How Restaurants Can Use Influencers to Fill Empty Tables
Restaurants can use local influencers to drive traffic by offering free meals, hosting tasting nights, or partnering on special events. The goal is to get creators to share authentic experiences that encourage their audience to make a reservation or visit.
Why Influencer Marketing Works for Restaurants
Food is visual. Photos and videos of dishes naturally perform well on social media.
Dining is social. People love to share new places with friends.
Local focus. Restaurant success depends on nearby customers—exactly who local influencers reach.
Strategies for Restaurants
-
Pick a few creators who post about food and lifestyle in your area. Ask them to come in for dinner and share their honest experience.
-
Bring 5–10 influencers together for a tasting night. Provide samples of your best dishes and let them capture the experience.
-
Have a local influencer be the “first to try” your new dish, cocktail, or dessert.
-
Example: “Pumpkin Spice Week” or “Summer Margarita Series.” Partner with creators to generate buzz.
-
Offer a free appetizer or dessert to customers who tag your restaurant. Influencers will model this behavior.
Pro Tips
Work with micro-creators who live nearby.
Repost influencer content on your restaurant’s account.
Track traffic by asking new customers how they heard about you.
Example Campaign
Restaurant: Italian Bistro in Austin
Goal: Fill tables on weeknights
Influencer Partnership: 3 local food bloggers invited for a pasta night
Result: 40% increase in weeknight reservations the following week
Influencer marketing is one of the fastest ways for restaurants to fill empty tables. By creating authentic, shareable moments, you can turn local creators into your most powerful promoters.
Seedly makes it easy to connect with foodies and lifestyle creators in your area. Post your first restaurant campaign today and start filling tables.
