The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show®, taking place May 17–20, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago, will bring the full scale of the foodservice industry together for four days of solutions, sourcing, and connection. With more than 2,200 exhibiting companies from around the world—and over 800 of them making their Show debut—the 2025 Show offers buyers direct access to the newest innovations and trusted industry leaders, all in one place.
Spanning more than 700,000 square feet, the Show floor is one of the most comprehensive showcases of foodservice products and solutions in the world, covering everything from kitchen equipment and front-of-house design to AI-powered platforms, international ingredients, and customizable food and beverage.
“This year’s Show reflects both the resilience and reinvention of foodservice,” said Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice. “Maintaining this scale while adding hundreds of new exhibitors is a powerful indicator of where the industry is headed—and what operators need right now. Whether you’re adapting to global supply chain shifts or expanding your menu, the Show delivers unmatched access to the suppliers, tools, and insights that move business forward.”
The Show by the Numbers
The 2025 Show demonstrates strong industry participation across every product category and company type:
- 2,200+ total exhibitors
- 800+ first-time exhibitors
- 940+ exporting exhibitors
- 550+ international exhibitors from more than 45 countries
- 700,000+ square feet of exhibit space—equivalent to more than 12 football fields
Real-World Pressures Driving Foodservice Innovation in 2025
The strong participation and scale of the 2025 Show come at a crucial time. Operators face a complex landscape marked by persistent labor challenges, shifting consumer demands, supply chain volatility, and rising costs on goods impacted by global factors, including potential tariffs on imported products and equipment components. In this environment, finding efficiencies, diversifying suppliers, and adopting new strategies isn’t just advantageous—it’s necessary for growth. The Show serves as a vital hub, bringing together the resources and practical solutions operators need to navigate these pressures effectively.
“We’re proud to continue delivering innovations that not only respond to real-world operator pain points but also help shape the future of foodservice,” said Jennifer Ward, chief revenue officer, Atosa USA, Inc.
New Exhibitors Spark New Ideas and Solutions
A key indicator of the industry’s forward momentum is the significant presence of over 800 first-time exhibitors at the 2025 Show. This influx, representing 36% of the exhibitor base, delivers a wave of fresh perspectives and category-defining ideas precisely when operators are seeking new approaches. These new participants are driving advancements in AI-powered automation, sustainable packaging, global flavor trends, and technologies for off-premise optimization.
Global Sourcing Meets Local Needs
With more than 940 exporting companies and over 550 exhibitors representing 45+ countries, the Show’s international reach provides operators direct access to global suppliers and diverse product options. At a time when supply chain resilience and regional diversification are paramount, this global-to-local connection point offers invaluable opportunities to build new vendor relationships and explore alternative sourcing for ingredients, equipment, and finished goods. International perspectives and products are also featured within specialized areas like the Global Food Expo.
“It’s our most strategic event of the year, giving us face-to-face access to the people who power foodservice and hospitality,” stated Kim Redmin, sales operations manager, Shoes For Crews North America, LLC.
“The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the premier food events in the country… It’s a vital platform for us to build relationships and continue to grow our footprint,” said Steve Ginsburg, senior director of sales, Halperns’.
Solutions in Action Across the Show Floor
Attendees can translate the Show’s vast scale—over 900 product categories represented—into actionable strategies by leveraging curated experiences designed for targeted discovery. To help attendees find specific solutions for the challenges impacting the industry, the Show offers curated experiences and focused destinations providing direct access to targeted innovations. Key areas include:
- The KI Showroom, featuring award-receiving equipment focused on automation, efficiency, and sustainability advancements.
- FABI Tastings at The Culinary Experience, offering samples of award-receiving food and beverage products influencing menu trends.
- The Emerging Brands Pavilion, connecting attendees with rising suppliers and new products entering the market.
- The TECH Pavilion, showcasing technology and tools designed to modernize operations and improve efficiency.
- Dedicated areas focusing on key categories and trends, including specialized beverage strategies in The Beverage Room; health and sustainability-focused offerings in the Organic & Natural Pavilion; domestic sourcing opportunities at A Taste of the States; and international ingredients featured in the Global Food Expo.
For a full list of exhibiting companies or to register, visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com. Connect with the Show online on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for event updates.
