Chicken Wings, Nachos & Logistics: A Game Day Story
Sunday, millions of fans will gather around their TVs for the ultimate big game watch party. And, while the spotlight may be on the action on the field, an equally intense performance is taking place in kitchens across the country. From piles of nachos to trays of chicken wings and mountains of chips and dip, food is a big part of the celebration.
What most people don’t see is the massive logistics operation working behind the scenes to make those home festivities and special recipes possible — starting at the dock.
Food is a cornerstone of our operations, particularly in the weeks leading up to the big game. Across our more than 700 unloading docks nationwide, an estimated 500 or more are dedicated to food and beverage products every day. As demand surges, these facilities play a critical role in moving everything from frozen appetizers and fresh produce to snack chips, dips, wings, beer, and beverage products — the staples of Sunday’s party tables.
From Unloading to Store Shelves
Before a single bag of tortilla chips hits a store shelf, it begins its journey with precise, efficient unloading. Trailers arrive packed with fan favorites: cases of chicken wings, bags of chips, trays of fresh vegetables for dip, avocados for guacamole, soda and beer for thirsty crowds, and all the other party essentials.
Once inventory arrives, our teams work quickly and accurately to unload, sort, and stage products so distribution centers can turn inventory faster and keep shelves full during one of the busiest food weeks of the year. Unloading may seem like a simple step, but during high-volume events like this weekend’s game, it becomes mission critical. A delay at the dock can ripple through the entire supply chain — potentially impacting store availability just when demand peaks. That’s why Capstone focuses on labor planning, performance metrics, and safety to ensure product flows smoothly no matter the surge.
The scale of food consumption tied to the game is staggering. According to the National Chicken Council, Americans are projected to consume around 1.48 billion chicken wings over the weekend — making wings one of the most iconic items on party menus. Additionally, snack chips are also a fan favorite, with more than 19 million pounds purchased for football gatherings across the country.
Once product is unloaded, it moves through warehousing, order selection, and transportation networks that operate nearly around the clock. Logistics providers coordinate forecasting, staffing, and inventory management to prepare for the predictable spike in party food purchases. Retailers rely on accurate inbound processing and fast turn times to replenish popular items — especially fresh and frozen foods that require careful handling.
The People Powering Game Day
Behind every heaping plate of nachos, every slow cooker full of Buffalo chicken dip, and every platter of perfectly crispy wings is a chain of logistics professionals ensuring product arrives on time and in optimal condition.
Capstone’s people-driven approach plays a key role in keeping that momentum moving. From dock supervisors coordinating crews to unloaders breaking down high-volume shipments, every touchpoint matters. Efficiency at inbound sets the pace for everything that follows — helping partners meet demand without disruption.
So while fans cheer from their living rooms and debate the best wing flavor or the perfect chip-and-dip combo, Capstone teams are proud to know they helped make those moments possible. The food that brings friends and families together for the National Football League Championship game doesn’t just appear — it’s unloaded, sorted, and moved by dedicated logistics professionals across the country.
Because when the game kicks off, the last thing anyone should worry about is an empty snack table — and great logistics makes sure that never happens.