Turn daily specials into a 60-second WhatsApp broadcast

You cook something brilliant today — a slow-braised short rib, a catch-of-the-day special, a dessert that won't last past 7 pm. And then… half your tables don't know it exists. Your regulars are sitting at home deciding where to go, with no idea you've got exactly what they want tonight.

A WhatsApp broadcast to your customer list fixes this. It takes 60 seconds to send, costs nothing, and reaches people on the one app they actually check. Here's how to make it work properly.

1. Build your broadcast list before you need it

The broadcast only works if you have numbers to send it to. Start collecting them now — not someday.

• Put a small sign on each table: "Get today's specials on WhatsApp. Save our number and send us a hi."
• Train your front-of-house to mention it when handing over the bill.
• Add your WhatsApp number to your Google Business profile, Instagram bio, and receipts.

Even 50 engaged regulars on a list will fill tables on a slow Tuesday. You don't need thousands — you need the right people.

2. Write the message in under 60 seconds

The mistake most restaurants make is overthinking the copy. You don't need a marketing degree. You need three things: what it is, why it's special today, and what to do next.

A simple formula that works every time:

Tonight's special 🍽️ Pan-seared salmon with lemon caper butter — caught this morning from [local supplier]. Only 12 portions. Book your table now: [link or number]

That's it. Under 50 words. Written in the same voice you'd use talking to a regular at the bar. No jargon, no fluff — just the good stuff.

3. Send it at the right time (not too early, not too late)

Timing matters more than most people realise. Send too early and people forget. Send too late and they've already made plans.

The sweet spots:

• Lunch specials: Send between 10:30 am and 11:15 am, when people are starting to think about where to eat.
• Dinner specials: Send between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, before the after-work decision gets made.

Weekends are slightly different — Saturday dinner broadcasts do well sent around 2:00 pm when people are planning their evening. Test what works for your crowd and stick to it. Consistency trains your regulars to watch for your message.

4. Add one photo — taken on your phone

You don't need a food photographer. A well-lit photo taken on your phone does the job. WhatsApp is an informal channel; a real, slightly imperfect photo of today's actual plate often outperforms a polished stock image because it feels honest.

A few quick tips:

• Shoot near a window for natural light.
• Clean the plate edges before snapping.
• Keep the background simple — a wooden board or clean countertop works.

One photo + a short message is the whole broadcast. Done.

5. Make it easy to book directly from the message

Your broadcast is only as good as the action it drives. Don't make people hunt for a way to reserve a table.

• Include a direct WhatsApp reply option ("Just reply to this message to book").
• Link to your booking page if you have one — shorten the URL so it looks clean.
• If you're fully walk-in, say so: "No booking needed — we open at 6, first come first served."

Remove every step between "I want to come" and "table confirmed." The faster that journey, the more covers you fill.

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If writing a daily broadcast, chasing customer numbers, and remembering to send at exactly the right time sounds like one more thing on an already full plate — that's exactly the kind of task you can hand off to a Sidekyk. Just WhatsApp your special to your AI sidekick at sidekyk.ai, and it can draft your broadcast message, remind you when to send it, and even help you grow your list. You focus on the kitchen. Let your Sidekyk handle the message.