The catering industry is experiencing a strong resurgence, driven by a combination of post-pandemic workplace dynamics, growing demand for large group meals, and expanded capabilities by major restaurant chains. The global catering services market is expected to grow from approximately $295 billion in 2024 to $312 billion in 2025, with projections reaching nearly $386 billion by 2029 (source). In the U.S., catering revenue reached $72 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to climb to $124 billion by 2032 (source).
Growth Drivers
A major driver of this growth is the corporate catering segment, which now accounts for nearly half of catering provider revenue, thanks to increased demand from companies looking to serve hybrid or in-office workforces (source). This shift is creating opportunities for restaurants to diversify revenue beyond traditional dine-in and off-premise orders.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this trend has been Cracker Barrel, which reported a 50% year-over-year increase in catering orders during one recent fiscal quarter, with catering, delivery, and takeout together representing 23% of total sales (source).
Leaning In
Several restaurant chains have leaned into this catering momentum. Dave’s Hot Chicken, for example, recently launched its first-ever corporate catering program through ezCater, enabling over 200 locations to handle large-scale business orders. The chain expects catering to generate roughly 10% of revenue within a year, with average orders exceeding $500 (source).
Meanwhile, Olive Garden, already known for family-style meals, has piloted partnerships with Uber Direct to streamline individual and large catering deliveries (source).
Notable Players
Other notable players excelling in catering include Panera Bread, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Outback Steakhouse, which all rank among the most frequently used brands for corporate catering in the U.S. (source).
Mid-sized chains like Firehouse Subs, True Food Kitchen, and El Pollo Loco are also growing their catering capabilities, often via tech integrations and customizable packages (source).
Key reasons these brands are succeeding include scalable kitchen infrastructure, crowd-pleasing menu formats (like platters and build-your-own bars), and the use of digital tools for seamless ordering and delivery. There’s also a broader shift toward experiential catering, sustainability, and diet-conscious options like gluten-free and plant-based meals (source).
What's Next
In summary, the catering industry is rebounding rapidly, and restaurants that invest in tech-forward, scalable, and customizable offerings—especially those targeting corporate clients—are best positioned to win.
The chains that treat catering as a strategic revenue stream rather than an afterthought are leading the way in capturing this growing market.
