February 2023

Going Viral: How to Elevate Your Restaurant’s Social Media Strategy

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June 6, 2025

In today's digital era, restaurants cannot afford to disregard the importance of social media if they want to stay relevant and stand out. Given that 90% of diners conduct online research to check out restaurants before dining, social media for restaurants can’t be overstated.


Restaurants with a social media presence can effectively reach out to a larger audience and engage with them in real time. Social media lets restaurants show off their menu, run ad campaigns, tell customers about special deals, and connect with them, all of which help build brand loyalty.


Restaurant social media marketing likewise provides an opportunity for those in the industry to gain valuable insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. Restaurants can track engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments to gain insights into which menu items are popular, what promotions drive traffic, and what customers say about their experience.


The good news is that you have a variety of platforms to choose from when it comes to social media marketing. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are the most popular social media platforms for restaurants. If you are new to social media, check out this introduction to social media marketing for restaurants, which covers the basics of each platform.

Social Media for Restaurants: Maximizing Your Restaurant's Online Presence


People spent an average of 147 minutes daily on social media in 2022. Restaurants that want to grab a chunk of their customers' online time must implement an effective social media marketing strategy.


Here are some key benefits of utilizing social media as a marketing tool for your restaurant.

Stats about social media marketing for restaurants.

Social media increases brand awareness and exposure

90% of marketers have experienced a notable increase in business exposure through social media marketing, while 75% have reported a rise in website traffic. With social media, you can display current menu offerings, launch promotions and events, and engage with both existing and potential customers.

Social media is the most cost-effective marketing channel

Social media advertising is three times more cost-effective than traditional advertising like print and television ads. Compared to other forms of advertising, social media has the lowest cost per thousand impressions (CPM), at only $2.50 per CPM.

Online communities improves customer engagement and loyalty

By being responsive to customer inquiries and feedback, along with sharing engaging content, restaurants can establish a community or a group of loyal fans. 


Social media marketing provides valuable insights and data

Restaurant social media marketing provides crucial insights and data. You can gain useful information about your customers, like their preferences and demographic information. You can also receive direct feedback on why they like your restaurant, what dishes are most popular among different demographics, and the types of content that are most effective. By communicating directly with your customers in a casual, no pressure setting, you can gain invaluable insights to improve your restaurant.

Social Media for Restaurants: 5 Social Media Strategies to Employ


Social media has evolved into an indispensable element for restaurants to connect with their customers in new and unique ways. Since there are so many restaurants online competing for attention, it's important to come up with a social media marketing strategy that will help your restaurant stand out and go viral.

1. Share Visual Content of Your Restaurant and Dishes

Restaurants can use social media platforms to post high-quality photos and videos of their menu items and ambiance. To make posting easier, you can use free Instagram post templates to help you create designs. Customers often make dining decisions based on how appetizing the food looks, and social media provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the restaurant's best dishes.


Create visual storytelling. Use visually striking content, like mouth-watering food photography, a cozy nook in your restaurant, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your restaurant's unique personality. When sharing videos, using transcription software to add captions can further improve accessibility and help reach a wider audience. Use relevant hashtags to make it easier for potential customers to find your establishment.


For example, Starbucks frequently posts mouth-watering images of their seasonal drinks and desserts, which attracts attention and increases engagement.

A restaurant social media manager is taking a photo of a dish on her phone to share on social media.

2. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content (UGC) is an effective social media strategy for restaurants, as it encourages customers to share their dining experiences online. It provides authentic, peer-to-peer recommendations that potential customers trust and relate to. By sharing images and positive reviews, customers become ambassadors for the restaurant, promoting it to their social media followers. Additionally, you can use user-generated content to showcase your restaurant's dishes, ambiance, and unique features, creating a sense of community and personal connection with your audience.


For instance, Shake Shack regularly features customer-generated content on its Instagram account. The restaurant encourages customers to share their photos and videos of their meals with the hashtag #shakeshack, which the burger company reposts on its page.


Influencer marketing is similar to UGC, except influencers generally have either a large or niche follower base. Collaborating with influencers can be an effective way to reach new audiences, especially when you are targeting a specific demographic. Restaurants can work with influencers that share their values and brand image, offering them payment in exchange for promoting the restaurant on their social media platforms. It's important to note that influencer marketing may be costly, particularly for small to mid-sized establishments.

3. Host Social Media Contests and Giveaways

Running contests and giveaways on social media platforms can help restaurants engage with their followers and attract new customers. This strategy can help build brand awareness and loyalty, increase engagement, and drive traffic to the restaurant.


There are various ways to run a giveaway. You can host them informally, giving your Facebook or Instagram followers a chance to win by commenting on or liking a post. If the prize is large enough, you may opt to run a photo contest where customers post photos of their favorite dishes and tag the restaurant's account. You can also host your contest using a third-party giveaway tool. This opens up the contest to everyone, while allowing you to receive people's email addresses, which can then be used for email marketing. 


Prize options are endless, but gift cards and free meals tend to work best – and they get new customers in the door! 

A woman is sitting on her couch elated because she just won a social media contest for a restaurant.

4. Engage With Customers on Your Social Media Channels

Social media should be treated like a live conversation. Liking and commenting on your customers’ tagged photos of your restaurant fosters a sense of community. It shows that you see them and value their patronage. Also, social media provides an opportunity for restaurants to respond to customer feedback and complaints in real-time. Responding to customers promptly and professionally can help build a positive reputation and customer loyalty.


For example, Wendy's is known for its witty responses to customer inquiries and complaints on Twitter, which has helped them build a loyal following.

5. Create Viral Videos — The King of Social Media Content

Video content on social media platforms has a higher rate of engagement than other types of content. Millennials and Gen Z enjoy this type of content, particularly if it’s humorous, fun, and creative. Restaurants can leverage this trend by sharing behind-the-scenes videos, cooking tutorials, humorous reenactment videos, and other engaging content. 


By creating short, eye-catching videos, you can capture the attention of potential customers and showcase your restaurant’s menu items in action. This increases curiosity and drives traffic to your establishment.


For example, Tasty, a popular food channel, creates short, easy-to-follow recipe videos.


Final Thoughts on Elevating Your Restaurant's Social Media Strategy


Incorporating a social media marketing strategy is crucial for any business, and not having one means potentially losing out on revenue. Social media is a powerful tool for restaurants to increase brand recognition, interact with current customers, and attract new clientele. By implementing effective social media strategies, you can optimize your marketing campaign and increase the chances of your establishment going viral.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

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For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

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Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

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What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

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Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

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  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
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  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
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  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
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  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
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  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.
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Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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