If you cater events or plan them for a living, you’ve probably felt the ground shift. The open bar isn’t the centerpiece it used to be. More guests are reaching for something non-alcoholic without a second thought, and they’re not apologizing for it.
When Dan Simons and his partners launched Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events in 2022, they weren’t starting from zero. They had a very strong base—a celebrated high-volume restaurant group with nine locations in the Washington, D.C., area and another in Pennsylvania. What the Founding Farmers team discovered with their successful catering arm is that the business is harder than it may seem.
Three dining programs that are part of Chartwells Higher Education—the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and Northeastern University—have been recognized by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) for their commitment to food allergy safety.
In 2026, event design continues its evolution from aesthetic exercise to fully integrated experience strategy.
For hospitality-driven events, the intersection of environment, service and storytelling is more important than ever—where furniture, catering and layout are no longer separate considerations, but part of a cohesive guest journey.
Looking for summer beverages that guests will flock to at BBQs and outdoor events? Just add watermelon.
The fruit has emerged as a high-demand beverage ingredient, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, younger guests order watermelon drinks far more frequently than Gen X guests or Boomers.
Demand for private dining in New York City has increased more than fivefold ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, according to new data from venue marketplace Tagvenue. The trend signals a broader shift towards higher-value, experience-led bookings.
University dining halls haven’t always been known for culinary excellence. For many college grads, the cafeteria brings back memories of bland, boring buffets.
Today, that stereotype is being phased out of the curriculum, thanks to such campus foodservice providers such as Elior Collegiate Dining. The company—which serves more than 35 million meals annually at college and university campuses throughout the U.S.—tailors its offerings to what students want. Whether that’s the latest TikTok food trend, a macro count with every meal or the ability to order through the dining plan on Grubhub, Elior is meeting Gen Z students where they are.
With à la minute execution, a vast array of house-made products and sophisticated supply-chain leverage, Explora Journeys—the luxury cruise line launched by MSC Group—is making culinary identity a central pillar of the brand. Guests won’t find any mass-produced, boring buffet lines here. Instead they’ll discover an all-day dining venue modeled after a European food hall, with 17 chef-attended live stations—and much more.
Nearly one-quarter (23%) of U.S. consumers who drink alcohol are actively moderating or abstaining from alcohol in January through participation
If there’s one wedding trend poised to fully solidify in 2026, it’s this: Couples are designing their celebrations with guests squarely in mind. From how budgets are allocated to how weekends are structured, the focus has shifted from checking traditional boxes to creating memorable, immersive experiences for the people in the room.
