In this article, you will learn how to activate and use the new Messages feature.
Until now, you had to switch between Zenchef and your email inbox to reply to guest questions or comments. With the new Messages feature, everything becomes simpler: all exchanges are centralized directly in ZenchefOS and linked to reservations.
Result: fewer scattered emails, smoother communication, and higher customer satisfaction.
Summary
How to activate Messages
What the Messages feature allows you to do
How it works in daily use
Benefits for your restaurant
Using Messages from the ZenchefOS mobile App
FAQs
Support & Related Articles
1. How to Activate Messages
Enable the Conversations with guests button.
Once activated, you will receive notifications whenever a guest writes to you.
You can manage instant message notifications under Settings > General & Team > Notifications > Connect & Promote.
2. What the Messages feature allows you to do
When enabled:
Guest can reply directly to notification emails (confirmation, reminder, etc.).
Conversations are automatically linked to the customer’s reservation.
Visible under Customer profile > Reservation History > Open messages.The Message Center: it centralizes all conversations with your customers in one place, making it easier to manage and reply to messages. No more navigating through each reservation or multiple screens, everything is now simplified, clear, and faster to handle. (available with the Manage and Grow plans)
When disabled:
Guests cannot reply to emails (unless you send them an email from your personal inbox).
Replies will only arrive in your private email inbox.
No centralization in Zenchef.
3. How It Works in Daily Use
When a guest leaves a comment in the booking widget (e.g., allergic to … / stroller / etc.), it becomes the first message of the conversation.
All following messages are linked to that reservation.
You can track the status of a sent message: not delivered, in progress, delivered, opened.
-
For each message, you can:
view the exact preview received by the customer
resend the message
copy the text
Important: you can only send messages to guests with an associated reservation.
4. Benefits for Your Restaurant
Time-saving: no more switching between your email inbox and ZenchefOS.
Better organization: every conversation is linked to the right reservation.
Improved customer experience: faster, more professional replies.
5. Using Messages from the ZenchefOS mobile App
You can also activate the Messages feature from the ZenchefOS mobile app. Go to Settings > Connect & Promote > Connect and enable the Conversations with guests button, following the same steps as in the web application.
You can now manage message notifications and access the Message Center directly from the iOS and Android app: tap the Bell icon to view your messages, or open a message directly from a booking in Reservations.
6. FAQs
How does the customer receive the message?
The guest receives an email with the content you sent.How can I customize the “frame” of the message the guest receives?
In Settings > Reserve > Guest Notifications, you can add variables, change the email subject, font, etc. Note: Message customization is included starting from the Manage plan.Is this feature included in my subscription?
Yes! The Messages feature is included at no additional cost for all Zenchef customers on the Manage and Grow plans, completely free of charge.Can I enable this feature via SMS?
Instant messages are only available via email.
7. Support & Related Articles
Contact Our Support Team
For further assistance, feel free to contact Zenchef support via the chatbot available in your client dashboard or visit our Help Center.