Text & Messaging Ordering
Order food through your favorite messaging app with our AI assistant.
Overview
Order via any messaging channel:
- SMS/Text - Standard text messages
- WhatsApp - Popular worldwide
- Facebook Messenger - Social ordering
- Instagram DM - For social followers
- iMessage - Apple users
- Google Business Messages - From Google Search
- RCS - Rich messaging (Android)
All channels use the same AI assistant for consistent experience.
Getting Started
Finding the Restaurant
SMS: Text the restaurant's phone number WhatsApp: Save the business number, start a chat Messenger: Search for the restaurant on Facebook Instagram: DM the restaurant's account Google: Click "Message" in Google Search results
Starting a Conversation
Send any greeting to start:
- "Hi"
- "I'd like to order"
- "Menu please"
- "🍕" (food emoji works too!)
Ordering Flow
Step 1: View the Menu
You: Menu
AI: Here's what we have! 🍽️
🍕 PIZZAS
• Margherita - $14.99
• Pepperoni - $16.99
• Supreme - $18.99
🥗 SALADS
• Caesar - $9.99
• Garden - $8.99
🍝 PASTA
• Spaghetti - $12.99
• Fettuccine Alfredo - $14.99
Reply with item name to add to order
Or say "specials" for today's deals!
Step 2: Add Items
You: Large pepperoni pizza
AI: Added! 🍕
Large Pepperoni Pizza - $18.99
Customizations?
• Extra cheese (+$2)
• Stuffed crust (+$3)
• No [topping]
Or reply "done" to complete order
Step 3: Customize
You: Extra cheese, no onions
AI: Got it! Updated your pizza:
Large Pepperoni Pizza
✓ Extra cheese
✗ No onions
$20.99
Add more items or reply "done"
Step 4: Complete Order
You: Done
AI: Great! Here's your order:
📝 ORDER SUMMARY
─────────────────
Large Pepperoni Pizza $20.99
(extra cheese, no onions)
Subtotal: $20.99
Tax: $1.89
─────────────────
Total: $22.88
🚗 Pickup or 🛵 Delivery?
Step 5: Choose Fulfillment
You: Pickup
AI: Perfect! Ready in about 20 mins.
📍 Tony's Pizza
123 Main Street
Open until 10 PM
💳 Pay now or at pickup?
Step 6: Payment
You: Pay now
AI: Tap here to pay securely:
[Pay $22.88 →]
Or reply "pickup" to pay at the store
Channel-Specific Features
SMS/Text
| Feature | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Start ordering | Text any message to restaurant number |
| View menu | Text "MENU" |
| Check status | Text "STATUS" |
| Reorder | Text "REORDER" |
| Help | Text "HELP" |
WhatsApp
Rich features available:
- Product catalogs - Browse with images
- Location sharing - Confirm delivery address
- Payment links - Secure checkout
- Order tracking - Real-time updates
- Voice messages - Speak your order
Facebook Messenger
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick replies | Tap preset buttons |
| Carousel menus | Swipe through items |
| Persistent menu | Bottom nav shortcuts |
| Payment | Facebook Pay integration |
Instagram DM
Perfect for:
- Following restaurant promos
- Ordering what you see in posts
- Quick questions about menu
- Sharing food pics
iMessage (Apple)
Apple Business Chat features:
- Apple Pay - One-tap payment
- Rich links - Interactive previews
- Time picker - Select pickup time
- Maps integration - Get directions
Google Business Messages
Access from:
- Google Search results
- Google Maps listing
- Restaurant website
Features:
- Quick menus - Structured catalog
- Suggested replies - Tap to respond
- Google Pay - Fast checkout
RCS (Rich Communication Services)
Enhanced SMS for Android:
- Images in chat - See menu photos
- Buttons and cards - Interactive UI
- Typing indicators - Know AI is working
- Read receipts - Delivery confirmation
Messaging Commands
Quick commands work across all channels:
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
| MENU | View full menu |
| SPECIALS | Today's deals |
| CART | View current order |
| CLEAR | Start over |
| STATUS | Check order status |
| REORDER | Repeat last order |
| HELP | Get assistance |
| HOURS | Restaurant hours |
| LOCATION | Address and map |
Group Ordering
Starting a Group Order
You: Start group order
AI: Group order started! 👥
Share this link with your group:
order.tonys.pizza/group/ABC123
Everyone can add items.
Reply "close" when ready to submit.
Reply "status" to see all items.
Managing the Group
You: Status
AI: GROUP ORDER STATUS
─────────────────
👤 You: Large pepperoni ($18.99)
👤 Sarah: Caesar salad ($9.99)
👤 Mike: (viewing menu)
Current total: $28.98
Reply "close" to finalize
Saved Preferences
Creating a Profile
You: Save my info
AI: I'll remember you for faster ordering!
What's your name?
You: Alex
AI: Thanks Alex!
Want to save a default address?
(for delivery orders)
Using Saved Info
When you order again:
AI: Welcome back, Alex! 👋
Your usual? (Large pepperoni, extra cheese)
Or view [Menu]
Managing Preferences
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
| MY INFO | View saved details |
| UPDATE ADDRESS | Change delivery address |
| ALLERGIES | Set dietary restrictions |
| FAVORITES | View saved items |
| DELETE | Remove your data |
Allergy & Dietary Info
Setting Restrictions
You: I have a gluten allergy
AI: Thanks for letting me know! 🌾
I'll mark items containing gluten.
Want me to remember this for future orders?
Menu Filtering
You: Show me gluten-free options
AI: GLUTEN-FREE MENU 🌾✓
🍕 Cauliflower Crust Pizza - $17.99
🥗 Caesar Salad (no croutons) - $9.99
🍝 Zucchini Noodles - $13.99
All items verified gluten-free
Order Tracking
Status Updates
After ordering, receive automatic updates:
✅ Order confirmed! #1847
📍 Restaurant received your order
👨🍳 Now preparing
🍕 Ready for pickup!
Checking Status
You: Status
AI: ORDER #1847 STATUS
─────────────────
✓ Received - 3:15 PM
✓ Preparing - 3:18 PM
○ Ready - Est. 3:40 PM
On track! 👍
Payment Options
Secure Payment Link
Most channels support in-chat payment:
- AI sends secure payment link
- Tap to open payment page
- Enter card or use saved method
- Return to chat with confirmation
Native Payments
| Channel | Native Payment |
|---|---|
| iMessage | Apple Pay |
| Google Messages | Google Pay |
| Facebook Messenger | Facebook Pay |
| WhatsApp Pay (select regions) |
Pay at Pickup
Say "pay at pickup" to pay when you arrive.
Troubleshooting
Not Getting Responses
- Check your internet connection
- Verify you're messaging the right number
- Try a simple message like "Hi"
- Wait 30 seconds and try again
AI Doesn't Understand
Say:
- "Start over"
- "Help"
- "Talk to human"
Order Issues
Message "HELP" to connect with support or call the restaurant directly.
Privacy & Security
Data We Collect
| Data | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Phone/handle | Identify you | While active |
| Order history | Reordering | 2 years |
| Payment info | Checkout | Not stored |
| Preferences | Better service | Until deleted |
Your Rights
- Request your data anytime
- Delete your account: say "DELETE MY DATA"
- Opt out of marketing: say "UNSUBSCRIBE"
Tips for Best Experience
- Use quick commands for faster service
- Set up a profile to speed up future orders
- Enable notifications for order updates
- Save allergies once for safety every time
- Use emojis - the AI understands them! 🍕👍
Related Guides
- Phone Ordering - Voice call ordering
- Online Ordering - App and website
- Delivery Options - Delivery details
- Loyalty Program - Earn points on orders