Catering Comeback MAKES A
Starting last year, in-person holiday parties were on the rise. The trend is continuing, with many workplaces actively planning catered holiday events to entice staff to return and encourage in-office culture. Weddings, holiday parties, and private events are also ramping back up. For operators, now is the chance to regain some of that pre-pandemic magic as guests crave more elevated, full-course food experiences. With a competitive landscape, operators will need creative ways to get ahead of the competition. Consider these top trends as you plan for a successful catering season:
CULTURAL CULINARY EXPERIENCES Go international with your menu and explore unique ingredients, unusual preparations, and diverse flavours to create a sense of cultural immersion for diners.
Catering has the potential to boost sales by 20% or more, so foodservice operators of all types should consider it as a lucrative and valuable revenue stream.
FARM-TO-TABLE MEALS Post-pandemic, guests have taken a keen interest in food and beverage origins, presenting great opportunities to showcase local ingredients.
THE EARLY BIRD Morning meetings and pre-lunch conferences are becoming more popular, with breakfast and “refuel” stations keeping audiences fueled, engaged, and fully involved. Brunch is also on the rise for weddings and private gatherings.
VERTICAL FOOD STATIONS Leave a lasting impression with this unexpected approach! The popularity of doughnut and pretzel walls soared last year, and this trend looks set to continue.
CHILDHOOD CLASSICS Embrace the nostalgia of comfort food but add fun, playful twists. Familiar flavours are back in style as people crave dishes that remind them of their childhood and simpler times.
EXPERIENTIAL CATERING In today’s social media-obsessed world, people crave unique and memorable moments through inventive menus, theatrics, and activities. Create a “WOW” factor so that guests remember their experience. Here are some ideas:
Hire a cocktail pro for a quick masterclass in mixology. pen-fire or live-fire cooking. What could O be more dramatic? Set up DIY pasta, pizza, or sushi stations.