Social media is one of the most powerful tools for restaurants, and Instagram Stories is a feature that many businesses still underuse. Unlike regular posts, Stories disappear in 24 hours, making them a great way to share real-time updates, limited-time promotions, and behind-the-scenes content that keeps customers engaged.
With more than 500 million people using Instagram Stories daily, restaurants that leverage this feature can increase brand awareness, boost reservations, and drive more foot traffic. Here’s how to make the most of Instagram Stories for your restaurant.
1. Share Daily Specials and Limited-Time Offers
Customers love seeing fresh content, and Instagram Stories are perfect for sharing daily specials and exclusive deals that aren’t on the regular menu. Since Stories disappear after 24 hours, they create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to act fast.
What to Post:
- A quick video of the chef introducing the special of the day
- A photo of a happy hour deal with the timing and price
- A limited-time promo code for takeout or delivery
Pro Tip: Use the Countdown Sticker on Instagram Stories to create excitement for upcoming specials or promotions.
2. Show Behind-the-Scenes Moments
People love authentic, unpolished content that gives them a glimpse of what happens behind the kitchen doors. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments makes your restaurant feel more personal and relatable.
What to Post:
- A short clip of your chefs preparing a dish
- A time-lapse of your team setting up the restaurant before opening
- Fun staff moments that show the energy and personality of your business
Pro Tip: Use Poll Stickers to ask customers which dish they want to see on the menu next.
3. Use Interactive Features to Engage Customers
Instagram Stories come with interactive stickers and tools that help restaurants engage with their audience in real time. The more engagement you get, the more Instagram’s algorithm pushes your content to new potential customers.
How to Use Interactive Features:
✔ Polls – Ask customers to vote between two menu items or specials
✔ Questions – Let customers ask about your menu, ingredients, or events
✔ Quizzes – Test their knowledge about your restaurant’s history or dishes
✔ DM Sticker – Encourage followers to send direct messages for reservations or event bookings
Pro Tip: Use the "Add Yours" Sticker to start a trend, like "Show us your favorite dish from our restaurant."
4. Feature User-Generated Content
Your customers are already taking photos of their meals and tagging your restaurant—so why not showcase them? Reposting user-generated content (UGC) builds credibility and encourages more customers to share their dining experience.
How to Feature UGC in Stories:
- Repost customer photos of your food and thank them for visiting
- Share customer testimonials or positive reviews
- Ask diners to tag your restaurant in their posts for a chance to be featured
Pro Tip: Create a custom hashtag for your restaurant (e.g., #EatAt[YourRestaurantName]) and encourage customers to use it.
5. Promote Events and Special Nights
If your restaurant hosts theme nights, live music, chef’s table experiences, or seasonal events, Instagram Stories is a great way to spread the word.
What to Post:
- Event announcements with details and how to RSVP
- Live clips from past events to build excitement
- Countdown timers leading up to the big night
Pro Tip: Use the "Swipe Up" or "Link Sticker" to direct customers to an event booking page.
6. Highlight Your Best Stories with Instagram Story Highlights
Unlike regular Stories, Story Highlights stay on your profile indefinitely. This is the best place to keep important information, so new visitors can easily access it anytime.
Essential Story Highlight Categories for Restaurants:
📌 Menu – A digital version of your food and drink menu
📌 Specials – Ongoing deals, happy hours, and seasonal promotions
📌 Reviews – Customer testimonials and positive feedback
📌 Behind the Scenes – Clips of the kitchen, food prep, and staff moments
📌 Events – Highlights from past events and upcoming promotions
Pro Tip: Use branded cover icons for Highlights to give your profile a clean and organized look.
Final Thoughts
Instagram Stories is an easy, effective, and free way for restaurants to connect with customers, promote specials, and showcase their food in an engaging way. By posting daily specials, behind-the-scenes content, interactive polls, and user-generated photos, you can turn your social media followers into loyal diners.
If your restaurant isn’t using Instagram Stories yet, now is the time to start. Try some of these strategies and see what works best for your audience.
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