FABI Awards celebrate culinary creativity shaping the future of foodservice; applications now open for 2026 entries
CHICAGO – October 22, 2025 – The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards, honoring products that redefine culinary innovation and transform foodservice menus. The prestigious awards celebrate breakthroughs that set industry trends and inspire new dining experiences. Recipients will be recognized at the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 16–19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“Restaurants are navigating higher costs and changing consumer expectations, which is fueling remarkable creativity across food and beverage,” said Tom Cindric, President of Exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “The FABI Awards celebrate these innovations — from next-generation ingredients to global flavor inspirations — and spotlight the companies shaping the future of foodservice.”
FABI Awards Reflect Industry Evolution
As operators adapt to shifting economic pressures, including supply constraints, rising ingredient costs, and workforce challenges, consumer demand for unique and healthier menu options continues to climb.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, 86% of consumers seek new and unique food experiences, while demand for healthier menu choices has risen 23%. On the Show floor, 63% of attendees were sourcing food products and 30% were sourcing beverages, underscoring the event’s role as the industry’s hub for discovering emerging trends and innovation.
Awards Recognition & Benefits
FABI Award winners gain exposure across multiple platforms, including Show marketing campaigns, media coverage, and exclusive FABI Tasting Sessions, allowing attendees to experience award-winning products firsthand.
Additionally, a select group of FABI Favorites will be chosen for exceptional creativity, innovation, and potential impact. These honorees receive expanded visibility through The Culinary Experience demonstrations and year-round promotional opportunities, including lifetime use of the FABI Award logo on packaging and materials.
“The FABI Award brought exposure far beyond the trade show and validated what we’ve built,” said Brandie Miller, Co-Founder of Mochi Love and 2025 FABI Award recipient.
2026 FABI Awards Judges Panel
The 2026 judging panel features an esteemed lineup of leaders in culinary development, operations, and product innovation, including:
- Zia Ahmed, The Ohio State University
- Patricia Cobe, Restaurant Business Magazine
- Becky Davis, The Wendy’s Company
- Marion Gibson, Aramark
- Farley Kaiser, McLane Fresh
- Paul Pszybylski, California Pizza Kitchen
- Robin Rosenberg, Levy Restaurants
- Jay Smith, Bloomin’ Brands
- Bret Thorn, Nation’s Restaurant News
“The National Restaurant Association Show is where the best ideas, products, and people in food come together,” said Paul Pszybylski, Vice President of Culinary Innovation at California Pizza Kitchen. “It’s an honor to help spotlight the innovations that elevate the dining experience for restaurants and guests alike.”
How to Apply for the 2026 FABI Awards
Applications are open through January 21, 2026. Award recipients will be announced in March 2026 and honored at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show.
To apply or learn more, visit the FABI Awards Application Page.
For additional insights into emerging food and beverage trends, download the 2025 Food & Beverage Trend Report from the National Restaurant Association Show.
About the National Restaurant Association Show
Recognized by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere’s largest and most influential foodservice event, bringing together operators and professionals from around the world. Since 1919, the Show has showcased groundbreaking innovations, global culinary talent, and the latest industry solutions in food, beverage, equipment, and technology.
The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for details.
