7 Ways to Streamline Restaurant Orders with an SMS Ordering System

The restaurant industry moves too fast for outdated ordering systems. According to the National Restaurant Association, nearly 80% of consumers say that technology improves their restaurant experience, and half of those prefer ordering digitally rather than in person. With customer expectations shifting toward convenience and efficiency, restaurants need better ways to manage orders without overcomplicating the ordering process for customers and staff.

Enter SMS ordering systems, a simple, effective, low-cost method that helps restaurants reduce errors and streamline ordering operations while making customers happier.

Imagine it’s a busy Friday night, your restaurant is packed, and the phone won’t stop ringing. Your staff is struggling to juggle dine-in customers while answering phone orders over the sound of clanging dishes and sizzling grills. Meanwhile, online orders from third-party delivery apps are rolling in, each slicing a hefty chunk from your profits.

Chaos.

But what if customers could send a text message and have their order processed automatically, without disrupting your staff or business bottom line? That’s the magic of restaurant SMS solutions with DialMyCalls. It’s efficiency without extra noise, errors, or profit-draining middlemen. It keeps the kitchen humming, customers satisfied, and profits intact.

What is an SMS Ordering System? 

An SMS ordering system allows restaurant customers to place orders via text message rather than through an app, website, or phone call. By sending simple text messages, customers can browse the menu, select their order, and then receive confirmation within seconds.

Unlike third-party delivery apps that can significantly reduce end-of-day profits, SMS ordering is direct and cost-effective. Owners and managers can easily integrate SMS into existing restaurant workflows—zero disruption. It provides a frictionless, low-key but high-quality experience for staff and customers, making it a superhero for fast-paced food businesses.

How Does SMS Ordering Work? 

The beauty of a restaurant’s SMS ordering system lies in its simplicity.

• Customers send a text order to a designated restaurant number.
• The system processes the request, automatically recognizing menu keywords (like Burger Combo #1) or guiding the customer through a step-by-step menu selection process.
• The restaurant receives the order through a POS system, web dashboard, or mobile device.
• A confirmation message is sent with an estimated delivery or pickup time.
• Customers pay via secure, encrypted payment links (or they can opt to pay at pickup or upon delivery).

No hold times, no miscommunication, and no need for customers or restaurant staff to download more apps.

7 Ways SMS Ordering Streamlines Restaurant Orders 

• Quick and Convenient Ordering for Customers
• Reduced Order Errors
• Increased Order Volume and Efficiency
• Improved Customer Engagement and Retention
• Cost Efficiency Compared to Third-Party Apps
• Faster Order Confirmations and Communication
• Easy Integration with POS Systems and Automation

1. Quick and Convenient Ordering for Customers 

No one likes waiting on hold, navigating glitchy mobile apps, or dealing with complicated online menus. Streamlining orders with SMS eliminates these frustrations, allowing customers to place orders within seconds.

• Most text messages are read within three minutes of receipt, making SMS one of the fastest communication channels anywhere.
• Customers don’t need to download anything, create an account, or remember passwords. They simply send texts with their order.

Whether on the go or placing a quick lunch order, SMS ordering systems ensure customers get what they want faster without hassle.

2. Reduced Order Errors 

Miscommunication between customers and restaurant staff is one of the most significant causes of order mistakes. Background noise, misheard details, and handwritten orders can all lead to frustrated customers and wasted food.

With streamlining orders with SMS, everything is written down clearly and accurately. This reduces misunderstandings to ensure the correct order is prepared every time.

No more shouting over the phone or scribbled notes. Customers can double-check their order before sending it. And restaurant staff can easily verify and confirm orders without confusion.

3. Increased Order Volume and Efficiency 

Taking phone orders is time-consuming. Staff members are tied up answering calls instead of focusing on food preparation and customer service. SMS ordering frees employees to handle more orders in less time.

• Restaurants can process multiple orders simultaneously instead of handling calls one at a time.
• Customers are less likely to abandon an order due to long waiting times.
• Staff can focus on fulfilling orders instead of constantly answering the phone.

More efficiency = more orders = higher revenue.

4. Improved Customer Engagement and Retention 

SMS is both a way to take orders and a powerful marketing tool to keep customers satisfied with your restaurant business. Once a customer places an order via SMS, restaurants can use the same channel for incentives, like loyalty programs, promotional sales, and personalized offers.

With restaurant SMS solutions, you can send exclusive discounts to loyal customers, offer limited-time deals to drive more orders during slow hours, and remind customers of their favorite orders or new menu items. Because SMS messages have a high open rate, restaurants can engage customers more effectively than email or social media.

5. Cost Efficiency Compared to Third-Party Apps 

Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats can take 15 to 30% of each sale in commission fees, cutting deep into restaurant profits. Streamlining orders with SMS eliminates the middleman, allowing restaurants to keep more of their revenue while offering a convenient ordering experience.

• No hefty commission fees.
• Full control over pricing, branding, and customer data.
• A direct line of communication with customers instead of relying on third-party platforms.

6. Faster Order Confirmations and Communication 

Customers hate uncertainty when placing an order. With restaurant SMS solutions, they receive instant confirmations, estimated wait times, and real-time updates on their food. Real-time communication reduces confusion and keeps customers informed, leading to higher satisfaction and fewer complaints.

For example:

• “Your order is confirmed! It will be ready for pickup in 15 minutes.”
• “We’re preparing your order now. Estimated delivery time: 30 minutes.”
• “Your order is ready! Pick it up at the front counter.”

7. Easy Integration with POS Systems and Automation 

A good SMS ordering system integrates into your restaurant’s POS system, kitchen displays, and inventory management. Many platforms allow for automatic order processing without manual input, POS system syncing to update inventory and track sales, and integration with payment processing for hassle-free transactions.

By automating order management, restaurants can reduce staff workload, improve accuracy, and keep operations running without a hitch.

How to Set Up an SMS Ordering System for Your Restaurant

• Send Customers a Link to Place an Online Order
• Ask Customers to Text Their Orders
• Automate Order Confirmations
• Enable Two-Way Messaging for Clarifications
• Integrate with Your POS System
• Send Exclusive Promotions via SMS
• Provide a Pickup or Delivery Update System
• Gather Feedback via SMS

Send Customers a Link to Place an Online Order

Make ordering seamless by sending customers a direct link via SMS that takes them to your online menu, allowing them to browse and place orders with a few taps.

Ask Customers to Text Their Orders

For a more conversational approach, allow customers to text their orders directly to your restaurant. This makes the ordering process easier, quicker, and more accessible without an app or website.

Fact: A study reported by Hospitality Technology found that 79% of consumers expect to use technology to order at most casual restaurants.

Automate Order Confirmations

Set up automated responses to confirm receipt of orders instantly, reducing customer uncertainty and ensuring they know their request has been processed.

Enable Two-Way Messaging for Clarifications

Allow customers and restaurant staff to communicate via SMS to clarify orders, make special requests, or handle modifications without delay or misunderstanding.

Integrate with Your POS System

Connect restaurant SMS solutions directly to your restaurant’s POS system to streamline operations, minimize manual entries, and keep everything organized in one convenient place.

Send Exclusive Promotions via SMS

Boost customer loyalty by sending personalized discounts, special offers, and limited-time deals through SMS to encourage repeat business.

Provide a Pickup or Delivery Update System

Keep customers informed with real-time updates on their order status, including estimated pickup or delivery times, reducing frustration, and improving satisfaction.

Gather Feedback via SMS

After order completion, send a quick SMS survey to collect valuable feedback, helping you improve service and strengthen customer-to-restaurant connections.

Choosing the Right SMS Ordering System for Your Restaurant 

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Technology Landscape Report, 76% of restaurant operators believe that using technology provides a competitive edge, yet many acknowledge the need to enhance their technological capabilities.

Not all SMS ordering systems are built for the fast-paced nature of restaurant industries. Restaurant owners and managers need a platform that automates responses, integrates with POS systems, and provides real-time order tracking to satisfy customers. It should also be a marketing powerhouse, allowing promotions and loyalty incentives.

That’s exactly what DialMyCalls delivers.

Our SMS platform streamlines order management by instantly confirming orders, notifying customers when their food is ready, and automating follow-up feedback. With fewer missed calls and zero third-party commission fees, restaurant owners and managers stay in control of profits and customer interactions.

DialMyCalls is designed to be affordable, user-friendly, and scalable for restaurants of all sizes. Whether running a cozy café or managing a multi-location chain of restaurants, our flexible features are adaptive. If you’re looking for a smarter, more accessible way to manage orders and boost customer engagement, DialMyCalls is your solution.

Conclusion: Upgrade Your Restaurant with SMS Ordering 

Running a restaurant is a constant juggling act. Between managing staff, handling inventory, and keeping up with customer expectations, the last thing you need is a complicated, inefficient ordering system. Mistakes, missed calls, and long waiting times can annoy customers and employees, leading to stress and lost revenue.

DialMyCalls can help with automated SMS orders, confirmations, and customer updates. We eliminate the chaos of phone orders, streamlining the process to prevent scrambling, scribbling, and frustration. Customers place their requests quickly, and your restaurant team can focus on delivering great food and excellent service. Don’t let outdated ordering methods hold back your business. Upgrade to DialMyCalls, an SMS ordering solution, and take control of your restaurant’s success!

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