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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.

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 Food Ordering (GFO)

Seamlessly convert third-party sales into direct orders.

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.