NOW, MORE THAN EVER: The National Restaurant Show is a Launchpad for Your Future in Foodservice

 

In an age of inflation-fatigued consumers, rising operational costs, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences, there's never been a more critical time for convenience store operators, supermarket deli managers, and restaurant innovators to future-proof their foodservice strategy according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solution®. The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show—May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago—isn’t just a trade event. It’s the incubator of your next big growth phase.

Whether you’re a corner C-store testing new meal solutions, a deli eyeing premium grab-and-go, or a regional grocery banner ramping up fresh prepared foods, this year’s show is your chance to turn possibilities into profits. As the Grocerant Guru®, I’m here to tell you: now is the time to empower your vision of foodservice, because the insights, innovations, and connections available at this show are exactly what you need to boost top-line sales and bottom-line performance.

Do You Want to Grow

Sell More and Make Larger Profits

Then Think About Garnering A

Larger Share of Stomach

 

WHY THIS SHOW MATTERS FOR FOOD RETAILERS

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, but size isn’t its only asset. What matters most is its relevance to your business today. Supermarkets and food retailers are uniquely positioned to meet consumer demand for restaurant-quality experiences at home—at a better price point. That means prepared foods, fresh meals, and smart technology matter more than ever.

This show delivers all that and more:

·       Over 2,200 exhibitors across 900+ product categories

·       Firsthand access to tech-driven solutions (think ventless ovens, AI-enhanced tools, and self-serve kiosks)

·       Flavor and format innovations that align with changing tastes and convenience demands

·       Packaging and sustainability solutions to help balance cost, operations, and ESG priorities

As Stacy Hodge, the show’s senior director of programming, put it, “It’s not just about hearing what’s new—it’s about tasting, testing, and making direct supplier connections.” For food retailers, it’s about immersion in what’s next—and how to bring that future back to your own aisles.

 

HOW TO TURN INSIGHTS INTO ACTIONABLE WINS

Food retailers should approach the show with one goal: leave with ideas you can implement next quarter—not next year. Here’s how to get the most out of your experience:

1.       Taste What Sells: Live culinary demos, beverage innovation zones, and flavor trend showcases will let you evaluate what resonates with consumers before making an investment.

2.       See the Tech in Action: From AI-enhanced prep systems to compact, efficient cooking tools, the TECH Pavilion offers hands-on comparisons to guide your next kitchen upgrade.

3.       Source Smarter: Explore emerging brands in the reimagined Pavilion for disruptive product ideas, and tap into the Global Food Expo for authentic, international flavor inspiration.

4.       Learn from Leaders: Must-attend sessions like “Lessons from the Winners” and Technomic-led trend briefings offer data-backed blueprints from the most successful players in the industry.

5.       Connect with Peers: Dedicated networking opportunities and informal retailer meetups give you the chance to share best practices with other progressive operators in your channel.

 

NOW IS THE TIME TO COMMIT TO GROWTH

With Carla Hall headlining as the keynote on May 18, and special guests like Courtney Storer (culinary producer for FX’s The Bear) offering behind-the-scenes insights on consumer expectations and culinary creativity, this year’s show goes beyond operations. It’s about vision, culture, and passion.

More than 100 sessions across six education tracks—including Culinary Insights, Operations Solutions, and Technology Strategies—equip you to lead your team into the next era of food retail.

And don’t overlook the FABI & KI Innovation Showcases. These aren’t just awards—they’re your curated preview of solutions that can simplify back-of-house execution while elevating your menu.

 

FROM CONCEPT TO CART: WHY RETAILERS NEED TO ACT NOW

Foodservice within retail is no longer an add-on—it’s a growth engine. And with consumer demand for convenience, value, and fresh-driven quality higher than ever, the right insights can translate to increased basket size, customer loyalty, and operational resilience.

Retailers who attend the National Restaurant Show will walk away with more than a notebook of ideas. They’ll gain the tools to execute, the partners to support them, and the inspiration to lead.

So whether you run a single store or manage 100, don’t just show up—show up with purpose. The future of foodservice is waiting on the show floor. It’s time to meet it.

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
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