Restaurant Marketing Trends: How to Grow in 2025 and Beyond

The restaurant industry is evolving quickly, and so are customer expectations. In 2025, standing out means more than offering delicious food — it requires smart, digital-first marketing strategies that keep customers engaged wherever they are. 

This guide highlights the top restaurant marketing trends and how you can use them to grow your business.

Why you should pay attention to restaurant marketing trends

Restaurant marketing is no longer optional. Diners now expect seamless online ordering, personalized offers, and loyalty rewards that keep them coming back. Meanwhile, competition is fiercer than ever, with independent restaurants and large chains all vying for attention.

The right marketing strategy can help you:

• Attract new customers through digital channels

• Turn first-time diners into repeat guests

• Build loyalty that protects your brand, even during slow seasons

And thanks to SaaS for restaurants like the DoorDash Commerce Platform, restaurant operators have more tools than ever to take control of their marketing and reach diners on their own terms.

Key restaurant marketing trends to watch

Direct online ordering is becoming essential

More diners want to order directly from a restaurant, whether through its website, Google, or social media. Direct channels let you connect with customers directly — protecting your profits and strengthening your brand.

With Online Ordering available on the DoorDash Commerce Platform, you can:

• Add commission-free* online ordering to your website and social media

• Offer delivery fulfilled by Dashers or pickup in your store
  Integrate with Google so customers can order straight from your business profile

Adding Online Ordering to your website and social channels can increase sales by up to 8% of your current Marketplace sales.**

Automated marketing that drives repeat orders

Running a restaurant leaves little time for crafting marketing campaigns — but automation is closing that gap. Automated emails and targeted campaigns keep your brand top of mind and bring customers back more often.

Automated Email Marketing, available with the DoorDash Commerce Platform Boost and Pro packages, lets you:

• Send well-timed reorder reminders and winback campaigns

• Boost order frequency by an average of 15% among new and returning customers***

• Keep your marketing consistent, even when you’re busy running the kitchen

Think of it as “set it and forget it” marketing that grows your sales in the background.

Personalization through loyalty programs

Loyalty programs are no longer just a “nice-to-have” — they’re expected. What’s changing in 2025 is how flexible and omnichannel these programs are becoming.

With Cross-Channel Loyalty from the DoorDash Commerce Platform, your customers can:

• Earn and redeem rewards across every channel — in-store, online, in your branded app, and even on DoorDash

• Link their DoorDash account to your in-store program for more convenience

• Receive automated updates on their reward progress, encouraging repeat visits

This is the only loyalty program that rewards customers no matter where they order, helping you increase both enrollment and long-term engagement.

Mobile-first experiences build loyal customers

Mobile is where diners live — and it’s becoming the most powerful way to build loyalty. Customers who download your app interact with your brand more often and are more likely to reorder.

The Branded Mobile App available with the DoorDash Commerce Platform Pro package brings your restaurant into every diner’s pocket:

• Put your brand front and center with a fully customized app

• Use built-in marketing tools to boost downloads and adoption
  Drive repeat business — users who download a branded app order 30% more frequently, increasing first-party digital same-store sales by up to 20%****

• Mobile app customers are 30% more likely to reorder*****

In short, mobile apps help you turn occasional guests into loyal fans.

How the DoorDash Commerce Platform supports 2025 restaurant marketing trends

The challenge for many restaurants isn’t recognizing these trends — it’s figuring out how to execute them without juggling multiple vendors, platforms, and contracts. That’s where the DoorDash Commerce Platform comes in.

*2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee applies

**Based on internal DoorDash data from Jan 2025 through May 2025

***Based on internal DoorDash data from March 2024 through March 2025

****Based on internal DoorDash data from February 2024 to March 2025

*****Compared to customers using web ordering channels. Based on internal DoorDash data from January 2025 to June 2025