Rising costs at the grocery store are putting pressure on more than just households — catering companies are also seeing the rise in meat and produce prices, though local providers say their own prices have mostly held steady this year.
According to the Food Liability Insurance Program, about half of surveyed catering businesses reported growth in 2025, with about 30% reporting they held steady.
But despite about 48.5% of caterers reporting planned expansions for 2026, the business isn’t without its challenges: Rising costs were cited as the single biggest challenge anticipated in the coming year, with inflation and price sensitivity ranking second.
Rhonda Cilley, owner of Monadnock Eats, a prepared food and catering service in Peterborough, said that while Monadnock Eats has been able to hold prices fairly steady for customers, the business is seeing rising prices from its own vendors and does charge market price for options like beef.
“Which is something I think our customers understand, because they’ve faced the same price increases,” Cilley said.
Costs haven’t really impacted Monadnock Eats’ customer base, however, as catering is the fastest-growing part of the business. The company caters small gatherings of as few as 10 people up to large events, including weddings with up to 150 guests. It can also provide serving staff.
“We really do a wide range — celebrations of life, funerals, weddings, corporate events, bridal showers,” Cilley said. “We’ve done everything from a few people getting together to providing appetizers for 300.”
Karen Alix, co-owner of the Taco Kraze food truck, which caters fairs, festivals, fundraising nights and private parties, including rehearsal dinners and receptions, said she too has seen grocery prices rise on everything from protein to lettuce.
Taco Kraze did not raise its prices this year, Alix said, and will be able to hold current prices if grocery costs remain steady. But if prices continue to rise, the business will likely review its pricing for next summer’s season.
Cilley said Monadnock Eats sources as much of its produce as possible from local providers, including Tenney Farm in Antrim and Homeplace Farm in Peterborough. She said many couples are interested in locally sourced food.
“I do think people are looking for us to go local as much as possible,” Cilley said.
Cilley said that for wedding planning, the key is to contact potential vendors, including caterers, well in advance. Monadnock Eats has already started booking weddings as far out as next fall and advises booking vendors up to a year in advance.
Alix said Taco Kraze currently has some openings but also advises those who want a specific date to book at least six months in advance, or during the food truck’s off-season.
Alix said that while the food truck has not catered any weddings, it has done multiple rehearsal dinners, usually for large parties. She said couples may be drawn to a more relaxed atmosphere that allows more family involvement, compared with the more traditional formal sit-down dinner for just close family and the bridal party.
Cilley also said more informal options are a popular wedding trend. While Monadnock Eats offers a full catering menu, including appetizers, proteins and pastas, many weddings now also request a “grazing table” with fruit and charcuterie options.
Taco Kraze will travel for events; there is a mileage fee for events 10 miles or more from New Ipswich. For more information, visit the Taco Kraze Facebook or Instagram page, or email tacos@tacokraze.com.
For more information on Monadnock Eats, including its catering menu, visit MonadnockEats.com or find them on Facebook. To book Monadnock Eats, fill out the contact form at MonadnockEats.com.