Restaurant New Menu Announcement Email Template
A new menu is one of the best reasons to email your list, because it gives regulars something they haven't tried. This template announces the start date, features three new dishes and invites guests to be among the first to order. Copy it and fill in the brackets, or have the generator write one for you.
Updated
No. 01Overview
At a glance
- Goal
- Announce new dishes or a menu change.
- Best for
- Any restaurant launching new dishes or a seasonal menu
- Send to
- Everyone on your list
- When
- The week the menu launches
- What you need
- The start date
- Two or three new dishes, with a line on what's in each
- Which favorites are staying
- Your menu or booking link
- Skip it for
- Small changes, like one price update: mention those in your monthly newsletter
- Dishes that aren't final yet
No. 02Template
Copy the new menu announcement email
Three subject lines that take different angles, preview text that adds a second detail, and the full email with every detail only you know in [brackets]. Copy each piece into your email platform, then check the phone preview to see how it reads on a small screen.
Subject lines
Our new menu starts [Date]
[Dish] just joined the menu
First look at what's new
Preview text
Here's what's new and when you can try it.
The email
Hi there,
Our new menu starts [Date], and we can't wait for you to try it. The kitchen has been busy getting every dish just right.
Here's a first look:
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
Why the change? [One Line on Why, like spring produce or guest requests]. [Dish] and the other favorites you know are staying. If you have a question about ingredients or allergies, our team is happy to help when you visit.
The new dishes are available for dine-in and takeout from [Date], and we'd love to hear what you think after you try them. Be among the first: book a table for opening week, or order online.
See you soon,
The [Restaurant Name] team
See the new menu
Button link [Menu Link]
Playful version
Same email, different voice. Use whichever sounds more like your restaurant.
Hi there,
Big news from the kitchen: our new menu lands on [Date], and we think you're going to like it.
A sneak peek:
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
[New Dish]: [what's in it]
Don't worry, [Dish] is staying put. Come be one of the first to try the new stuff: book a table for opening week or order online from [Date].
See you at the table,
The [Restaurant Name] team
See the new menu
Button link [Menu Link]
No. 03Timing
When to send a new menu announcement email
Our suggestion: send it about a week before the menu starts, so guests can plan a visit. For a big change, add a short reminder on launch day.
- Send it to your whole list; regulars care most about what's changing.
- It's a one-off campaign, not an automation. Schedule it ahead of time for when your guests usually plan meals.
- Link to the updated menu so guests can see prices and details you left out of the email.
Take care
Only describe dishes, ingredients and prices you've confirmed, and only give a start date you're sure of. If something might still change, leave it out.
No. 04Before you send
Before you send it
Run through this list before the email goes to your whole list. It takes two minutes and catches what guests notice first: a wrong date, an offer your team hasn't heard about, or a button that goes nowhere.
- The start date and dish names match the final menu
- Descriptions mention only real ingredients
- The menu link shows the new menu, not the old one
- Allergen and dietary notes checked with the kitchen
- You sent yourself a test
Common mistakes
- Listing every dish. Three highlights are easier to read; link to the full menu for the rest.
- Sending before the menu link is updated, so guests click through to the old menu.
- Vague descriptions. "Delicious new options" says nothing; name the dish and what's in it.
No. 06FAQ
New Menu Announcement email FAQ
When should a restaurant announce a new menu by email?
About a week before it starts gives guests time to plan a visit, and a short reminder on launch day helps for bigger changes. Announcing weeks ahead invites questions about dishes that might still change, so wait until the menu is final.
How many dishes should a new menu email feature?
Two or three. Pick the ones most likely to bring people in, describe each in a line and link to the full menu for everything else. A short email with specific dishes gets read; a long list of every change gets skimmed.