How to score big with tailgate takeout

The rise of tailgate takeout 

As summer ends, backyard barbecues fade and consumers across the U.S. gather for game-day occasions, driving new patterns in dining and ordering. Tailgating — both at the stadium and at home in the form of “couchgating”— is the popular party for fall (and even into winter with the Big Game) as fans get together to eat, socialize and get pumped to root for their favorite teams. Tailgating has even evolved into a cuisine all on its own, usually characterized by burgers and brats, chili and stew, shareable side dishes and, of course, indulgent desserts. 

Thirty‑nine percent of Americans order delivery while enjoying the game.¹ In addition, 60% of Gen Z and Millennials use takeout or drive‑thru at least weekly.² This presents a big opportunity for restaurants to tap into tailgate catering, both at offsite locations such as company events, as well as in diners’ own homes. 

All this enthusiasm for game‑day eats is creating new patterns in how fans choose to get their food. Here’s how to get in on the game. 

Offer a variety of packages 

Combo meals and bundled offerings have increased in menu presence by 12% over the past year, driven by consumer demand for simplicity and savings³. For tailgating, that means operators have an opportunity to offer tiers of combination meals for increasing party size as well as diverse palates. Think combinations of items such as pulled pork, chicken wings or ribs with sides of coleslaw, mac and cheese and fries. Operators can also offer a variety of service levels such as simple delivery, on-site buffet-style service or boxed-lunch-style service.

It’s important to ensure that food items are packaged for longer hold times — specific packaging will help catered food taste fresher, longer, which means both the food and the experience will be more enjoyable for customers. 

A fun idea for catering is our Fry Charcuterie Board featuring a mix of tasty appetizers and fries with accompanying dips and sauces.

Make time to promote 

Restaurants report a 10–14% revenue lift tied to social strategies, and 90% say social is very or extremely important to their overall digital marketing efforts⁵. At the same time, influencer impact continues to grow in the food space, especially among younger diners. Twenty percent of Gen Z consumers in the U.S. say they turn to social media influencers when deciding where to order from¹. 

Once the tailgate menus are ready, make sure to promote it on social media and with on-site signage throughout the sports season. Keep in mind that even away games inspire viewing parties, complete with tailgate takeout. 

Consider dine-in tailgating options 

While tailgating at a stadium (or on the couch) is a fun tradition, sports fans may opt to dine on-site at restaurants near the stadium instead. There, they may be looking for the same tailgating-type experience. There’s a reason check sizes increase an average of 21% when fans are watching live sports⁶. 

However operators decide to incorporate football season into the restaurant offerings, tailgating will clearly drive food business for the months ahead. Whether diners want to order catering for their tailgating party at the sports stadium, or they just want to outsource the apps and snacks they serve at their home tailgating event, these off-premises options can increase sales for operators and create loyal customers, season after season. 

As fans start thinking ahead to game‑day spreads, operators who plan early can own the occasion and keep orders coming back week after week. 

SOURCES
¹DoorDash; 50+ Food and Alcohol Delivery Statistics and Trends for 2025.
²Modern Restaurant Management; MRM Research Roundup: To-Go Trends, State of the Plate and Black Market Reservations.
³Datassential; 2025 Menu Trends.
⁴Technomic; 2024 Value & Pricing Report.
⁵Deloitte Digital; Serving up an impactful social media strategy for restaurants.
⁶Deloitte; Tech, Media, and Telecom.