Catering Weekly Brief: May 13–18, 2025
This week saw a significant development with Airbnb entering the catering market, alongside various local catering business updates and continued discussions around key industry trends. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important news for catering professionals:
-
Airbnb Launches Catering Services
Airbnb has officially launched its “Services” vertical as part of its Summer Release 2025, with catering being one of the initial ten categories. This move signifies Airbnb’s ambition to become a comprehensive platform for travel and related services, potentially introducing new competition and opportunities for caterers. The service emphasizes experienced and verified “hosts,” including chefs with Michelin-star backgrounds.
Published: May 13, 2025
2025 Summer Release: Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb -
Airline Catering Disruptions Highlight Food Safety Concerns
Delta Air Lines canceled a transatlantic flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam due to an unexpected food safety issue following a mechanical delay. Separately, United Airlines experienced “catering chaos” at San Francisco International Airport due to a switch to a new vendor, resulting in first-class passengers on some routes receiving only snack boxes instead of full meals. These incidents underscore the critical importance of food safety and reliable catering operations.
Published: May 18, 2025
Delta Air Lines Travel Disruption Hits Minneapolis To Amsterdam Route Following Food Safety And Mechanical Delays - Travel And Tour World -
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. in Arkansas celebrated its 10th anniversary with a weeklong event from May 19-25. The celebration included a refreshed restaurant space, a new menu, giveaways (including a chance to win free catering for 10 people), and a special anniversary cocktail. This milestone highlights the potential for longevity and community engagement in the catering and restaurant industry.
Published: May 16, 2025
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Turns 10 with New Menu, Makeover, and a Birthday Bash - AY Magazine -
Graze Craze Expands with New Florida Location
Graze Craze, a franchise specializing in charcuterie boards, opened a new location in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on May 16, 2025. This expansion reflects the ongoing popularity of grazing-style catering options for various events and gatherings.
Published: May 18, 2025
Graze Craze opens in Ponte Vedra Beach | Jax Daily Record -
Rx Catering Announces Expansion into Fayetteville
Rx Catering, based in Arkansas, announced its expansion into Fayetteville on May 14, 2025. This move indicates growth and an extended market reach for regional catering companies, suggesting a positive trend for the industry in that area.
Published: May 15, 2025
WATCH: Passion in a Glass With Norwood Day - AY Magazine
Tools & Tips
- Catering Software Solutions: Explore various catering software options like BetterCater, CaterZen, and Total Party Planner to streamline operations, manage online orders, and improve client relationships.
The Ultimate Guide to Catering Software Solutions in 2025 - Zero-Waste Catering Practices: Consider implementing zero-waste strategies by using compostable serving ware and partnering with organizations to donate leftover food.
Top Catering Trends to Watch in 2025
Fun Fact
Did you know? In 2023, corporate catering became the biggest driver of growth for catering companies in the US, overtaking weddings as the largest source of total revenue.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any catering events or utilized new catering tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.