Restaurant Price Increase Notice Template (2026): Sign, Email, and Social

Raising prices is part of running a restaurant. Losing guest trust is optional.

The safest approach is straightforward: set a cost-based price floor first, then publish one clear message with one clear date. This guide gives you ready-to-use copy and timing rules you can apply this week.

Quick Summary

• Calculate new prices from updated costs before writing the notice.
• Give a clear effective date by channel.
• Keep copy short, human, and operational (no long excuses).
• Use one script so staff and social channels say the same thing.

Why This Matters in 2026 (US Snapshot)

As of December 2025, the FRED series for food away from home CPI (CPIFABSL) reached 341.619, up about 3.0% year over year versus December 2024. At the same time, the FRED/Census food-services sales series (MRTSSM722USN) still reported 96,259 million dollars in November 2025.

In practice, many operators still have stable traffic while input costs move. If you keep old prices too long, margin compresses quietly.

Step 1) Set the New Price Floor

Use current invoices, not old food-cost sheets.

newPriceFloor = updatedPlateCost / targetFoodCostPercent

Example:

• Updated plate cost: $5.62
• Target food cost: 32%

newPriceFloor = 5.62 / 0.32 = $17.56

If the current menu price is $16.49, you are below floor and should update.

Step 2) Choose One Effective Date Across Channels

• Dine-in and printed menu: post notice 7-14 days ahead.
• Website and online ordering: update at the same timestamp as POS.
• Delivery marketplaces: apply on the same effective date as dine-in.
• Catering and recurring B2B clients: typically 2-4 weeks notice.

One date, one message, one script. This prevents guest confusion and staff ad-lib answers.

Template 1) In-Store Sign (Short)

Price Update Notice

To keep ingredient quality and consistent service,
we will update prices on select items starting [DATE].
Thank you for your support.

Template 2) Menu Insert

Supplier and operating costs have changed.
To keep quality and portion standards consistent,
we will adjust prices on select menu items starting [DATE].
Thank you for understanding.

Template 3) Email / Newsletter

Subject: A menu update effective [DATE]

Hi [Name],

Starting [DATE], we are updating prices on select items
to maintain ingredient quality and portion consistency.
Thank you for supporting [Restaurant Name].

Template 4) Social Post

Starting [DATE], selected menu prices will be adjusted
to maintain ingredient quality and service consistency.
Thank you for supporting local.

Template 5) Staff Script (Front of House)

We made a small update on select items this week
to keep quality and portions consistent.
If you want, I can walk you through the updated menu.

Communication Rules (Do / Don’t)

Do:

• Keep the message to one short paragraph.
• Include the exact effective date.
• Thank guests for continued support.

Don’t:

• Blame customers.
• Post different wording by channel.
• Delay delivery app updates after dine-in changes.

Do This Now

• Recalculate top 20 items using current supplier invoices.
• Set a new price floor for each top seller.
• Choose one effective date across POS, web, and apps.
• Publish notice copy 7-14 days before launch.
• Train one staff script for guest questions.
• Review ticket mix and feedback after 14 days.

Related Guides

• US Menu Price Increase Notice Template (2026)
• Price Increase Timing Guide
• 2026 Menu Price Review Checklist
• Food Cost Ratio Guide
• Prime Cost Guide
• Restaurant Break-Even Sales Calculator

Sources (checked on 2026-02-12)

• FRED: CPI for Food Away From Home in U.S. City Average (CPIFABSL)
• FRED/Census: Retail Sales, Food Services and Drinking Places (MRTSSM722USN)
• USDA ERS: Food Price Outlook
• U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum wage laws in the states

KitchenCost helps you track item cost changes and update menu price floors before margin gets squeezed.