From posts to packed tables

You’ve seen it. That TikTok of the new brunch spot down the road with a queue around the block. The Instagram reel showing off perfectly poured cocktails and slow-mo shots of sizzling tapas. 

Influencer foodie content is everywhere (and it’s working!)

Your team’s probably talked about it. Maybe you’ve even hosted a few influencers already. But now it’s time to get serious. You want a strategy that actually drives bookings, builds buzz, and doesn’t involve spending your evenings stuck in DMs.

The good news? You don’t need to go viral. You just need the right plan.

Here’s how to build a restaurant influencer strategy that works, and works for you.

Before you fire up the grill, know what’s on the menu

A mistake a lot of restaurants make? Diving into influencer marketing without knowing what they want out of it.

Start by asking:

• Do we need to drive more midweek bookings or increase footfall during slower services?

• Are we launching a new menu or opening a second site that needs a splash?

• Do we want more craveable content - stuff we can use on our socials, website, and even for press or delivery platforms?

• Or is it about keeping up with the competition, staying visible, and building brand awareness?

Your answer shapes everything. From who you work with to what deliverables you agree.

Pro tip: Tie this back to business goals (e.g. more covers on Tuesdays, higher average spend, more bookings through your website instead of third-party platforms).

Don’t just go for sizzle…

We get it. A big follower count is tempting. But working with influencers who actually align with your brand will get you better results every time.

Look for influencers who:

• Have a style that fits your vibe foodie focused, not just lifestyle.

• Attract a local (or relevant) audience.

• Get real engagement - comments, shares, saves

Micro-influencers (10k–50k) are often a sweet spot: affordable, easier to work with, and deeply connected to their community.

 Pro tip: Want to skip the pitch emails and awkward chasing? With Gifted, creators come to you - already vetted, briefed and ready to collab.

Make it a win-win

A successful collab should feel great for both sides.

Think about:

• What to offer: a comped meal, early menu access, or tasting menu for two.

• What to ask for:  a Reel, a post, a few stories, or a content bundle.

• What success looks like: more bookings, new followers, content you can repurpose.

Take Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Dubai, for example. Through Supper Club Middle East, they hosted creators for their Yum Cha Brunch, a stunning waterside experience featuring unlimited dim sum, live music, and beautifully curated dishes like crystal lobster dumplings and sago pearls with mango.

The content didn’t just capture the food - it brought the full vibe to life. And most importantly? It got the right people booking.

Oh, and put it all in a simple brief. Trust us, it saves back-and-forth and keeps everyone aligned from the start.

Psst - No time to write a brief from scratch? We’ve got pre-built templates that do the hard work for you.

Track what actually matters

It’s not just about likes. Keep an eye on:

•  Engagement on the creator’s post.

•  New bookings (use a unique link or code)

•  Uptick in tagged stories or mentions.

• Follower growth from the right audience.

Over time, you’ll see what kind of content and influencers move the needle for your venue.

A launch worth shouting (and posting) about

When Super Club Roma, the new Roman-style pizza concept from the team behind Franco Manca and The Real Greek, opened its doors in Westfield Stratford, they didn’t just wait for word of mouth.

They teamed up with local food influencers to create buzz from day one. Showing off the bold interiors, crispy Roman-style pizzas, and retro Italo‑Disco vibe.

It wasn’t about going viral; it was about smart, targeted visibility that got people talking (and booking).

The right plan. The right influencers. The right tools.

Influencer marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or hard to measure. With the right plan, the right influencers, and the right tools - it becomes one of the easiest ways to fill tables, build your brand, and stay ahead.

Try Gifted and get your first collab live in minutes.