Despite not necessarily committing a lot to catering, airlines enjoy getting inventive with their first-class offerings, as it seems to be popular among passengers. One of the most frequently mentioned instances of this is Delta’s collaboration with Shake Shack (which I had the opportunity to try recently).
In this vein, at the start of the year, American unveiled a fresh catering partnership that I’m certain will appeal to many. This initiative is set to expand significantly, covering a wider array of routes.
American serving Pecan Lodge barbecue platters & brisket
Beginning in early 2026, American Airlines has introduced Texas barbecue on select flights in association with Pecan Lodge restaurant. The airline notes that Pecan Lodge was established in 2010 and has gained recognition for its Central Texas-style barbecue, which is now being offered on flights for the very first time. My knowledge of barbecue is about as extensive as my understanding of football, so I’ll leave it to others to evaluate their reputation.
Initially, this catering collaboration was limited to just two routes from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), so it’s fair to say that few passengers actually had the chance to sample it. However, it is poised for significant expansion — starting September 9, 2026, Pecan Lodge catering will be offered on all lunch and dinner flights departing from DFW. This option is available solely through pre-order, stipulating that customers must place their orders at least 20 hours in advance via the American website or app.
The menu includes:
– For lunch flights, travelers can look forward to the smoked chopped brisket sandwich, featuring chopped brisket on a fresh brioche bun, accompanied by roasted green beans, creamy potato salad, and sides of pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.
– For dinner flights, passengers will encounter the Pecan Lodge barbecue platter, which includes smoked brisket and smoked sausage, served with creamy mac and cheese, crisp coleslaw, and sides of pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.
Here’s how Rhonda Crawford, American’s SVP of Customer Experience Design and Strategy, characterized this collaboration at its launch:
“As we celebrate American’s centennial anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to delight our customers in innovative ways that pay tribute to unique regional flavors, starting right here in our home state through one of Texas’s favorite barbecue joints. Our customers deserve only the best, and Pecan Lodge certainly embodies that.”
I’m sure many people will relish this, but it’s not to my taste.
It’s obvious that Texas is renowned for its barbecue, which is a beloved culinary tradition. I appreciate the idea of airlines presenting regional and local dishes, so I commend American for that and for celebrating its primary hub.
Some individuals line up for hours and even plan their trips around it. Everyone has their own preferences, and personally, it’s not something I’m keen on (not that American should base its catering around my tastes). However, it’s evident that plenty of others enjoy this kind of fare, and it’s fantastic to cater to them.
Realistically speaking, airplane food generally shouldn’t compare to ground-level dining, as it’s prepared long before the flight, reheated, etc. This is compounded by the limited budgets airlines allocate for catering. Nonetheless, people often crave comfort food, so anything indulgent will likely be a hit on a plane (similar to American’s rather ordinary slider & fries).
Personally (once more, just my opinions!), I would be thrilled to see the airline attempt to provide simpler and healthier options. It’s not unusual to find pre-order selections on an American first class flight that include a cheese plate, creamy pasta, chicken breast with cheese tortellini, or two types of short rib.
Am I alone in wishing for just a decent salad or sandwich on the menu, rather than all these high-calorie choices that likely aren’t that great? For instance, the salads in Air France’s La Premiere first class are exceptional. Granted, that’s among the top international first-class offerings, but in isolation, this really shouldn’t be difficult to duplicate.
As mentioned, I’m probably in the minority here, so I’ll step down from my pedestal.
Bottom line
Since the beginning of this year, American Airlines has been providing Texas barbecue in first class on select flights from Dallas Fort Worth, in collaboration with Pecan Lodge. This is now being greatly expanded, making these meals available for pre-order on all domestic first class lunch and dinner flights from the airport.
On lunch flights, you can find the brisket sandwich, while on dinner flights, the barbecue platter will be available. I’m sure many passengers will enjoy this, and it’s refreshing to see American serving up something local, even if I’m not a huge fan of this type of cuisine.
What are your thoughts on American serving Texas?