Traits of good restaurant slogans
Consumers are exposed to taglines every day, either through physical ads or digital marketing posts on social media. Despite their popularity, slogans are often misused, and a bad slogan is worse than having no slogan at all.
When choosing a slogan for your restaurant, there are a few key factors to consider.
Your slogan should be succinct
Keep your slogan short and to the point. The best slogans are easy for consumers to remember, so it’s best to choose a tagline that’s quick and simple. Ideally, you want your slogan to be 10 words or less.
Your slogan should have a catchy rhythm or sound
One of the easiest ways to get your slogan to catch on is to give it a distinctive rhythm or sound, almost like a jingle or song. The human brain typically has an easier time retaining lyrics associated with music, so adding a rhythmical element to your slogan might make it easier for customers to remember.
If you don’t want your slogan to sound like a song, you could have it spoken by someone with a deep or high-pitched voice to give it a distinctive pitch.
Your slogan should match your brand
Your slogan won’t serve its purpose if it doesn’t align with your restaurant’s atmosphere and values. The slogan should appeal to your target customer demographic, so it needs to accurately represent the dining experience you offer.
For example, Applebee’s slogan, “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood,” has a small-town charm to it that wouldn’t be suitable for The Cheesecake Factory.
Your slogan should be relevant to the consumer
Make sure your slogan provides the customer with information about why dining at your restaurant benefits them. Think of a slogan as a call to action; you’re aiming to entice the consumer into visiting one of your locations. Referring back to Applebee’s slogan, customers learn they can enjoy delicious food close to home just by hearing the tagline.
Your slogan should be consistent
The point of your slogan is to market your restaurant in a specific way. The tagline needs to be instantly associated with your business in consumers’ minds, and this can’t happen unless your slogan remains consistent for the long term. Choose a tagline you love and stick to it; avoid frequently changing your slogan or branding, or you risk losing business due to customer confusion.
Choosing a slogan that suits your brand
With the most important elements of a good slogan in mind, you can begin the process of choosing the right slogan for your restaurant. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine what your slogan should be.
Who is my target audience?
Evaluate who your ideal customer is and why they want to dine at your restaurant. How old are they, where do they live, what do they do for a living and why do they love your food? Your slogan needs to appeal to the customer you want to see sitting at your tables.
What do I want them to know about my restaurant?
Figure out what you need to communicate about your services to people who are looking for somewhere to eat. Whether it’s your atmosphere, the food quality, the small-town feel or the massive portions, identify the reason consumers should be excited by your business. Find a way to work that reason into your slogan.
What is my brand?
To assess whether your tagline aligns with your brand values, you need to understand what your restaurant’s brand is. Get clear on this before you begin any kind of marketing campaign.
Your brand could be a local, cozy diner where everyone knows each other, or it could be a family venue for a fun night out. The atmosphere people can expect when sitting in your restaurant and eating your food plays a key role in your branding.
Restaurant slogan FAQs
What is a tagline for a restaurant?
A tagline or slogan for a restaurant is a short and catchy phrase that helps customers remember your services. A tagline is a useful tool for advertising.
How do you come up with a restaurant slogan?
To come up with a slogan for your restaurant, you have to decide what you want to say, keep it simple and share the message in the company’s voice. Start by brainstorming ideas for words that represent your brand and see which ones might work together in a catchy phrase.
What are some famous restaurant slogans?
Many popular restaurant chains in the United States have effective slogans that help patrons remember the brand. Notable taglines include:
- Come hungry, leave happy. (IHOP)
- You know when it’s real. (Wendy’s)
- Something for everyone. (The Cheesecake Factory)
- I’m lovin’ it. (McDonald’s)
- America Runs on Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Donuts)
- Eat Mor Chikin. (Chick-Fil-A)
- Live mas. (Taco Bell)
- No rules, just right. (Outback Steakhouse)
- For the seafood lover in you. (Red Lobster)
