Restaurant Name Generator

In a recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center, over 51% of Americans said they prefer to eat out at restaurants rather than cook meals at home. With such high demand for restaurant dining, it is no wonder that there are so many new restaurants popping up all across the country.

So, if you're launching a restaurant business, you must establish branding that will help you stand out from the competition. And choosing the right name is a crucial part of that process.

Your Restaurant Name Can Reflect Your Cuisine

One of the first decisions you will need to make when selecting a restaurant name is deciding what type of cuisine you want to specialize in. Whether you are serving American comfort food or exotic Thai dishes, finding a name that reflects your culinary style can help attract customers who share similar tastes.

Keep Your Restaurant Name Short & Creative

Your restaurant name should be short, sweet, and to the point. A long or complicated name can be difficult for customers to remember and may discourage them from returning.
You also want your name to be creative and unique. A good way to come up with ideas is to brainstorm with a group of people who are familiar with your concept. Try to avoid names that are already in use by other businesses, as this can create confusion and may result in legal issues down the road.

Your Restaurant Name Should Reflect Your Brand

Your restaurant name is one of the first things potential customers will see, so it must reflect your brand's overall tone and feel. For example, if you are going for a casual and relaxed vibe, steer clear of too formal or stuffy names.
On the other hand, if you are running a high-end eatery, you will want to avoid too playful or whimsical names. Ultimately, the goal is to find a name that perfectly represents the unique atmosphere and dining experience you are offering.

Your Restaurant Name Should Mean Something to You

Being excited about your restaurant name is essential, as it will be a big part of your brand identity. However, avoid choosing a name simply because it sounds good or is easy to remember.
Instead, choose a name that has some personal meaning to you or resonates with your overall concept. This will help you stay motivated as you continue to grow your business and will make all the difference when attracting customers. People generally have a good notion of when something is authentic. So if they sense your excitement, they will also be excited about your restaurant and what it offers.

Use Your Name or a Nickname

If you're completely stuck when it comes to coming up with a restaurant name, try using your own first or last name. Alternatively, you can also consider choosing a commonly used nickname in your area or family. This can help you create an instant connection with customers and may also make it easier for them to remember your restaurant name.
It also adds a little bit of a personal touch and makes the restaurant yours. While it may not seem like the most creative option, many successful restaurants have used this strategy to significant effect, such as McDonald's, the mother of all fast-food chains.

Use Keywords in Your Restaurant Name

Sometimes, using keywords related to your niche in your restaurant name can be helpful to get customers to remember your restaurant. For example, if you are a vegetarian restaurant, using keywords like "veg" or "vegan" in your name may remind customers of your specialties and help attract more vegans and vegetarians to your restaurant.
This doesn't always work since you don't necessarily want to name your place "Carl's Chinese Restaurant," but if you sell something very specific, such as tapas, this can be an excellent method to use.
It will also help you when people search for your restaurant online since keywords are picked up and referenced by search engines like Google. Just make sure that your restaurant name is easy to say and spell.

Make Sure Your Restaurant Name is Available as a Domain and on Social Media

It is vital to make sure that your chosen restaurant name is available as a domain name and on social media platforms in today's digital age. This will allow you to build a robust online presence and reach a wider audience of potential customers.
If the exact name you want is not available, you can try slightly altering it or adding relevant keywords. For example, if the name you want is already taken as a website URL, you could try adding ".com" or "-restaurant" to the end of it.
You should also check to see if the name you want is trademarked or being used by another business in your industry. Again, this could create legal complications down the road, so it is best to avoid names already in use by other businesses.

Consult Family and Friends About Your Restaurant Name Ideas

Choosing a restaurant name can be a stressful and challenging process, especially if you are on a tight budget or time crunch. To save yourself time and effort, consider asking family and friends for their advice on your restaurant name ideas.
Remember that the restaurant name you choose should reflect your brand identity, resonate with target customers, and be available as a domain and social media handle. With these factors in mind, you're sure to come up with the perfect restaurant name to help your business stand out from the crowd!

Get Feedback on Your Restaurant Name Ideas

Once you've brainstormed a few possible restaurant names, it's essential to get some feedback from people who are not familiar with your concept.
Ask them if the name sounds like a restaurant, what kind of restaurant they would expect it to be, and if the name is easy to remember.
You may also consider potential surveying customers to get their feedback on your restaurant name ideas. This can be an invaluable way to get some honest feedback and help you make a final decision.