Author name: Sara Perez Webber

Sara Perez Webber has been the editor of Catering Magazine for 10 years. A veteran writer and editor, specializing in hospitality, travel and business topics, she previously held staff positions at Travel Agent and Caribbean Travel & Life magazines. Webber has also written for and edited a wide variety of publications, websites and marketing materials in a freelance career spanning nearly two decades. She graduated from American University’s School of Communication in Washington, D.C.

Six Catering Trends with a Lasting Impact

In today’s dynamic hospitality landscape, trends come and go like the seasons. However, some developments transcend short-lived fads, shaping the industry’s future in profound ways. Released this June, the ECEP Trends Report identifies pivotal shifts in environmental, cultural, design and culinary excellence that are set to redefine hospitality standards.

ECEP (Elite Catering + Event Professionals) brings together leaders from the world’s foremost catering and hospitality organizations. This year, under the guidance of ECEP President Michael Stavros, partner at M Culinary Concepts in Phoenix, the ECEP Trends Council has pinpointed enduring trends that promise to leave a lasting impact.

Preparing to Sell Your Catering Business

You know the catering high you get after a successful event? Even though you’re bone-tired, you arrive home, put your feet up, and celebrate—perhaps with a cocktail—reveling in a job well done.

Much like any catered event, your career will end, too. If you want to enjoy that same well-earned satisfaction in your retirement years, you must carefully plan and execute your exit strategy.

Expanding the Borders of BBQ

Across the country, more and more barbecue aficionados are seeking out globally influenced flavors and grilling traditions like Brazilian churrasco. In its 2024 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, the National Restaurant Association ranked “International BBQ” number three on its top 10 overall trends list. Catching fire are styles ranging from Chilean and Argentinean asado to Japanese yakitori to Korean barbecue, says Helen Jane Hearn, the association’s senior director for enterprise programs.

“We’re also seeing flavor mashups from different cultures, like bulgogi tacos or curry-infused barbecue sauces,” says Hearn.

Grilling with a Purpose

Since its founding, Operation BBQ Relief has served more than 11 million hot meals to those in need, deploying to 106 disaster-affected communities in 36 states and the Bahamas. With a database of 18,000 volunteers in every state, including about 700 who are very active, the organization aims to respond as quickly as possible after disaster strikes, helping people when their need is the greatest.

Eco-Friendly Strategies

Embracing sustainability in the foodservice industry isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift that encompasses many aspects of your day-to-day operations. If that sounds intimidating or off-putting, it shouldn’t. Many sustainable practices are also just good business, lowering operating costs and adhering to industry best practices.

Peak Creations

Not that long ago with outdoor events, tents tended to be an event planner’s lackluster plan B—something to fall back on if black clouds and a solid drenching threatened your garden party.

Today, though—with new engineering, advanced tech including HVAC systems and electricity, not to mention stylish new formats—tenting systems are serving as full-fledged temporary event venues. Whether you opt for a sleek black conservatory style or a flower-strewn white pole tent, at their best tent installations add both a “wow” factor and functionality.

Saying “I Do” to AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in countless industries for years, but only recently have event professionals faced the reality and impact of the tool within their profession. Since COVID, clients are looking to reevaluate how and where they spend their money. Weddings and events have shifted toward DIY crafts and budgeting hacks, and AI has played a vital role in the process.

While there’s not much event pros can do to stop clients from seeking AI hacks for planning, there are ways to embrace the evolution. Following are four ways to say 
“I do” to AI.

Close the Gen Z Gap

Many restaurants and foodservice organizations have cracked the code with Gen Z employees. They’ve developed management habits that have increased their influence over young workers and improved team performance. If you replicate their tactics, you can replicate their results.

Here are three ways to create a work environment that will help build a strong Gen Z team.

A Tale of Two Kitchens

While a kitchen renovation may be high on the wish list, it often gets relegated to the backburner due to cost, disruption and the time you know it will take. And yet, it’s often a major key to growth.

Consider the stories of Ridgewells Catering in Washington, D.C., and 24 Carrots Catering & Events in Costa Mesa, California, two of the largest caterers in the country. The first stands on the precipice of a significant renovation. The latter has been basking in the success of its extensive renovation since 2018. Both owners understand that while kitchen rehauls present many challenges, the investment will pay off for years to come.

Brave New Kitchens

When it comes to designing professional kitchens, “efficiency and flexibility will never go out of style, regardless of the trends,” says Marisa Mangani, president of Mise En Place Design in Sarasota, Florida. “It’s all about making money, saving steps, minimizing labor and having built-in flexibility to account for menu changes and staffing changes.”

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