Best email and text marketing for restaurants

Restaurants have loyal regulars who would come more often with a reminder about specials, events or new menu items. Here is the one tool we would start with, and the alternatives worth comparing. Updated 2026-10-14.

Our top pick: Mailchimp

Because it is easy to learn, has templates for specials and events and a free starter plan, so a busy owner can send a monthly update in under an hour.

Our top pick

Mailchimp

Email marketing platform with AI-assisted content and send-time features.

Price: Starts at $20/month (Standard) · Free option: Free under 250 contacts; 14-day free trial

Visit Mailchimp

Alternatives worth a look

Constant Contact

Email and SMS marketing for small businesses, with event and social tools.

Price: From $20/mo billed annually · Free option: See site

Visit Constant Contact

SimpleTexting

Use the text messaging service 17,000+ businesses trust. Send SMS marketing campaigns, receive texts, and message one-on-one.

Price: $29/mo · Free option: Free trial

Visit SimpleTexting

Brevo

Email and SMS marketing, automation, CRM, and live chat in one platform.

Price: Starter from $9/month · Free option: Free forever plan

Visit Brevo

Side by side

Tool	Price	Free option
Mailchimp (top pick)	Starts at $20/month (Standard)	Free under 250 contacts; 14-day free trial
Constant Contact	From $20/mo billed annually	See site
SimpleTexting	$29/mo	Free trial
Brevo	Starter from $9/month	Free forever plan

What restaurants should check before choosing

Can you collect emails from your website, Wi-Fi or reservations?
Are there templates for events and specials?
Is texting available for last-minute offers?

A common mistake

Buying an email list. Grow your own list from real guests.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best email and text marketing for restaurants?

Our top pick is Mailchimp. Because it is easy to learn, has templates for specials and events and a free starter plan, so a busy owner can send a monthly update in under an hour.

How much does Mailchimp cost?

Mailchimp: Starts at $20/month (Standard). Free option: Free under 250 contacts; 14-day free trial. Checked 2026-10-13; confirm on the vendor's site.

What should restaurants look for in an email and text marketing?

Can you collect emails from your website, Wi-Fi or reservations? Are there templates for events and specials? Is texting available for last-minute offers?

Are these rankings paid?

No. Picks are ranked by fit for the job. Sponsored placements are always labeled "Sponsored" and never change the order of our picks.