Our November CloseBy® Customer Spotlight features The Sanctuary, a cozy restaurant set in a beautifully converted church in Shenandoah, IA. Owner Renay Cabbage first partnered with CloseBy® Text Marketing in June 2016 and has been working alongside her Account Manager to strengthen her connection with guests ever since. The text program has helped keep her business top of mind with diners and reduced daily phone inquiries about specials, letting her team focus on providing exceptional in-person service. Her secret to growing the program? Personal connection: she and her team take time to talk with diners face-to-face about the benefits of signing up, building trust and loyalty. Learn more about her experience with CloseBy® below!

 

Read Our Exclusive Interview with The Sanctuary

Q: What do you think has been the best way to promote the program for your type of business?

 The most effective way we’ve found to grow our text program is through face-to-face conversations with our guests. When customers dine with us, we take the opportunity to personally explain the benefits of signing up. We’re also updating our menus to include the text program on every page, making it even easier for guests to join. In addition, we promote the program on our social media channels and have it featured on our website. While all of these methods help, nothing beats the personalized touch of an in-person conversation.

 

Q: Have you found the program easy to use?

The text program has been incredibly easy to use. On the occasions I’ve used the online platform, I found it very intuitive and user-friendly. That said, I truly value the support of my dedicated Account Manager, who handles our daily text messages—giving me one less thing to worry about. From the moment I signed up, I’ve had the same Account Manager, and that consistency has meant a lot. We’ve built a strong working relationship, and even though we’ve never met in person, I consider her part of my restaurant team. Amanda is always just a call, text, or email away, ready to answer questions or brainstorm new ideas. That level of support makes all the difference.

 

Q: What has the text program done for your business?

Our text program has been instrumental in keeping our business top of mind with customers. By sending daily messages featuring our chef’s specials, we’ve significantly reduced the number of phone inquiries about our soup or quiche of the day. This not only streamlines our operations but also allows our team to focus fully on delivering exceptional in-person service and sharing our homemade meals with care and attention.

 

Q: What’s your favorite message you have sent out?

It’s hard to choose a favorite text message because, honestly, every message we send serves a purpose. Each one is meaningful and helps keep our business top of mind with our customers. Whether it’s a daily special or a seasonal update, every text is a touchpoint that reinforces our brand and keeps our community engaged.

 

Check Out the Messages Behind The Sanctuary’s Success!

“Rain or Shine – it’s a GREAT time to Dine with us 🙂 Soup: Chicken & Wild Rice Taco Salad Meat Lovers Quiche CALL 712-246-5766” “It’s SUPER SATURDAY from 10am-2pm! Be our 25th Customer & get a COMPLIMENTARY lunch! Enjoy $2 OFF Sandwiches, Large Salads, & Quiches!”
“Discover a World of FLAVOR with our Chef Specials: Soup: Tomato Basil Denver Quiche Gourmet Grilled Cheese 712-246-5766” “Start your Weekend with us 🙂 Soup: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Autumn Salad w/ Maple Vinaigrette Meat Lovers Quiche 712-246-5766”
“Bite into Happiness 😉 Soup: Lasagna Dill Pickle & Chicken Salad on a Croissant Quiche Lorraine CALL 712-246-5766” “Shrieking Delicious Chef Specials: Corn Chowder Thai Chicken Peanut Wrap Broccoli Ham Quiche CALL 712-246-5766 to order or stop in”