8 Unique Social Media Restaurant Video Ideas

As a social media video editor and avid foodie, I believe that the best restaurant content doesn’t just showcase dishes—it tells a story, creates community, and brings your audience closer to the heart of your business. Instagram and TikTok are entertainment platforms that can connect with your target audience and even bring people in from out of town. Yes, you eat with your eyes first so pretty pictures of food can help but they can also catfish. Use these unique social media video ideas to tug on your audience’s heartstrings and become an industry leader.

8 Unique Social Media Restaurant Video Ideas ↓

1. Open the Restaurant with Me: The Morning Ritual

Use your social media to share how much goes into running a restaurant, show the nitty gritty not just turning on the Open neon sign. You work hard and there’s nothing wrong with showcasing that, there’s something incredibly intimate about watching a day unfold from the very beginning. “Open the Restaurant with Me” is your chance to bring your audience along for the ride as you prepare for the day. Whether it’s the first crack of dawn, turning on the lights, prepping ingredients, or setting the tables, this kind of behind-the-scenes vlog gives your followers a new appreciation for the work that goes into making their favorite dining spot run smoothly. They’ll see your dedication, feel the anticipation, and share in the excitement of a new day of service.

By sharing the stories, hard work, and heart behind your business, you’re inviting your followers to be a part of your journey.

2. Close the Restaurant with Me: The Nightly Wind-Down

Closing a restaurant is no small feat, and it deserves just as much attention as opening. “Close the Restaurant with Me” offers an equally intimate look at what happens when the last guest leaves. Capture the final clean-up, the exhaustion and satisfaction of a job well done, and the quiet moments that end the day. This video idea not only shows the hard work behind the scenes but also provides a peaceful, reflective tone that contrasts beautifully with the hustle and bustle of restaurant life.

3. Stylish Infomercial: Promote Your Delivery Services

In the age of convenience, delivery is king. Are you trying to boost your delivery sales or maybe you offer a happy hour during the weekdays? You can create a stylish and nostalgic infomercial that makes your delivery services look as luxurious as dining in? Highlight your restaurant’s partnerships with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or any other delivery platform in a nostalgic, eye-catching video. Showcase your dishes being expertly packaged, the seamless delivery process, and the joy of enjoying restaurant-quality food at home. Make it look so good that your followers will be reaching for their phones to place an order for the low low price of $19.99!

4. The Founder’s Story: What’s in a Name?

Every restaurant has a story, and your audience wants to hear your origin story. The “Founder’s Story” video is your chance to share the heart behind your brand—what inspired you to start, the meaning behind the name, and your vision for bringing your food to the community. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a personal narrative that will resonate with your audience, making them feel more connected to your restaurant and its mission.

5. Explain the Dish: A Menu Masterclass

Menus can be intimidating, especially when they feature dishes that are hard to pronounce or ingredients that aren’t widely known. Use this to your advantage by creating an “Explain the Dish” series. In each video, break down a specific menu item—how to pronounce it, what’s in it, and what drinks pair best with it. This not only informs your audience but also builds their confidence in ordering, making them more likely to try something new. Don’t wait for the Food Network to find you and create your own opportunities.

6. Where to Go When We’re Closed: Building Community

Even when your restaurant is closed, you can still engage with your followers by sharing your favorite local spots during your after hours. “Where to Go When We’re Closed” is a great way to create a sense of community and show some love to fellow businesses. Whether it’s a nearby coffee shop, a late-night dessert spot, or a weekend brunch favorite, recommending other places gives your audience more reasons to trust and follow you. Plus, it shows that you’re not afraid of a little friendly competition!!

7. Cooking with Leftovers: Creative Recipes

Restaurants biggest marketing challenge is how to convince consumers to order takeout versus saving money and cooking their own dinner. Here’s how to provide a solution to your followers’ problem! Sustainability is key, and your restaurant can lead the way by sharing creative recipes for leftovers. For instance, if you’re known for your rice dishes, why not show your followers a few different ways to use leftover rice? This is a fantastic way to add value to your content, helping your audience reduce waste while also showcasing your culinary expertise. Plus, it positions your restaurant as one that cares about its community and the environment.

8. Employee Appreciation: Celebrating the Team

People love to support businesses that treat their employees well. An “Employee Appreciation” video highlights the people behind the scenes—those who’ve been with you for years, who bring passion to their work, and who make your restaurant what it is. The people that prepare your food could be a single mother or a student paying their way through college. Share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and show your gratitude. This not only boosts morale within your team but also strengthens your brand’s reputation as a caring, community-focused business.

Video Ideas That Aren’t Lip Syncing Memes

These video ideas aren’t just about promoting your restaurant—they’re about creating a deeper connection with your audience. By sharing the stories, hard work, and heart behind your business, you’re inviting your followers to be a part of your journey. While others are posting pretty pictures, you’ll be building a community, one video at a time.

Unique social media video ideas, there is more where that came from! At Scott Social, we specialize in elevating and streamlining the entire process, from creating stunning content to building genuine connections with your target audience. If you’re a restaurant owner or social media manager in Phoenix, Arizona, let’s work together to craft a social media strategy that not only showcases your dishes but tells your story in a way that resonates. Contact us today to see how we can bring your brand to life, one post at a time.

8 Unique Social Media Restaurant Video Ideas