Restaurants Take Center Stage as America Celebrates the Big Game
Once again, the Big Game proved to be more than just a championship matchup—it was a nationwide moment of togetherness powered by restaurants. On Sunday, February 8, Americans across the country gathered in living rooms, sports bars, offices, and community spaces, relying heavily on restaurant food to fuel their watch parties. From wings and nachos to full-scale catering orders, restaurants were the undisputed MVP of game day.
New data released by Olo, the leading technology platform purpose-built for restaurants, highlights just how central restaurants have become to modern Big Game celebrations. The findings show that regardless of which teams fans supported, restaurant ordering surged nationwide, reinforcing the industry’s role as the backbone of shared experiences during major cultural events.
Olo Powers Peak Performance on One of the Busiest Days of the Year
The Big Game consistently ranks among the busiest days of the year for restaurants, and 2026 was no exception. Olo’s platform supported restaurants through intense order volume, last-minute surges, and high-stakes catering demands, helping operators deliver seamless guest experiences at scale.
“The Big Game is one of the biggest days of the year for gatherings, and we’re proud to power technology that helps restaurants fulfill orders and operate seamlessly during these peak moments,” said Noah Glass, Founder and CEO of Olo. “We processed approximately 3.1 million orders on game day, proving just how critical restaurants are to bringing communities together coast to coast. Whether it was a catering order for pickup or real-time wing delivery, we’re honored to help restaurants serve their guests and deliver exceptional experiences when it matters most.”
Glass emphasized that moments like the Big Game highlight the importance of reliable digital infrastructure for restaurants as guest expectations continue to rise.
Big Game Ordering Remains Strong Nationwide
Despite ongoing shifts in consumer behavior, order volume during the Big Game remained remarkably steady. According to Olo’s data, nationwide orders processed through its platform were approximately in line with 2025 levels, demonstrating consistent demand year over year.
Wings Compared to the previous Sunday, February 1, Big Game ordering climbed 7%, underscoring how fans continue to lean on restaurants when hosting large gatherings. The increase reflects not only higher traffic but also more complex orders, as guests plan ahead to accommodate friends and family.
Chicken Wings Reign Supreme—With a Regional Twist
Chicken wings once again claimed the crown as the most popular Big Game food nationwide. Orders for wings surged an impressive 187% above typical Sunday levels, making them the most-searched and most-ordered item across Olo’s platform.
Wings have become synonymous with Big Game celebrations, offering a shareable, crowd-pleasing option that fits perfectly with watch-party culture. Whether ordered by the dozen or as part of catering platters, wings were a staple on tables coast to coast.
However, regional preferences added some variety to the national picture. In Seattle, nachos overtook wings as the top item, with orders climbing 62% above the average Sunday. The data highlights how local tastes continue to shape ordering behavior, even during nationally shared events.
Catering Orders Hit New Heights
Wings Big Game Sunday has evolved into a major catering occasion, and 2026 data confirms that trend. Catering orders processed through Olo surged an extraordinary 404% compared to a typical Sunday, as hosts opted for large-format meals designed to feed entire watch parties.
The average catering order totaled $133, reflecting higher per-order spending and increased menu variety. At the extreme end of the spectrum, the largest single catering order of the day reached $4,340—a feast large enough to feed an entire stadium section.
These numbers demonstrate how restaurants are increasingly capturing group dining occasions that once might have been handled by home cooking or grocery stores.
Timing Matters: Pre-Game Rush and Halftime Pause
Ordering behavior throughout the day followed a familiar Big Game rhythm. The busiest ordering window occurred during lunchtime, as fans rushed to secure their food well before kickoff. Many guests chose to place orders early to avoid delays and ensure their spreads were ready in time.
Once the game began, ordering activity slowed. During halftime, orders dipped 33.3%, as viewers paused transactions to focus on the highly anticipated performance by Bad Bunny. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, ordering activity rebounded, particularly for desserts and late-game snacks.
Sweet Celebrations After the Final Whistle
Postgame celebrations brought a notable spike in dessert orders, particularly in Seattle. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST, orders for desserts and sweet treats jumped 71%, suggesting that fans turned to indulgent options to cap off the night—whether celebrating a win or softening the sting of a loss.
The data reinforces the idea that food plays a role not just during the game, but also in how fans celebrate and unwind afterward.
Higher Spend Sets Big Game Sunday Apart
Compared to an average Sunday, Big Game orders carried significantly higher value. The average order value increased 15% compared to February 1, reflecting larger group sizes, premium menu choices, and catering-heavy demand.
For restaurants, this combination of higher order volume and increased spend per order makes the Big Game one of the most financially impactful days of the year.
Big Events Drive Long-Term Loyalty
Beyond single-day sales, Olo’s data shows that Big Game ordering can lead to lasting guest relationships. In 2025, 27% of guests who ordered during the Big Game returned to order from the same restaurant within 14 days. Olo expects similar retention trends from this year’s event.
This repeat behavior highlights the strategic importance of delivering excellent digital and fulfillment experiences during high-profile occasions. For restaurants, big events are not just revenue spikes—they are opportunities to win long-term loyalty.
Restaurants Remain the Heart of Shared Celebrations
As the 2026 Big Game demonstrated, restaurants continue to play a central role in how Americans celebrate together. Powered by technology platforms like Olo, restaurants are meeting demand at scale, delivering convenience, reliability, and memorable experiences during the moments that matter most.
About Olo
Olo is the leading technology platform purpose-built for restaurants, helping brands increase orders, streamline operations, and improve the guest experience through ordering, payment, and guest engagement solutions. Each day, Olo processes millions of orders, gathering the right data from each touchpoint into a single source—so restaurants can better understand and better serve every guest on every channel, every time. Over 800 restaurant brands trust Olo and its network of more than 400 integration partners to innovate on behalf of the restaurant community, accelerating technology’s positive impact and creating a world where every restaurant guest feels like a regular. Learn more at olo.com.
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