines that communicate your message and encourage the email receiver to click on it in order to read more.

We hope the advice on how to create compelling subject lines for restaurant email messages as well as the samples customized for various scenarios have given you the motivation you require to begin creating your own successful restaurant emails.

FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

What’s a great example of a subject line?

Here are some excellent examples of catchy sales email subject lines: 20% off your first purchase is a limited-time deal. "This is our biggest sale of the year; don't miss it!" The phrase "Sneak peek: Introducing our Newest Product Line".

What’s considered a professional subject line?

It should provide the receiver with a clear understanding of the email's subject matter and entice them to open it. For instance, the subject line "Meeting Request: Project Update Discussion" is formal and straightforward.

Which subject line communicates the idea the clearest?

The prevalence of the pronouns "We" and "You/Your" demonstrates that, when used effectively, subject lines that address the reader are more likely to elicit a reaction. Pronouns are a shortcut to customization, on the one hand. Linguists claim that they represent connections.

Contents

Author

Senior Content Manager at Eat App

Elana Kroon used to work in restaurants before becoming a journalist and expert restaurant industry content creator at Eat App.

Reviewed by

Nezar Kadhem

Nezar Kadhem

Co-founder and CEO of Eat App

He is a regular speaker and panelist at industry events, contributing on topics such as digital transformation in the hospitality industry, revenue channel optimization and dine-in experience.

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