Steve Gouws VO

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Personalised Phone Messages for Restaurants

Creating a great dining experience is about more than just tasty food and good service - how you handle customer calls matters too! Customised phone messages are key to making a positive impression. Let's dive into why they matter and look at some examples.

Information and After Hours Messages
These messages keep your customers in the loop with crucial details. A good message might look like this:

  • Operating Hours: "Hi there. You've reached Ronnie’s Restaurant. We're closed right now, but we're open Monday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Thanks for calling.”

  • Reservation Info: If your restaurant takes reservations, say how customers can make them. For example: "Press 1 to make a reservation."

  • Delivery Options: If your restaurant offers delivery or take-away, give information on how customers can place their orders. For example:"Press 2 for delivery orders."


On-Hold and Welcome Messages
First impressions count, so make sure the welcome and on-hold messages are friendly and professional.

  • On-Hold Message: "Thanks for calling Ronnie’s Restaurant. We're eager to serve you an amazing meal! Please hold for a moment; our team will be with you shortly. Meanwhile, check out our menu at Ronniesrestaurant.com.”

  • Welcome Message: "Welcome to Ronnie’s Restaurant, where every meal is a flavour celebration. For reservations, press 1; for take-away, press 2; or stay on the line for the manager."


Themed Messages for Special Occasions
Add a festive touch with themed messages for special occasions:

  • Easter: "Easter is almost here, and we have special dishes to make it even better. For our Easter menus and hours, press 3."

  • Christmas: "Happy holidays from Ronnie’s Restaurant! We're here to celebrate with you. For our special Christmas menus, press 4."

  • New Year: "Excited for the New Year? We are too! Discover our New Year's specials by pressing 5."

Tips for Creating Effective Customised Messages

  • Keep it Brief: Be concise.

  • Be Clear: Use simple language.

  • Reflect Your Brand: Let your restaurant's personality shine through.

  • Update Regularly: Keep your messages current, especially for seasonal or holiday content.

  • Know Your Audience: Tailor your messages to your customers.

  • Include Call-to-Action: Encourage specific actions like making a reservation or checking the website.


Importance of Voice and Tone
The voice and tone of your messages should match your brand and appeal to your audience. A casual, friendly tone might suit a family restaurant, while a more formal tone could be better for an upscale place. Consider using a professional voice actor to ensure a polished and consistent sound.

Measuring Effectiveness
In short, customised phone messages are crucial for great customer service. They help make a good first impression, keep customers informed, and enhance the overall restaurant experience. By crafting thoughtful, brand-appropriate messages for various situations, you can make every customer interaction memorable - even before they walk through the door or take their first bite.