07-05-2025
The 2025 Restaurant Show: A retailer's guide
'The show isn't just about keeping up—it's about finding smarter, more sustainable ways to move forward in a rapidly evolving food landscape,' said Stacy Hodge, the Restaurant Show's senior director of programming. The Restaurant Show
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At a time when supermarkets are well-positioned to cater to inflation-weary shoppers with restaurant-quality prepared foods that offer value, the upcoming National Restaurant Association Show provides an opportunity for food retailers to immerse themselves in the latest trends, state-of-the-art technology, and efficiency-enhancing innovations that are reshaping the foodservice industry.
'The show isn't just about keeping up—it's about finding smarter, more sustainable ways to move forward in a rapidly evolving food landscape,' said Stacy Hodge, the Restaurant Show's senior director of programming.
The Restaurant Show is the largest foodservice event in the Western Hemisphere. It will run May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago and is produced by Informa, the British company that owns Supermarket News, Nation's Restaurant News, and a host of other foodservice events and publications.
Supermarkets looking for inspiration with prepared foods, grab-and-go, and/or fresh meal solutions can explore more than 2,200 exhibitors across 900 product categories, showcasing everything from fresh ingredients and new flavors to equipment, technology, and packaging.
A showcase of new exhibitors
A reimagined Emerging Brands Pavilion will feature first-time exhibitors that have been in operation for three years or less. The Global Food Expo will include international flavors and ingredients, while the Organic & Natural Pavilion will highlight clean-label and plant-based foods.
The show's Beverage Room will have plenty on tap, including specialty hand-crafted beverages and cannabis-infused drinks, functional libations, alcohol-alternatives, as well as experts presenting business strategies to boost sales. The show floor will also be abuzz with live culinary and beverage demonstrations showcasing flavor trends, preparation techniques, and product applications.
'One of the biggest advantages for food retailers at the Show is the ability to see and experience products firsthand. It's not just about hearing what's new—it's about tasting, testing, and making direct supplier connections in a way that's hard to replicate anywhere else,' said Hodge. 'For supermarkets expanding their foodservice programs, this means the chance to compare different prepared food solutions, evaluate equipment in action, and explore packaging options that fit their operational needs.'
'Efficiency, adaptability, and meeting changing consumer demands'
The TECH Pavilion will feature automated cooking systems, ventless ovens, self-service kiosks, and AI-powered kitchen tools designed to make food prep easier and more consistent.
