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Google: Your Restaurant’s Digital Front Door
When people are hungry, their first stop is Google. It’s how they find what’s nearby, check hours, browse menus, and—most importantly—decide where to order from. For restaurants, Google has become the front door to your digital storefront.
Check out our
Google Business Profile Workshop recording and grab your free workbook for actionable insights from industry experts.
At Chowly, we’ve spent years helping restaurants unlock the full potential of Google’s tools, and the results speak for themselves:
$200k in six months
One restaurant earned over $200k through Google Food Ordering (GFO), shifting revenue from third-party marketplaces to first-party orders.
Double the website traffic
A 10-location group saw their website traffic soar by making their Google Business Profile (GBP) names and categories consistent.
20% sales boost in 60 days
One restaurant grew their sales by 20% with a simple $4/day investment in Google Search Ads (GSA).
The power of Google can’t be overstated, and that’s why it’s a core focus of the Chowly Platform.
Insights to Keep Your Restaurant Ahead
Sterling Douglass, Chowly Co Founder and CEO, recently joined industry leaders at the Google Restaurant Summit to explore the latest tools and trends shaping the restaurant industry.
Here are some key takeaways:
Restaurant searches are growing:
Google remains a top discovery tool for hungry customers.
Multilingual opportunities:
With the rise in Spanish-language searches, optimizing your profile for this audience is key.
Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential:
Keeping your menu, photos, and details fresh and engaging can make or break a customer’s decision.
Emerging tools:
Google is rolling out features like AI-generated descriptions and multi-unit profile management, making it easier for operators to thrive.
Emerging Trends to Watch in 2025
| YouTube Shorts | Short-form video is dominating. Engage younger customers and showcase your brand by creating dynamic, bite-sized content. |
| Search Trends | Long-tail and multilingual searches are booming. Optimize your digital storefront to reach new audiences and stay competitive. |
| Spanish-Language Content | Spanish search queries are surging—translate menus and invest in Spanish-language ads to connect with this growing market. |
| Google Ads Offers | Boost engagement and drive visits with Performance Max campaigns that highlight your offers. A simple, impactful way to stand out. |
| Fresh, High-Quality Menus | Nothing frustrates customers more than finding a dish online that’s no longer available. |
| Search Trends Are Always Changing | 15% of searches each year are brand new—stay ahead to connect with more customers. |
| Your Menu is Your Best Marketing Tool | Google Business Profile menus are crucial, but many restaurants miss updating them effectively. |
| AI-Powered Visual Search Layouts | Google is now showcasing branded search listings with visual carousels, social updates, short videos, and structured FAQs. Restaurants should regularly update their Google Business Profile with high-quality photos, review responses, and social links to ensure they control the story being told. |
| Short-Form Video in Search Results | Google is pulling short videos from TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram directly into business listings. That means your video content isn’t just for social anymore—it’s a new way to show up in search. Keep your videos short, engaging, and brand-relevant. |
| Social and GBP Are Merging | Your social presence and your Google Business Profile are now blending into one experience. Consistent posting across platforms and syncing your updates to GBP will give you more visibility in branded searches. |
| Automated Storytelling from Reviews | Google is pulling structured data from reviews to answer FAQs (like dress code or pricing) directly in listings. Encourage reviews that include helpful details, and make sure your GBP attributes are accurate and complete. |
| Video Previews for Google Verification | Google now lets you preview your video recordings before submitting for verification. This means fewer resubmissions and a smoother, faster approval process |
New & Noteworthy:
Google Feature Launches for Restaurants
“What’s Happening” Feature on Google Business Profile:
A new front-and-center section lets restaurants spotlight timely updates like specials, promos, and events—right from the search page. To appear here, post updates through Google or sync your Instagram, Facebook, or X accounts. Currently available to single-location Food & Drink businesses in the US, UK, CA, AU, and NZ.
Local SEO Tip: Google Business Profile Images Matter More Than You Think:
Google can read the text in your images using advanced OCR (optical character recognition). That means adding keywords—like your core services—directly into your image files (e.g., “tacos near me” on a catering graphic) can improve your local search visibility. Top-ranking businesses in competitive categories often include core search terms in their images. But this only works after you’ve nailed the basics: correct business category, consistent naming, and strong reviews. TL;DR: If your local SEO foundation is solid, image optimization could give you the edge.
Key Tools to Leverage Google Effectively
Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your secret weapon for ranking higher in search results and attracting more customers.
Google Search Ads (GSA)
Targeted, hyper-local campaigns that get you in front of customers actively searching for what you offer.
Google Maps
The #1 way diners discover restaurants nearby—optimize your listing to win high-intent, local traffic.
Google Food Ordering (GFO)
Seamlessly convert third-party sales into direct orders.
Google Assistant
Voice search is rising fast—ensure your listing is accurate and complete so customers can easily find and order from you using voice-enabled devices.
Google Search
Still the top way people discover restaurants. Optimizing your presence here means showing up when diners search “best [food] near me” or “[restaurant] open now.”
Take Action
The Chowly Platform simplifies how restaurants create, capture, and convert demand beyond their four walls. From optimizing your Google profile to running effective ad campaigns, we’re here to help you grow.
Need a boost to get started?
Check out the Chowly Platform and let us connect you with the tools and strategies to boost your profitability.
