Let’s Talk TikTok for Your Restaurant (Again)

There’s no sure thing when it comes to TikTok, but it doesn’t hurt to try to make it work for you! If you’re still on the fence about creating a TikTok account for your restaurant, it’s not too late because the platform is predicted to continue its growth. Welcome to our TikTok 2.0

Restaurants on TikTok Now

TikTok is a popular app, and countless companies are taking advantage of the new generation’s search engine. These companies, including the restaurants below, are incorporating TikTok as an additional layer of brand awareness along with an extension on their reach in an effort to resonate with a younger part of their audience—plus to have some fun along the way! These restaurants may serve as some inspiration:

• Applebee’s – The chain has over 19,000 followers and over 70,000 likes on its account, with their videos averaging thousands of views. Fun fact, Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like” inspired a TikTok dance challenge and caused the brand to trend.
• Chipotle – Chipotle seems to have a handle on their social media. Don’t take our word for it, follow them on Twitter! On TikTok, they started challenges like the #guacdancechallenge, created a montage poking fun at baby boomers mispronouncing Chipotle, and worked with influencers as part of their social strategy.
• Dunkin’ – Speaking of using an influencer’s following to their advantage, the brand sold hundreds of thousands of a drink based on the most followed account, Charli D’Amelio. They added The Charli to their menu, and also allowed her to take over their social channels enticing her followers with exclusive content.
• Burger King – TikTok is a great place to launch a dance challenge. Burger King’s #WhopperDanceChallenge was debuted by popular influencers and if users participated they were sent a code for a $1 Whopper!

Keep in mind, there are so many restaurants that have utilized TikTok as part of their social strategy. Find out if your favorites have an account!

 Currently Trending: TikTok in the News

In some other interesting news, TikTok has plans to branch out into the restaurant industry. Popular culture popup restaurants are not a new concept – like the Breaking Bad Experience or anything on this list! As an entity, TikTok has plans to create ghost kitchens that will feature viral foods shown on the platform. In December, TikTok announced its partnership with streaming platform Virtual Dining Concepts. Additionally, they planned to launch a delivery-based food service chain in March 2022, TikTok Kitchens. This venture would bring these trendy recipes to restaurants. The creator-centric menu, which will include feta pasta and a smash burger, gives restaurants across the country to become market partners. Business Insider reports an initial goal of 300 TikTok restaurant locations in March, and 700 more targeted by EOY 2022. Customers will be able to order food through Grubhub from restaurants including Bertucci’s. Profits are reportedly going back to the creators and aspiring creators of new, viral foods.

Conclusion

Creating a restaurant TikTok is something that will help expand your marketing efforts, especially if you want to reach and engage with your younger target audience. Encourage your employees and customers to participate in hashtag challenges or create content with your food. Even if you aren’t advertising on the platform, work with influencers in your community and have them help you spread the word about your restaurant. If you need some inspiration, check out what other restaurants are doing on the platform. Don’t worry, you haven’t missed the TikTok train, it’s continuing down the tracks and there are still opportunities for creators – even your restaurant! At the very least, you have more information to answer the question, “What’s all this Tikkity Tok about anyway?” Subscribe to the blog for more interesting restaurant content!

About the Author

Devyn is the Social & PR Specialist on the Marketing Team. She has a B.S. in Communication and an M.S. in Global Strategic Communication. She has stanned QR codes ever since a two-week trip to China (and before tbh). She’s obsessed with true crime and enjoys quality time with her friends and family. Ask her about books she’s read, Criminal Minds, or her dog-child.