Why Behind-the-Scenes Videos Work for Diners and Pubs

Video marketing invites customers in and makes them feel like part of the family.

In today’s restaurant industry, competition is fierce. Your current and potential diners have endless choices, so standing out requires more than just great food.

You want to showcase your story in a way that connects with your guests. One of the best ways to do that is with behind-the-scenes video content. This type of content building is especially helpful and works for both diners and pubs.

Video has become the most engaging type of digital content, and when restaurants like yours use it strategically, it:

• Builds trust.
• Entertains viewers.
• Drives more people through the door.

In this article, we explore why behind-the-scenes videos resonate with customers and how you can use videos to strengthen your restaurant’s brand.

Customers are Natural Voyeurs

People are naturally curious. And in today’s digital age, where nearly everyone is on social media, being a voyeur is a national pastime.

With so much of life documented online, audiences are drawn to authentic, unscripted moments. As a restaurateur, you have a golden opportunity to invite customers to “peek behind the curtain” and experience your culture, your team, and your process before they even book a table. Behind-the-scenes clips can:

• Showcase the care you put into sourcing and preparing your food.
• Humanize your staff by highlighting personalities and team spirit.
• Build trust by giving guests a transparent look at your kitchen and service.

This kind of content makes people feel like insiders, creating a personal connection that encourages them to choose your restaurant over the competition.

The Power is In the Shot

Video isn’t just fun. It’s effective.

If you’re using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, you probably already find that video content consistently earns higher engagement and wider reach than still photos or text posts.

In fact, many studies show that videos are shared more often, remembered longer, and acted upon faster than other forms of media.

When your restaurant shares video, you’re not just posting content. You are telling a story in motion and in real life.

Whether you show team members plating a dish, shaking a cocktail, or talking together before a shift, videos bring your brand to life in a way photos can’t.

The result? Stronger customer loyalty, more shares, and a steady stream of new faces walking through your door.

Why Video Works

When customers see your team laughing together, your chefs carefully preparing ingredients, or your bartenders pouring amazing looking drinks, they feel connected to your restaurant. (tweet this)

This transparency builds confidence and trust while setting your business apart as authentic and approachable.

More importantly, behind-the-scenes videos provide something guests can’t get from competitors. What’s this? It’s a genuine look at your restaurant’s heart and soul.

As more and more diners crave an overall experience when they dine out, your videos give them a glimpse into what they can expect.

Now, let’s look at some ideas to get you started.

Your potential diners love watching your behind-the-scenes videos.

Behind-the-Scenes Video Ideas for Restaurants

If you’re ready to hit “record,” here are a few ideas to start with:

1. Showcase a Day in the Life of Your Chef

Guests already love food photos, but video takes things further. Film your chef creating a signature dish from start to finish. For example:

• Visit a local farmers’ market and film your chef choosing ingredients and talking about why.
• Return to your restaurant and film your chef prepping and cooking in the kitchen.
• Show the chef plating the final dish with garnishes and a server taking it to a table of happy customers.

Even simple time-lapse clips of chopping vegetables or searing meat can be surprisingly captivating. Add upbeat music, captions, or a chef’s commentary for extra flair.

2. Go Behind the Bar with Your Bartenders

If your restaurant has a bar, it’s a great opportunity to create visually stunning content. Craft cocktails and draft pours are naturally photogenic. Consider:

• Show a bartender walking viewers through a recipe – the more original the better.
• Take slow-motion shots of bartenders shaking, pouring, and garnishing drinks.
• Interview guests right at the bar. These can be surprisingly interesting and funny.
• Do videos with team members and have each video include one person talking about their favorite drink and why.

3. Put Your Staff in the Spotlight

Hospitality is a people-driven business. Your potential and current diners especially love seeing the faces behind the food. Feature your staff in lighthearted, authentic ways:

• Film a short “day in the life” video of a server, bartender, or line cook.
• Get shots of fun, low-key moments like your team rolling silverware, decorating desserts, or prepping the dining room.
• Do staff introduction videos of each team member to help your customers recognize familiar faces when they arrive.

These videos show your team’s personality, highlight the culture of your restaurant, and make dining with you feel like joining a family for dinner.

4. Offer Online Cooking Lessons

This is a great way to get people intrigued by the dishes your chef has (and can) create.

If you’re sharing these on YouTube, they can be longer and more instructional. If you’re putting them on TikTok, choose simpler dishes that can be filmed in about a minute.

Online cooking lessons entice customers while also giving them a taste of what they can expect. You give a little, and in return, they give you a lot by visiting your restaurant and eating a whole meal.

Final Video Tip

At this point, you may wonder if you should hire someone to shoot your video. While you can certainly do it yourself, here are a few reasons you may want to look for a professional:

• Video producers and editors are skilled storytellers.
• They can edit your video for each platform and include the right footage to attract a specific platform’s audience.
• Pros keep your branding consistent.
• They can easily edit both long-form and short-form videos.
• A pro is highly skilled, so your video will be high quality.
• They can help with content and marketing ideas for your video.

Ready to Elevate Your Online Presence?

It’s key to make a plan and strategy for your behind-the-scenes videos. Decide what social media platforms you’ll use (don’t forget YouTube), and then create a content calendar to keep you on track. (tweet this)

Next, look to your website. Is it ready to help you succeed and showcase video content?

Your videos are only as powerful as the platforms they live on. If your restaurant’s website isn’t built to showcase rich content like behind-the-scenes footage, you’re missing a huge opportunity.

While some videos live on YouTube and your social media platforms, they should also live somewhere on your website, too. Video content is part of your overall branding.

Your content strategy should include leveraging video everywhere you can. Track its effectiveness and then create more like your most popular ones to drive customers to your restaurant!

At Restaurant Engine, we design websites specifically for restaurants. Your new site will highlight your story, perform well on search engines, and look amazing on any device. Whether you’re just starting out or want to revamp your current website, we can help you build a digital presence that attracts guests and converts visitors into loyal customers. You can count on us to create an amazing website that presents a unified brand for your restaurant and works across all digital platforms. Let us help you make the perfect site!

Are you ready to take your restaurant to the next level with a new website?

Get your free website consultation today!

Images: Spencer Davis on Unsplash