Messina’s Catering made its biggest splash yet at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, expanding its footprint and raising the bar for private hospitality. With more than 420,000 attendees flocking to the Fair Grounds annually, Jazz Fest remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural events—and Messina’s continues to be at the heart of it all.

As the official catering partner for the new VIP Cabanas and Sponsor Hospitality Tents, Messina’s delivered elevated service and world-class cuisine to thousands of festival-goers, sponsors, and special guests. Behind the scenes, the team managed premium catering for more than a dozen private and corporate events each day across the sprawling festival grounds.

This large-scale effort reflects Messina’s deep expertise in festival management, from strategic planning to full-service execution. Led by Executive Chef Mark Daniels and Director of Operations Andrew Messina, the on-site team of 20+ professionals operated a full-scale off-site kitchen built days before the gates opened. From early morning prep at 6 AM to post-show wrap-ups, Messina’s ensured every client received a flawless, five-star experience.

Esteemed clients for 2025 included First Horizon, New Orleans & Co., Shell, Entergy, Zurich, Saints/Pelicans, Freeport-McMoRan, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Dell, among others. Guests were treated to rotating daily menus featuring Messina’s crowd favorites like Pulled Pork, Corned Beef, Jerk Chicken, Duck Street Tacos, Quesadillas, Crawfish Pasta, and Boudin.

With over a decade of experience at Jazz Fest, Messina’s Catering remains a trusted partner for hospitality done right—delivering unforgettable flavor, seamless execution, and signature Southern charm at one of the country’s most celebrated festivals.