Why Restaurants Stay Invisible on LinkedIn and How to Fix It

It happens a few times a week. I scroll through Instagram and see videos of the most delicious meals and desserts from independent restaurants. And then it hit me. I never see restaurants, diners, or caterers showing up on LinkedIn.

The food industry dominates visual platforms. The problem? It’s oversaturated. Beautiful dishes get lost between celebrity content, influencer reels, and everything else in the feed. Meanwhile, the businesses feeding our communities are missing out on visibility that could lead to corporate catering contracts, event partnerships, and steady repeat business.

Owners are busy running daily operations, managing staff, and watching margins. Many still see LinkedIn as too corporate or assume their audience isn’t there. But that belief is costing them opportunities that go beyond foot traffic and one-time orders. LinkedIn is where decision-makers live and where business relationships start.

According to Restroworks

• There are more than 79,000 food service businesses in Canada.

• The industry brought in $91.6 billion in 2023.

• Yet 62% of restaurants are operating at a loss or barely breaking even, with 719 bankruptcies last year.

The takeaway: survival depends on standing out.

If I were a restaurateur or caterer, I’d use LinkedIn to build visibility while others are fighting for attention elsewhere. Especially in large, competitive cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, where every block has another great spot. The ones who master strategic visibility will earn the partnerships and contracts that keep their calendars full.

Start With The Quick Wins:

1. Connect locally and strategically: Search for people and companies within your location. When they accept your connection request, introduce yourself and invite them in. Offer a personalized experience or a promo code that creates a reason to visit.

2. Target decision-makers: Look up nearby companies, co-working spaces, and event planners. Follow their pages. See who plans team meetings or corporate events and reach out. Have a team rep drop off a handwritten note or sample box with your menu and contact info. Make a professional first impression.

3. Post content that builds authority: Share your food, and tell a story. Write captions that highlight your sourcing, service, and client experience. Use searchable phrases like “corporate catering Toronto,” “business lunch delivery,” or “event dining services.” Speak to clients who care about professionalism and quality.

Right now, companies and event planners are finalizing catering for holiday parties, conferences, and retreats. If your restaurant was showing up on LinkedIn you'd be booked first.

Do you know a caterer or restaurateur who isn’t on LinkedIn and could benefit from this? Please share this article with them.

And if you’re ready to stand out as the go-to business in your city, schedule a call about my LinkedIn Accelerator. I’ll help you build visibility, authority, and a content strategy that brings steady, high-value clients no matter your industry.