Best Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
A clear host training process helps restaurants manage greetings, waitlists, reservations, seating decisions, and guest communication more consistently.
Apr 15, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Discover how restaurants can adapt to rising costs due to tariffs and immigration restrictions while innovating menu offerings.
Photo by piotr szulawski on Unsplash
Restaurants are facing the challenge of higher costs in 2025 due to a combination of tariffs on imported goods from countries like Mexico, Canada, and potentially China. These tariffs can lead to increased prices for essential commodities, impacting the overall cost of running a restaurant. Additionally, immigration restrictions can drive up labor costs, making it more challenging for restaurants to manage their operational expenses.
Photo by piotr szulawski on Unsplash
In light of these challenges, restaurant owners need to implement effective cost management strategies. This may include optimizing inventory management to reduce wastage, renegotiating supplier contracts to secure better deals, and exploring technology solutions that streamline operations and improve efficiency. By closely monitoring expenses and identifying areas for savings, restaurants can mitigate the impact of rising costs.
To attract and retain customers amidst higher costs, restaurants can focus on menu innovation. One trend that has emerged is the incorporation of omakase-style menus in non-Japanese restaurants. Originally a concept in high-end Japanese dining, omakase allows chefs to create personalized multi-course menus, surprising and delighting guests. By offering unique dining experiences, restaurants can differentiate themselves and justify potential price adjustments.