As we enter the new year, the Top Corporate Catering Trends for 2026 reflect notable changes in workplace culture and employees’ expectations.
It’s reported that around 62% of employers now consider food offerings as a key workforce retention factor.
As a result, employees now expect high-quality food. That means food-immersive catering experiences, not just takeout from the local Wendy’s.
With 1 in 4 Americans working at least partially from home, companies also want days together to feel worth the effort of showing up.
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we’ve been serving barbeques since the 70s, so we’re not strangers to change. We’ve taken some time to share the corporate catering trends we’re aware of going into 2026.
Our Top Corporate Catering Trends for 2026
1. Catering Menus Are Going Personalized!
We’ve noticed a growing demand for customized menus. Employees no longer want that same old generic lunch setup. They want to feel valued, with menus that reflect that.
We recommend going for a thematic menu to show you’ve gone the extra step, such as with seasonal or regional choices. So, instead of that big burger chain, go for something local like our authentic Texan barbeques.
We also offer customized menus, giving you the choice to pick your sides and mains in advance. Or even to use our live-action stations for toppings to get ultra-personalized.
2. Health-Conscious Options
78% of catering clients now say they prefer organic and locally sourced ingredients, which may also be tied to a surge in wellness programs. We don’t see any drop off in the demand for delicious barbeques, but we do think there’s an increased demand for lighter and healthier sides.
We recommend salads and soups to please the healthier members of your team, such as our 1836, which features field lettuce, crispy bacon, Mexican white cheese, candied pecans, avocado, and 1836 dressing.
To continue the healthy theme, go for lean proteins like grilled chicken, smoked turkey, and seafood. Plus, low-and-slow mesquite smoking is far more nutritious than fried options.
3. Immersive and Interactive Catering
One clear Top Corporate Catering Trends for 2026 is that new generations of workers value experiences. So, try to make your event or luncheon feel memorable.
You can do this immersive catering experience, such as with our live action stations or carving stations. When catering onsite, you can see our pitmaster at work, carving up the brisket, pork, and turkey as the aromas float through the air.
We’ve also got taco and slide stations, so guests can choose their own toppings, customize their plates, and interact with staff and their colleagues as they dwell by the stations. Simply put, it prevents your colleagues from speaking only to those across the table.
We’re big fans of this approach, having seen it bring a laidback environment to many Houston luncheons.
4. Local Sourcing Catering
Companies are pushing for locally sourced catering, which should lower their carbon footprint and strengthen connections within their local economy.
If your HR team is focused on supporting local businesses in the Houston community, look no further than our team.
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we use only fresh ingredients, USDA beef, and Gulf Coast seafood, and craft all our sides in-house. We focus on minimal waste and short supply chains. We’ve been in business since our foundation in the 1970s and have a love for Houston in our blood!
5. Texas-Inspired Menus
To continue on the previous point, if you’re Texas-based, it must be Texan to be on trend in 2026.
While there are many barbeque attempts in Houston, few truly capture the essence of our history. You won’t see an electric grill in sight, as we smoke our meats low and slow over mesquite wood. That’s the real Texan way.
Plus, our sides and handmade sausages all reflect the state’s true legacy, with a blend of southern influences, such as Mesquite-grilled beef, chicken fajitas, Jambalaya Texana, Jalapeno cheese bread, Austin baked beans, Southwestern Green Beans, and our famous Czech sausages.
6. Themes and Decor
We’ve noticed a significant increase in the requests for themes and decor towards the end of 2025. So, whether it’s company logos and balloons, or seasonal decor like Easter decorations or summer vibes, it’s worth considering!
That can be reflected in your food, with more seafood during the summer or hearty barbeque dishes during the cooler months.
Feel free to check out our guide on the Top Holiday Event Planning Tips for Any Celebration here.
7. Private Bars
Having on-site drinks is also in growing demand, with more and more companies expecting something different from a few bottles of champagne and beers from the fabulous bag.
Reputable catering teams should offer you the option of a dedicated in-house alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks service.
Our little portable silverstream bar, Yonderlust, offers that and more! We serve drinks from there, including seasonal cocktails, homemade iced tea, fresh beers, and even coffee. If you’re interested, let us know, and we’ll arrange to have it arrive on site!
Our Yonderlust bar serves:
- Premium Vodka, Gin, White Rum, Tequila, Bourbon, & Blended Scotch
- House White Wine (Choice of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- House Red Wine (Choice of Pinot Noir or Cabernet)
- Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Lone Star, Shiner Bock, Modelo Especial, Dos XX Lager
- Bottled Water, Topo Chico, mixers, garnishes, napkins, ice, disposable cups, bar table, and linens
- Seasonal cocktails
- Iced Tea, Lemonade, Orange Juice, Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Aguas Frescas (Seasonal), And Coffee.
- And more!
8. Themed Desserts That HIT
Desserts are back, people. But that means more than just some ice cream.
Make it themed with the rest of the menu. So if you’re going Italian, make sure it’s a tiramisu.
Or, if you’re going with that Texan menu, then go for our Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. It’s made with Pecans taken from the Brazos River. You can’t get much more authentic (or gooey) than that!
How to Include Top Corporate Catering Trends for 2026 in Your Corporate Events
To get on board with these event catering trends for 2026, we recommend starting with your employees in mind. Think about their tastes and concerns by running a poll over the menu options and including lighter options such as soups, salads, and light proteins.
You can keep things immersive by using a catering company that offers live chef cooking, carving, and action stations (such as our taco stations). We find that these experiences leave lasting impressions for onboarding, team-building, and client entertainment, too.
Contact Us Today to Plan Your 2026 Corporate Event
Ready to get an authentic Texan corporate catering experience? Without the stress? With incredible food and service? Then contact us today!
Our in-house hospitality and logistics team will be keen to make your corporate event as seamless as possible, from preparation and cleanup to audiovisual needs and dietary requirements.
We’ve been serving the Houston community with our famous hospitality since the 1970s, and have grown a reputation for reliability and Texan charm. All that, combined with barbeque food cooked the real Texan way with mesquite pits, homemade sauces, sides, and locally sourced meat.