Platform Guides
How Restaurants
Use Facebook to Fill Tables
From events to daily specials, Facebook helps restaurants reach locals.
A social media manager ensures campaigns feel fresh every week.
Your Phone is Your Customer's Menu
If you're a restaurant, café, or food truck owner, you've probably noticed how Facebook has become the new word-of-mouth. It's no secret that people live on their phones, and they often check Facebook or Instagram before deciding where to eat.
In fact, almost 90% of diners will peek at a restaurant's social media before choosing to dine. That means your Facebook page can literally influence whether someone walks through your door or keeps scrolling. Pretty wild, right?
The Digital Storefront That Never Closes
The Numbers Don't Lie
Nearly half of U.S. diners have tried a restaurant because of something they saw on social media. Facebook is essentially a digital storefront and community board all in one.
With over 2.9 billion active users on the platform, you have an unparalleled opportunity to get people excited about your menu and ambiance.
The Secret Ingredient
To really make the most of it, you need a plan and consistent effort. That's where having a dedicated social media manager comes in – they help keep your Facebook content fresh, strategic, and consistent week after week.
Why Facebook Matters for Restaurants
59%
Facebook Discovery
Use Facebook the most to find new restaurants – especially older adults who might be your regular lunch crowd
72%
Research First
Research restaurants on social media before visiting
74%
Decision Influence
Say social media helps them decide where to eat
Facebook is hugely popular across age groups for restaurant discovery. It's the modern version of the neighborhood grapevine. When you post mouth-watering photos of today's special or announce a weekend live music night, word spreads fast.
Building
Relationships Beyond the Table
Beyond discovery, Facebook lets you build a relationship with your diners even when they're not in your restaurant. You can showcase your personality, interact with customers, and stay on their mind.
Consider this: 85% of restaurant-goers are likely to share a positive experience online. That means if you give guests something great, many will post about it – effectively doing your marketing for you.

Pro Tip: About 74% of social media followers who engage with a restaurant say they're more likely to visit or order from them. It's like building a fan club for your eatery!
Creative Ways to Attract Diners
Promote Daily Specials
Highlight limited-time offers and create urgency
Showcase New Menu Items
Make followers feel like VIP insiders
Create Facebook Events
Turn your restaurant into a community hub
Share Behind-the-Scenes
Build personal connections with your audience
Feature Customer Content
Let happy diners do the talking for you
Run Interactive Contests
Boost engagement and build community
Strategy #1: Daily Specials That Create Urgency
What to Post
Highlight daily specials or limited-time deals on your Facebook page. Did the chef whip up a unique soup of the day? Post a quick snapshot and tempting description. Is Wednesday half-price wings night? Shout it from the digital rooftops.
Why It Works
Daily specials create urgency and give people a reason to choose you today. It taps into FOMO (fear of missing out) – nobody wants to miss the one-day-only truffle fries or Grandma's secret-recipe casserole.
Making Daily Specials Pop
Post Early
Give folks a heads-up in the morning or before lunch. "Fresh baked apple pie tonight – available until we run out!"
Use Appetizing Photos
A picture of that steaming pie or cheesy pasta will stop the scroll. Visual appeal is king on Facebook.
Create Urgency
Remind people it's for a limited time ("Today only" or "This week's special") to nudge them to act now.
Engage Your Audience
Ask questions like "Which drink pairs best with our BBQ ribs – IPA or sweet tea? 🤔"
Strategy #2: Showcase New Menu Items
Whenever you update your menu, let your Facebook followers be the first to know. Treat it like a mini news scoop. Share a post like, "Sneak peek: We're launching a new spicy mango taco this Friday! 🌮🔥 Who's excited to try it?"
People love being "in the know." By announcing new menu items on Facebook, you make followers feel like VIP insiders. It builds excitement and anticipation – some customers will plan a visit just to try that new dish they saw online.

Facebook Exclusive: "Show us this post and get 10% off the new taco" or "Comment and tell us what you think after you try it."
Strategy #3: Facebook Events That Build Community
What to Create
Don't just tell people what's on the menu – show them what's happening! Host anything from live jazz nights to charity fundraisers or cooking classes. Create a Facebook Event and share posts about it.
  • Live music nights
  • Trivia competitions
  • Wine tastings
  • Cooking classes
  • Holiday celebrations
Facebook Events reach both your followers and their friends. When someone clicks "Interested" or "Going," it shows up to others, generating organic buzz.
Strategy #4: Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Take your followers on a little field trip behind the scenes. Share short videos of your chef expertly flipping pans, photos of the team prepping for dinner rush, or heartfelt posts introducing staff members.
People eat with their eyes, but they also love a good story. Showing what happens behind the curtain makes your audience feel like insiders and builds personal connections.
Strategy #5: Customer Content is Gold
Let your happy customers do some of the talking for you. Share user-generated content like photos, testimonials, and reviews. Did a customer post an Instagram photo of your sushi platter with "Best sushi ever!"? Share it with permission and credit.
85%
Share Positive Experiences
Of diners are likely to share positive experiences online
74%
Use Social for Decisions
Have used Facebook to decide where to eat based on others' posts
Strategy #6: Interactive Contests That Engage
Get people directly involved with contests and interactive posts. Try a "Free Dessert Contest" where anyone who comments their favorite memory gets entered to win. Or run polls: "Which should we add next: spicy shrimp tacos or loaded veggie nachos?"
Quick Tips for Success
  • Keep rules simple: "Like and comment your favorite menu item"
  • Offer exciting prizes: Free meals, discounts, or branded merch
  • Highlight winners: Share entries and announce results
  • Be responsive: React to comments and thank participants
Why You Need a Social Media Manager
All these ideas sound great, but who has the time? You're already up to your ears in work running a restaurant! That's exactly why many owners hand over the social media reins to a pro – even a part-time freelancer can be a game-changer.
The truth is, on social media, out of sight means out of mind. If you go weeks without posting, people forget about you. A general rule of thumb is posting at least 2-3 times per week to maintain engagement.
What a Social Media Manager Brings
Consistency
Regular posting schedule with content calendar planning weeks ahead. No more scrambling to think "what do I post today?"
Fresh Ideas
Creative campaigns, trending content, and strategic seasonal promotions. They live and breathe social media trends.
Engagement
Prompt responses to comments and messages. 43% of people expect restaurants to respond on social media.
Analytics
Data-informed approach using insights to optimize posting times, content types, and audience reach.
Finding Your Perfect Social Media Partner
01
Look for Restaurant Experience
Find someone who has handled social media for restaurants or hospitality. They understand food timing, visual appeal, and industry quirks.
02
Check Their Content Style
Browse their profiles to see writing style and visual approach. Make sure it aligns with your brand's vibe – upscale or casual and funky.
03
Read Reviews & References
Check marketplace reviews or ask for references from other restaurant owners. Communication and results matter most.
04
Discuss Strategy & Ideas
Ask what they'd do for your page. Do they mention content planning, Facebook insights, targeted local ads, or showcasing specific offerings?
05
Clarify Scope of Work
Be clear on expectations: posts per week, comment responses, graphic creation, photography needs, and communication schedule.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Let's set some realistic expectations. A social media manager isn't a magic wand that instantly doubles your revenue overnight. Here's what you can reasonably expect with consistent Facebook strategy:
Short-term Wins
(1-3 months)
  • More polished, active online presence
  • Steady growth in followers and engagement
  • Better foot traffic on promo days
  • Stronger customer relationships
Long-term Growth
(3+ months)
  • Consistent new customer acquisition
  • Improved reservation and pickup rates
  • Higher event attendance
  • Valuable customer insights and feedback
Success Stories You Can Measure
1
Week 1-4: Foundation
Page looks professional and active. Quality photos, regular posting, timely responses build credibility with the 68% who check social before visiting.
2
Month 2-3: Engagement
Posts getting more likes and comments. Customers mention "I saw on Facebook" when visiting. Event promotions drive noticeable bumps in attendance.
3
Month 4-6: Community
Regular customer interactions, user-generated content, valuable feedback. Social media insights guide menu and marketing decisions.
4
Long-term: Growth
Cumulative effect on sales, reservations, and customer loyalty. Social media becomes integral part of restaurant's marketing ecosystem.
Your Recipe for Facebook Success
From posting about daily specials to sharing behind-the-scenes laughs, there are so many ways Facebook can help fill your restaurant's tables. The common thread is being genuine, engaging, and consistent.
Think of your Facebook page as an extension of your hospitality – it's where you greet people, tell stories, and show them why they'll love dining with you. And just like in your restaurant, having the right team makes all the difference.
Whether you DIY or bring in a pro, the key is staying active and authentic. Your passion for your food and community is your biggest asset – Facebook is just the megaphone.
Ready to Fill Those Tables?
So go ahead and give your restaurant the spotlight it deserves online. I'm willing to bet you'll start seeing more familiar faces (and lots of new ones) walking in, saying, "Hey, I saw on Facebook that…"
And that, my friend, is the sweet sound of social media doing its job. Happy posting, and even happier hosting!

Need help getting started? Consider working with a social media professional who understands the restaurant industry and can keep your campaigns fresh, strategic, and consistent week after week.