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What’s Next for Catering?
Signs point to a robust year for catering in 2025. That’s the consensus from three veteran caterers, who shared with CFE their outlook for the industry.
“It’s hard to believe that we are five years removed from the pandemic,” says Anthony Lambatos, owner and CEO of Footers Catering in Arvada, Colorado. “After the dramatic drop-off and then meteoric return of events, business has stabilized, and we are settling into an environment with a bit more predictability.”
Lambatos—along with Kevin Lacassin of Good Food Events + Catering in Tampa, Florida, and Robin Selden of Marcia Selden Catering in Stamford, Connecticut—pointed to six trends they see impacting their businesses going forward.
Spotlight
Pouring Profits
Have you tapped into the brewing demand for specialty coffee?
If not, the robust revenue stream may be just the jolt your menu needs. As of 2024, 45% of American adults reported consuming specialty coffee in the past day—an 80% increase since 2011, according to a report from the National Coffee Association. In fact, for the first time, specialty coffee consumption surpassed that of traditional coffee.
The Danger of Nuclear Verdicts
A $10 million lawsuit would be the nail in the coffin for nearly every hospitality business. However, the number of nuclear verdicts continues to rise. Recent data shows that U.S. juries awarded more than $14.5 billion in nuclear verdicts in 2023—a 15-year high.
Society Insurance has spent 110 years helping protect businesses and has seen firsthand how nuclear verdicts have evolved in the U.S. The company outlines below what a nuclear verdict is, their alarming rate of increase, and precautions for hospitality businesses to take to better protect themselves against these devastating verdicts.
Sponsored Content
Smoke the Competition with AUSTIN BLUES® Smoked Meats
When you’re catering for a crowd, consistency is key. With AUSTIN BLUES® Smoked Meats, you can delight guests with authentic, pitmaster-crafted barbeque that’s flavorful and authentic—every time.
Pitmasters in Texas smoke AUSTIN BLUES® Smoked Meats in rotisserie-style pits for up to 16 hours over 100% hardwood logs. With deep-pink smoke rings and beautiful bark, the simply seasoned and unsauced meats give chefs the ability to add their own personal stamp to every mouthwatering plate.
Continue Reading Smoke the Competition with AUSTIN BLUES® Smoked Meats
Robot Coupe Makes Life Easy in Your Kitchen
Since 1961, Robot Coupe has understood the importance of efficiency and precision in the professional kitchen.
It’s no surprise the company that created the food processor has continued to innovate products that simplify food preparation and make life easier for busy, demanding chefs.
Continue Reading Robot Coupe Makes Life Easy in Your Kitchen
Trim Your Prep Time with the Whizard Versa™ Trimmer
As a foodservice business owner, you know that time is money. Save precious hours—and increase your profits—by prepping for big events with the new Whizard Versa™ Trimmer from Bettcher, which reduces labor time by up to 67%.
Ideal for BBQ caterers—and restaurant applications including gyro, shawarma, and al pastor slicing—the Whizard Versa™ Trimmer is an electric handheld tool that significantly decreases preparation time for large cuts of meat.
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Explore
Eco-Friendly Events
There’s a growing appetite for sustainable events. Are you meeting the demand?
According to a recent report from Food for Climate League and Datassential, the foodservice industry research firm, 79 percent of consumers plan to eat more sustainably in the next year. That includes 33 percent who say they never eat sustainable foods but plan to start.
Whether you’re just starting out on your sustainable journey or looking to become even greener, we’ve rounded up 10 strategies to follow to minimize your company’s impact on the environment.
A Toast to Collaboration
When the leaders of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) chose the location of the group’s recent annual meeting, they knew what would appeal to their audience. After all, what better place for a group of foodies to come together than a stunningly beautiful locale known for its fine wines and innovative culinary scene?
More attendees than ever convened at ECEP’s fifth annual Symposium, which took place March 9-13 at the Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California. And while the picturesque surroundings and world-class dining added to the appeal, the 76 ECEP members and sponsors who attended also found sustenance in interesting discussions, dynamic speakers and plenty of bonding opportunities in the heart of wine country.
Food Packaging Strategies
Today, all aspects of foodservice operations are under scrutiny, from sourcing to water conservation to food waste. Consumers and lawmakers are increasingly pushing the foodservice industry to adopt practices that will get us closer to creating a sustainable food ecosystem.
This heightened awareness creates unique opportunities for caterers to stand out. Businesses that embrace this shift can refresh their brand identity, attract eco-conscious clients and potentially command premium pricing.
Advocating for Change
Change and upheaval can be powerful catalysts for action. This was precisely the case for the founding members of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) as they faced the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which brought a devastating ripple effect to their livelihoods. The catering industry came to a complete standstill, with no relief in sight.
The idea of forming a group with advocacy at its core quickly gained momentum. “Our industry was in dire need of advocacy, leadership and collaboration,” says Susan Lacz, a founding member of ECEP and its inaugural president.
Personalizing the Big Day
Creating weddings that capture a couple’s personalities is what it’s all about for event planner Brian Worley.
Based in Atlanta, Worley has produced and designed about 250 weddings in his career—including his own mother’s. CFE recently caught up with Worley to get his take on wedding design trends and to learn what inspires him when planning a couple’s big day.
