40+ creative ChatGPT prompt ideas for restaurants

These days everyone seems to be talking about AI and how to use it with free tools like ChatGPT.

The most common uses of ChatGPT include answering questions or creative writing, but few restaurateurs are aware that the chatbot can also benefit their business in many ways.

In this article, you'll learn what ChatGPT is, how it works and how your restaurant can benefit from it (for free). You'll also find 46 ChatGPT prompt ideas that you can use for promotions, menus, social media, recruitment, and more.

We’ll cover:

• What is ChatGPT?
• How to use ChatGPT
• 40+ ChatGPT prompt ideas for restaurants
• The downsides of using ChatGPT

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What is ChatGPT?

Imagine having an intelligent programme that talks to you and understands you like a human. That's what ChatGPT is.

ChatGPT is a type of chatbot technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to have conversations with people. You can ask it questions, tell it what you need, and it will respond with answers and information.

Think of the chatbot as a conversational agent that has been trained using a huge amount of data, enabling it to generate human-like answers to a variety of questions.

ChatGPT is a product of OpenAI, a research organisation focused on developing AI technologies. Just two months after its launch in late 2022, it reached 100 million monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing consumer app in history.

While they offer a subscription with additional benefits, the basic version of ChatGPT is free to use.

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How to use ChatGPT

Using ChatGPT is quite simple.

First, visit the OpenAI platform, log in to your existing account or create a new account for free.

You will see a chat-like interface that allows you to type just like WhatsApp or text messages.

Type your prompt or question in the text bar and press Enter to send it. ChatGPT will process your input and create a response based on the prompt you entered.

If you want to continue the conversation, you can enter more prompts or questions based on the generated response. This enables dynamic back-and-forth interaction.

What is a ChatGPT prompt?

You will notice that the term “prompt” comes up very often when we talk about ChatGPT.

A ChatGPT prompt is what you type in to get a response. For ChatGPT, a prompt is the instruction to understand what answer you are looking for. It can be a sentence, a question, or even a paragraph.

To get an accurate answer, you should make your prompt as clear and specific as possible. This means clearly stating what information or answer you are looking for.

Think about it. There is a big difference between typing “Write a menu description for a pulled pork sandwich” and "Write a menu description of about 200 characters for a pulled pork sandwich with artisan bread, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce."

While there is no specific formula for the perfect ChatGPT prompt, you can stick to a general structure to increase the likelihood of getting relevant responses. ChatGPT itself recommends the following:

[Introduction/Context] + [Specific request/question] + [Additional details/parameters, if applicable]

If the initial response does not meet your expectations, you can repeat and refine your request. Experiment with different wording, rephrase the question, or add more context until you get the result you want.

You can also ask ChatGPT to create a new answer to the same question by clicking the “Regenerate response” button.

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How to use ChatGPT in your restaurant (with prompts!)

Now that you know how ChatGPT works, how exactly can you use it for your restaurant?

Let’s find out how restaurant owners can use ChatGPT to make their lives easier, including 40+ ready-to-use prompts to get you started right away.

Write social media posts

You already know that it’s important for your restaurant to maintain an active presence on social channels with engaging content, but are you using ChatGPT to help you do that?

If you’re looking for inspiration, ChatGPT can help you create a content calendar for each of your social media platforms with specific content ideas and even publishing dates.

ChatGPT can also help you write captions for your social media posts to save you time and effort. Even if you need to customise the text to better fit your brand and tone of voice, it gives you a great head start.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for social media:

• Create a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] social media content calendar for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant for [PERIOD OF TIME]
• Create a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] social media content calendar for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant with [NUMBER OF POSTS NEEDED] posts featuring the following products: [MENU ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]
• Write a [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post about our new menu item [MENU ITEM NAME], which includes [LIST INGREDIENTS HERE] inviting people to try it
• Write [NUMBER OF POSTS NEEDED] [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post ideas for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant that wants to promote [MENU ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]
• Write a [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] post explaining our [HOLIDAY] menu specials: [HOLIDAY MENU SPECIALS YOU’RE OFFERING]
• Give me [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM NAME] ideas to promote [MENU ITEM OR EVENT] at our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant

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Pro-tip: Remember that you can continue the conversation after your first prompt. Simply enter more questions based on the generated response (e.g.: Can you make it shorter? Can you add 3 hashtags for this post?)

Write and reply to emails

How much time do you spend looking through your inbox?

ChatGPT can help you write email responses, answer inquiries about reservations or special requests, and even compose an email to your suppliers asking for better prices.

Regardless of the type of email you are trying to answer, ChatGPT can create restaurant well-written responses for customers, suppliers, employees and more.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing and replying to emails:

• Write an email to a restaurant customer confirming their reservation for [RESERVATION DATE] at [RESERVATION TIME]. Include these instructions: [RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS]
• Write an email to a customer who recently dined at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME], expressing gratitude for their visit and requesting their feedback on their experience
• Write an email to promote our restaurant’s new menu highlighting [MENU ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]
• Write an email to a restaurant [INGREDIENT/S] supplier requesting updated pricing and availability. Inquire about any bulk discounts or special offers
• Write an email to a restaurant [INGREDIENT/S] supplier to negotiate [BETTER PRICING / PAYMENT TERMS / DELIVERY SCHEDULE]. Clearly outline the requirements and explain the potential benefits of the proposed changes
• Write an email response for customers that ask us about our restaurant’s opening hours: [INCLUDE HOURS].

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Pro-Tip: If you have a specific email you want ChatGPT to help you answer for your restaurant, just specify it in the prompt. You can say, “I want you to write an email response. I will provide you with the email and you will write a reply that includes [anything specific you want included in your reply]” ChatGPT will then ask you to paste the email copy and will create a reply for you.

Answer customer reviews

Did you know that customers who write a review expect to receive a response within a day?

Your restaurant needs to respond to every review, positive or negative, in a timely manner. A thoughtful response builds trust and rapport with your customers and shows that you truly care about their experience. It also gives you the opportunity to shape your restaurant's image by highlighting your strengths as a business.

We know you have a lot of work to do, so ChatGPT can help!

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for answering to customer reviews:

• Write a review response to a customer who left a glowing review about their dining experience at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Express your gratitude and invite them to visit again soon
• Compose a review response to a customer who expressed dissatisfaction with their visit to our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Apologise for their negative experience, assure them that their feedback is valued, and offer a solution or invitation to discuss the matter further offline
• Craft a review response to a customer who provided constructive criticism in their review of our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Thank them for their valuable feedback, acknowledge their suggestions, and explain how you plan to address the mentioned areas of improvement. Here is their review: [PASTE CUSTOMER REVIEW TEXT HERE]
• Compose a review response to a customer who raised a complaint about [COMPLAINT TYPE] at our restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME]. Apologise for the inconvenience caused and offer them [INCLUDE WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO OFFER]
• Craft a review response to a customer review expressing their positive experience but mentioning it was their first visit. Express gratitude for choosing your restaurant [RESTAURANT NAME], invite them to become a regular guest, and highlight upcoming promotions or events: [PROMOTION OR EVENT]

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Pro-Tip: Just like with emails, you can give ChatGPT a specific restaurant review and ask it to respond. Try something like “I want you to write a response to a review a customer left for my restaurant. I will provide you with the review and you will write a reply that includes [anything you would like to mention in your reply”]

Create job descriptions and interview questions

With the ongoing staffing shortage in the restaurant industry, we know you spend a lot of time hiring new employees and building a great team.

Why not create compelling job descriptions and interview questions for your restaurant with ChatGPT?

We know that every restaurant has its own needs and culture, but this can be a great starting point to save you time.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing job descriptions and interview questions:

• Write a job description for a [POSITION NAME] at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. Include these responsibilities: [LIST OF RESPONSIBILITIES]
• Generate a list of interview questions to assess the skills and experience of a restaurant [POSITION NAME] candidate. Include questions about [SPECIFIC TOPICS YOU’D LIKE TO ADDRESS]
• Create a list of [NUMBER] questions to interview a [POSITION NAME] candidate at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant
• I want you to read a job description I will send you. You will then write a short outreach email trying to engage a candidate.
• Write an empathetic candidate rejection email for a [POSITION NAME] at a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant

Provide menu item ideas

We know that no one can put together a menu better than you and your team, but everyone needs a little outside inspiration sometimes.

Use ChatGPT's creativity in your restaurant to come up with unique menu ideas for special events or seasonal promotions to create an exciting dining experience.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for menu item ideas:

• We’re planning a special menu item for [SEASON OR HOLIDAY] for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. Can you provide us with some innovative dishes that capture the essence of [SEASON OR HOLIDAY]? We’re interested in incorporating [INGREDIENTS YOU’D LIKE TO USE]
• We have a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant. We want to create a special menu for the upcoming holiday season including festive and indulgent dishes. We’re looking for traditional favourites in [COUNTRY] with a unique twist
• Create 5 ideas for a [CUISINE] dish containing [INGREDIENT] and [INGREDIENT]
• We're a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant aiming to expand our offerings for vegan and vegetarian customers. Can you suggest [NUMBER] plant-based dishes?
• We want to create a special menu item to celebrate [FOOD HOLIDAY]. Can you provide [NUMBER] [DISH TYPE] options including [FOOD BEING CELEBRATED]? 

Write menu item descriptions

Did you know that eaters are 45% more likely to select a menu item that has a description? Or that well-written descriptions can increase restaurant sales by up to 30%?

Whether you want to introduce new menu items or revamp your current descriptions, ChatGPT can help!

While you’ll likely need to make some adjustments depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re using them (printed menu, delivery platforms, social media), it’s easier to edit descriptions than to write them from scratch.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing menu item descriptions:

• Write a menu description for a [MENU ITEM NAME]
• Write a menu description of about [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] for a [MENU ITEM NAME] with [MENU ITEM INGREDIENTS]
• Write a [NUMBER OF CHARACTERS/WORDS] description for a [MENU ITEM NAME] intended to go on [FOOD DELIVERY APP]
• Craft a mouthwatering menu description for the launch of our [MENU ITEM NAME] on [SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM/S NAME]

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Pro-Tip: Do not forget to include key ingredients, flavours, cooking techniques, and any unique elements or presentation details in your prompts to create enticing menu item descriptions.

Write copy for ads

Crafting copy for restaurant ads is one area where ChatGPT can save you a lot of time!

Think about it: ad copy has a lot of parameters, and chatGPT thrives on these specifications.

You can try it for paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Google.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for writing ad copy:

• Suggest some creative images, headlines, and descriptions for [AD PLATFORM] ads. We’re a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]. We sell [SPECIALTY]
• Create 3 short ad copies for a [HOLIDAY OR EVENT] promotion. We’re offering [PROMOTION TYPE] at our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]
• Generate a [NUMBER] word ad copy to promote my [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant on [AD PLATFORM]
• Write 3 [AD PLATFORM] ad headlines and descriptions for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]

Come up with ideas for promotions

It’s no secret that promotions drive delivery sales!

We all know the classics: discount on the ticket, no delivery fees, 2x1 and so on, but ChatGPT can come up with creative promotional ideas for your restaurant.

From ideas for full marketing campaigns to specific types of promotions you can run, let ChatGPT give it a first try.

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for promotion ideas:

• Give me [NUMBER] [HOLIDAY] promotion ideas for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] to run on delivery apps
• Create a promotion for our restaurant's upcoming limited-time offer. We're introducing a new dish to our menu, [MENU ITEM NAME], and want to entice customers to try it. Craft a compelling message that highlights the unique flavours and offers a special discount or incentive to create a sense of urgency. [ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT YOUR MENU ITEM]
• Create a promotion strategy for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant in [CITY].
• Create a buyer persona for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant in [CITY]. We’re targeting [INFORMATION ABOUT THE PUBLIC YOU’RE LOOKING TO ATTRACT]
• Develop a strategy for a [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant loyalty program
• Create a persuasive promotion to kickstart our restaurant's referral program. We want to encourage customers to refer their friends and family to dine with us. Develop a message that emphasises the benefits of the program, such as exclusive rewards, discounts, or complimentary items, to incentivise customers to spread the word about our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant.

Write copy for your restaurant’s website

Your restaurant's website is the digital face of your business, and optimising it for search engines is critical to increasing traffic and online visibility.

ChatGPT can help you write and optimise your restaurant's website copy by suggesting relevant keywords, creating meta descriptions, and improving the overall content structure for better search engine rankings.

ChatGPT can also help you write blog posts, descriptions, FAQ pages and much more!

Examples of ChatGPT prompts for website copy:

• Assist us in crafting a compelling “About Us” page that captures the essence of our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant called [RESTAURANT NAME]. We want to share our story, values, and commitment to exceptional dining experiences. Help us create a narrative that communicates the passion and expertise behind our culinary offerings
• We want to optimise our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant reservation page to encourage more bookings. Provide clear and concise instructions, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Include persuasive messaging that emphasises the convenience, ambiance, and exceptional dining moments that await our guests when they reserve a table
• Create an outline for a blog post about [TOPIC] for our restaurant’s blog
• Create an informative FAQ section for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] restaurant website. We want to provide our customers with answers to common questions about our restaurant and services. Please generate a list of questions related to reservations, menu options, dietary restrictions, and special events. Each question should be followed by a concise and helpful response
• Identify SEO-Friendly keywords for our [RESTAURANT TYPE] in [CITY]

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The downsides of using ChatGPT for your restaurant

While ChatGPT technology offers many advantages for restaurants, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.

First of all, it's important to know that it won't always give you the most up-to-date information. ChatGPT training only goes up until September 2021, so it won't have the latest news or updates. If you rely on it for current information such as food trends or research, you should check with reliable sources to stay up to date.

Also, keep in mind that ChatGPT learns from data patterns, so it may sometimes give you wrong or misleading answers. It's always a good idea to check the information you receive from ChatGPT for accuracy.

ChatGPT presents an incredible opportunity for restaurants to harness the power of AI. With limited financial and human resources, restaurant owners rely on innovation to thrive in a competitive landscape.

With its ability to generate creative and engaging content, ChatGPT can help you with promotions, menu ideas, social media posts, recruitment and much more.