40+ ChatGPT Ideas for Restaurants
These days, everyone seems to be talking about AI and how to use it with free tools like ChatGPT. The most common uses of this chatbot include answering questions or creative writing. Recently, restaurant owners have become aware that ChatGPT can also benefit their business in many ways.
In this article, you'll learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how your restaurant can benefit from it for free. You'll also find 46 ChatGPT prompt ideas that you can use for promotions, menus, social media, recruitment, and more.
We’ll cover:
- What is ChatGPT?
- How to use ChatGPT
- 40+ ChatGPT prompt ideas for restaurants
- The downsides of using ChatGPT
How to use ChatGPT
Using ChatGPT is quite simple. First, visit the OpenAI platform. Log in to your existing account, or create a new account for free. You will see a chat-like interface that allows you to type, just like with WhatsApp or text messages.
Type your prompt or question in the text bar, and press Enter to send it. ChatGPT will process your input and create a response based on the prompt you entered.
If you want to continue the conversation, you can enter more prompts or questions based on the generated response. This enables dynamic back-and-forth interaction.
What is a ChatGPT prompt?
You will notice that the term “prompt” comes up very often when we talk about ChatGPT.
A ChatGPT prompt is what you type in to get a response. For ChatGPT, a prompt is an instruction to help the system understand what answer you are looking for. It can be a sentence, a question, or even a paragraph.
To get an accurate answer, you should make your prompt as clear and specific as possible. This means clearly stating what information or answer you are looking for.
Think about it. There’s a big difference between typing “Write a menu description for a pulled pork sandwich.” and "Write a menu description of about 200 characters for a pulled pork sandwich with artisan bread, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce."
While there’s no specific formula for the perfect ChatGPT prompt, you can stick to a general structure. To increase the likelihood of getting relevant responses, ChatGPT itself recommends the following:
[Introduction/Context] + [Specific request/question] + [Additional details/parameters, if applicable]
If the initial response does not meet your expectations, you can repeat and refine your request. Experiment with different wording, rephrase the question, or add more context until you get the result you want.
You can also ask ChatGPT to create a new answer to the same question by clicking the “Regenerate response” button.
How to use ChatGPT in your restaurant (with prompts!)
Now that you know how ChatGPT works, how exactly can you use it to support your restaurant?
Let’s find out how restaurant owners can use ChatGPT to make their lives easier. We’ll also show you 40+ ready-to-use prompts to get your journey started right away!
Write social media posts
You already know that it’s important for your restaurant to maintain an active presence on social channels with engaging content. You can use ChatGPT to help with that!
If you’re looking for inspiration, ChatGPT can help you create a content calendar for each of your social media platforms. This can contain specific content ideas and even publishing dates.
ChatGPT can also help you write social media post captions to save you time and effort. Even if you need to customize the text to fit your brand’s unique voice, it gives you a great start.
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for social media:
- Create a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] social media content calendar for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant for [PERIOD OF TIME]
- Create a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] social media content calendar for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant with [NUMBER OF POSTS NEEDED] posts featuring the following products: [MENU ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]
- Write a [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post about our new menu item [MENU ITEM NAME], which includes [LIST INGREDIENTS HERE] and invites people to try it
- Write [NUMBER OF POSTS NEEDED] [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post ideas for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant that wants to promote [MENU ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]
- Write a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post explaining our [HOLIDAY] menu specials: [HOLIDAY MENU SPECIALS]
- Give me [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] ideas to promote [MENU ITEM OR EVENT] at our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant
Pro-tip: Remember that you can continue the conversation after your first prompt. Simply enter more questions based on the generated response (Can you make it shorter? Can you add 3 hashtags for this post?, etc.).
Write and reply to emails
How much time do you spend looking through your inbox? ChatGPT can help you write email responses and answer inquiries about reservations or special requests. It can even compose an email to your suppliers asking for better prices!
Regardless of the email you’re trying to answer, ChatGPT can create well-written responses for restaurant customers, suppliers, employees and more.
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing and replying to emails:
- Write an email to a restaurant customer confirming their reservation for [RESERVATION DATE] at [RESERVATION TIME]. Include these instructions: [RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS].
- Write an email to a customer who recently dined at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME], expressing gratitude for their visit and requesting feedback on their experience.
- Write an email to promote our restaurant’s new menu which highlights [MENU ITEMS].
- Write an email to a restaurant [INGREDIENTS] supplier requesting updated pricing and availability. Inquire about any bulk discounts or special offers.
- Write an email to a restaurant [INGREDIENTS] supplier to negotiate [BETTER PRICING / PAYMENT TERMS / DELIVERY SCHEDULE]. Clearly outline requirements and explain the potential benefits of the proposed changes.
- Write an email response for customers that ask them about our restaurant’s opening hours: [INCLUDE HOURS]
Answer customer reviews
Did you know that customers who write a review expect to receive a response within a day?
Your restaurant needs to respond to every review, positive or negative, in a timely manner. A thoughtful response builds trust and rapport with your customers, and shows that you truly care about their experience. It also gives you the opportunity to shape your restaurant's image by highlighting your strengths as a business.
We know you have a lot of work to do, so ChatGPT can help!
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for answering to customer reviews:
- Write a review response to a customer who left a glowing review about their dining experience at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Express your gratitude and invite them to visit again soon.
- Compose a review response to a customer who expressed dissatisfaction with their visit to our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Apologize for their negative experience, assure them that their feedback is valued, and offer a solution or invitation to discuss the matter offline.
- Craft a review response to a customer who provided constructive criticism in their review of our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Thank them for their valuable feedback, acknowledge their suggestions, and explain how you plan to address the areas they mentioned. Here is their review: [PASTE CUSTOMER REVIEW TEXT HERE]
- Compose a review response to a customer who raised a complaint about [COMPLAINT TYPE] at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Apologize for the inconvenience caused, and offer them [INCLUDE WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO OFFER]
Create job descriptions and interview questions
With the restaurant industry’s ongoing staffing shortage, you likely spend plenty of time hiring new employees and building great teams. Why not create compelling job descriptions and interview questions for your restaurant with ChatGPT? Every restaurant has its own needs and culture, but this can be a great starting point to save you time.
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing job descriptions and interview questions:
- Write a job description for a [POSITION NAME] at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. Include these responsibilities: [LIST OF RESPONSIBILITIES]
- Generate a list of interview questions to assess the skills and experience of a restaurant [POSITION NAME] candidate. Include questions about [SPECIFIC TOPICS YOU’D LIKE TO ADDRESS].
- Create a list of [NUMBER] questions that you’d ask at an interview for a [POSITION NAME] candidate at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant.
- I want you to read a job description I will send you. You will then write a short outreach email trying to engage a candidate.
- Write an empathetic candidate rejection email for a [POSITION NAME] at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant.
Provide menu item ideas
We know that no one can put together a menu better than you and your team. Everyone needs a little outside inspiration sometimes, though!
Use ChatGPT's creativity to come up with unique menu ideas for special events or seasonal promotions. This will create an exciting dining experience at your restaurant!
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for menu item ideas:
- We’re planning a special menu item for [EVENT] for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. Can you provide us with some innovative dishes that capture the essence of [EVENT]? We’re interested in incorporating [INGREDIENTS].
- We have a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. We want to create a special menu for the upcoming holiday season which includes festive and indulgent dishes. We’re looking for traditional favorites in [COUNTRY] with a unique twist.
- Create 5 ideas for a [CUISINE] dish containing [INGREDIENT] and [INGREDIENT].
- We're a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant aiming to expand our offerings for vegan and vegetarian customers. Can you suggest [NUMBER] plant-based dishes?
- We want to create a special menu item to celebrate [FOOD HOLIDAY]. Can you provide [NUMBER] [DISH TYPE] options including [FOOD BEING CELEBRATED]?
Write menu item descriptions
Did you know that eaters are 45% more likely to select a menu item that has a description? Or that well-written descriptions can increase restaurant sales by up to 30%?
Whether you want to introduce new menu items or revamp your current descriptions, ChatGPT can help!
You may need to adjust what you’d like added and where, but editing descriptions is easier than writing them alone. Consider how your menu will be presented in print, on social media, through a direct ordering page, and so on.
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing menu item descriptions:
- Write a menu description for a [ITEM NAME].
- Write a menu description of about [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] for a [ITEM NAME] with [INGREDIENTS].
- Write a [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] description for a [ITEM NAME] intended to go on [FOOD DELIVERY APP].
- Craft a mouthwatering menu description for the launch of our [ITEM NAME] on [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME].
Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to include key ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques! Add unique elements and presentation details in your prompts to create enticing menu item descriptions, too.
Write copy for ads
Crafting copy for restaurant ads is one area where ChatGPT can save you a lot of time! Think about it: ad copy has a lot of parameters, and ChatGPT thrives on these specifications. Try it for paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google!
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing ad copy:
- Suggest some creative images, headlines, and descriptions for [AD PLATFORM] ads. We’re a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]. We sell [SPECIALTY].
- Create 3 short ad copies for a [HOLIDAY OR EVENT] promotion. We’re offering [PROMOTION TYPE] at our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME].
- Generate a [NUMBER] word ad to promote my [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant on [AD PLATFORM].
- Write 3 [AD PLATFORM] ad headlines and descriptions for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME].
Come up with ideas for promotions
It’s no secret – promotions drive delivery sales! We all know the classics: discounts, no delivery fees, two-for-ones and so on. Use ChatGPT to come up with even more creative promotional ideas for your restaurant!
From ideas for full marketing campaigns to specific types of promotions, let ChatGPT give it a first try.
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for promotion ideas:
- Give me [NUMBER] [HOLIDAY] promotion ideas for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] to run on delivery apps.
- Create a promotion for our restaurant's upcoming limited-time offer. We're introducing a new dish to our menu, [MENU ITEM NAME], and want to entice customers to try it. Craft a compelling message that highlights the item’s unique flavors. Offer a special discount or incentive to create a sense of urgency. [ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT YOUR MENU ITEM]
- Create a promotion strategy for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant in [CITY].
- Create a buyer persona for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant in [CITY]. We’re targeting [DEMOGRAPHIC(S)].
- Develop a strategy for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant loyalty program.
- Create a persuasive promotion to kickstart our restaurant's referral program. We want to encourage customers to refer their friends and family to dine with us. Develop a message that emphasizes the benefits of the program, like exclusive rewards, discounts, or complimentary items. Incentivize customers to spread the word about our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant.
Write copy for your restaurant’s website
Your restaurant's website is the digital face of your business. Optimizing it for search engines is key to increasing traffic and online visibility.
ChatGPT can help you write and optimize your restaurant's website copy. It will suggest relevant keywords, create meta descriptions, and improve your overall content structure for better search engine rankings.
ChatGPT can also help you write blog posts, descriptions, FAQ pages and much more!
Examples of ChatGPT prompts for website copy:
- Assist us in crafting a compelling “About Us” page that captures the essence of our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]. We want to share our story, values, and commitment to exceptional dining experiences. Help us create a narrative that communicates the passion and expertise behind our culinary offerings.
- We want to optimize our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant reservation page to encourage more bookings. Provide clear and concise instructions, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Include persuasive messaging that emphasizes the convenience, ambiance, and exceptional dining moments that await our guests.
- Create an outline for a post about [TOPIC] on our restaurant’s blog.
- Create an informative FAQ section for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant website. We want to provide our customers with answers to common questions about our restaurant and services. Please generate a list of questions related to reservations, menu options, dietary restrictions, and special events. Each question should be followed by a concise and helpful response.
- Identify SEO-friendly keywords for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] in [CITY].
The downsides of using ChatGPT for your restaurant
While ChatGPT technology offers many advantages for restaurants, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.
First of all, it's important to know it won't always give you the most up-to-date information. ChatGPT training only goes up until September 2021, so it won't have the latest news or updates. If you rely on it for current information (like food trends or research), check with reliable sources to stay up-to-date.
Also, keep in mind that ChatGPT learns from data patterns, so it may sometimes give you wrong or misleading answers. It's always a good idea to check the information you receive from ChatGPT for accuracy.
ChatGPT presents an incredible opportunity for restaurants to harness the power of AI. With limited financial and human resources, restaurant owners rely on innovation to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Through its ability to generate creative, engaging content, ChatGPT can help your restaurant with promotions, menu ideas, recruitment, and more!
