CFE checks in with three veteran caterers, who detail key trends shaping the industry By Sara Perez Webber 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 … [Read more...] about What’s Next for Catering?
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Eco-Friendly Events
10 Sustainable Strategies for Going Greener By Sara Perez Webber 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 … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Events
A Toast to Collaboration
ECEP attracted its best turnout yet at its fifth annual Symposium in Napa Valley By Sara Perez Webber Photos by Jkapture Studios 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 … [Read more...] about A Toast to Collaboration
Personalizing the Big Day
Creating weddings that capture a couple’s personalities is what it’s all about for event planner Brian Worley By Sara Perez Webber Like many event professionals, Brian Worley had no idea that what started as a side hustle would evolve into a passion and a career. The creative director and owner of B. Worley Productions in Atlanta, Worley was working at a Banana … [Read more...] about Personalizing the Big Day
Sensational Sweets and Sips
Experts reveal the latest wedding dessert and drink trends By Sara Perez Webber Wedding receptions are a time to indulge. To help you plan your big events accordingly, we’ve rounded up some of the latest trends in scrumptious desserts and celebratory cocktails. Let’s get this party started! Desserts Extravagant Cakes While no-frills cutting cakes were in … [Read more...] about Sensational Sweets and Sips
What’s In for Going All Out
Take your weddings to the next level with these 15 trends By Sara Perez Webber When it comes to their weddings, couples these days don’t follow the herd. Eschewing cookie-cutter affairs, brides and grooms are letting their personalities shine through in every aspect of their big celebrations, from the cuisine to the décor to the entertainment. Despite each wedding’s … [Read more...] about What’s In for Going All Out
Expect the Unexpected
Bill Hansen shares one of his wildest wedding stories in an excerpt from his new book, Plating Up Profits: Miami’s Catering Icon Dishes Up Lessons for Business Success As the founder of Bill Hansen Catering and CEO of Hansen Group, 55-year catering veteran Bill Hansen has seen it all when it comes to catered events. He shares his most memorable stories—and the business … [Read more...] about Expect the Unexpected
ezCater’s Third Annual Lunch Report Reveals Lunch Breaks Are Losing Ground to Busy Schedules
ezCater, the #1 food tech platform for workplaces, released its third annual Lunch Report, revealing new insights into employees’ lunch habits. Although 98% of employees recognize the benefits of lunch breaks on job performance and productivity, nearly half (49%) skip lunch altogether at least once a week. Employees cite fear they won’t have enough time to get their work done … [Read more...] about ezCater’s Third Annual Lunch Report Reveals Lunch Breaks Are Losing Ground to Busy Schedules
Listing Your Business for Sale
Tips for determining the value of your company and presenting it to potential buyers By Dale Vaillancourt As a caterer, you know that meticulous preparation is the key to a successful event. If you don’t put in the work beforehand, you won’t achieve satisfying results for you and your clients. The same philosophy applies to selling your catering business. With … [Read more...] about Listing Your Business for Sale
Olympic-Sized Lessons
An interview with John Crisafulli of Behind the Scenes Catering, who's catered for 13 Olympic Games John Crisafulli—ECEP founding member, and president and CEO of Behind the Scenes (BTS) Catering in San Diego—has produced food at 13 Olympic Games. He’s seen it all, from Covid restrictions to frustrating red tape to perhaps the most exciting challenge—preparing a culinary … [Read more...] about Olympic-Sized Lessons
