May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Why Attend the National Restaurant Association Show
The Show for Foodservice. The Show for You!
Who attends the National Restaurant Association Show?
The National Restaurant Association Show is the must-attend event for every member of the restaurant and foodservice industry. As the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation and inspiration, it’s where every trend, solution and category are represented — connecting you with the people and products you need to thrive in today’s business environment.
Join your peers from across the industry in Chicago on May 16-19, 2026, for a future-forward experience where you’ll discover everything it takes to stay revenue-driven and relevant — from tantalizing tastes for your menu to actionable solutions for streamlining service, payments and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to test innovative new equipment designed to power automation and profits, engage with expert-led education on today’s hottest topics and build connections with key suppliers and foodservice professionals from around the world.
The Entire Foodservice Ecosystem
Reach Key Decision-Makers
Make connections across the foodservice ecosystem with qualified buyers from all 50 states and 124 countries. Gain valuable face time and forge personal relationships that can’t be replicated through phone calls and email.
Commercial-Chains
From quick service to fast casual, family dining chains, and novelty shops — link up with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Commercial-Independents
Connect with local dining establishments, restaurant groups, independent bars, coffee shops, ghost kitchens, pizzerias, pubs, and others seeking solutions to enhance their menus and drive efficiency.
Non-Commercial
Meet culinary professionals from large cafeteria-style establishments such as schools, hospitals, military bases, senior living and correctional facilities as well as concessions
and airlines.
Retail
Engage with convenience, grocery, and specialty store operators representing large national brands and small independents.
Lodging
Expand your network and connect with hospitality and event professionals from boutique hotels, mega resorts, large cruise lines, convention centers, and even casinos.
Dealer/ Distributor
Explore new growth opportunities with leading foodservice manufacturers, wholesalers, equipment dealers, and suppliers looking for the next big thing.
Why Attend the Show for Foodservice?
Hospitality is constantly evolving, fueled by innovation and new technologies to keep ahead of changing consumer expectations. At the National Restaurant Association Show — the Western Hemisphere’s largest and most trusted foodservice event — you’ll find everything you need to plate up success for your operation, now and into the future.
Just the facts . . .
About the Show
The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. The Show brings together the people, ideas, products, solutions and information that make up the entire domestic and international industry spectrum. It is the must-attend, pinnacle event of the industry.
Show Dates & Location
McCormick Place - View Map
2301 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, May 18, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What Will I Find at the Show?
The National Restaurant Association Show is made for passionate foodservice professionals seeking inspirational ideas, solutions to timely problems and invaluable connections. Join us to discover the innovations, ingredients and insights that will help you overcome your current challenges and prepare for what’s ahead, all in one convenient location.
Value
The Show has been the go-to resource for foodservice and hospitality industry professionals since 1919 and we’re dedicated to maintaining that reputation. Maximize your time (and funds) by attending the one event that has it all—from experts that will help you make sense of the latest industry projections to efficiency-boosting equipment.
Innovations
If it is cutting edge, you’ll find it here. Discover new solutions from your current partners, discuss your needs with exciting up-and-comers in the restaurant tech space, get the scoop on delicious new ingredients and global flavor trends, find game-changing equipment, shop products to boost your adult beverage program and so much more—all on the Show floor.
Exhibitor List
Ideas & Information
Being in-the-know is essential to your success and that’s never been truer than it is today. Get up-to-date industry data from trusted sources, enhance your knowledge of pressing topics, find practical strategies and best practices with on-floor programming, which includes supplier-led sessions, culinary and beverage demos, and our keynote and featured presentation. Get the complete Show experience with an Expo + Education badge and gain access to 45+ operator-led education sessions, an exclusive general session, unparalleled networking opportunities and more – all designed to give you the inspiration, skills, and new ideas you need to boost your business.
Programming & Education
Relationships
Whether you’re looking for new business partners, want to catch up with colleagues, or you’re looking to discuss exciting collaboration ideas with your peers, you’ll find the right people and opportunities here.
Networking Events
Who Attends the Show?
For foodservice professionals seeking new and better ways to operate their establishments, grow their customer base, broaden their networks and increase their success. With representation from all 50 states and 112 countries, there’s no other place to interact with the entire foodservice industry ecosystem.
Below is a sample of some of the companies that attend the Show.
Commercial
Multi-Unit: Arby's, Bojangles, Brinker International, Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Chic-Fil-A, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cracker Barrel, Darden Restaurants, Del Taco, Dominos, Dunkin', Five Guys, Inspired Brands, Jack In The Box, Jimmy John's, McDonald’s, Panera, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, Portillo's, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's, YUM! Brands, Zaxby's
Independents: Barrio Brewing Co., Burma Restaurants, Columbia Hospitality Inc, Frontera Grill, Gibson's Restaurant Group, Hart House, Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant, Kings Fish House, Lagunitas brewing Co., Lawry's, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, RBM Restaurant Group, SO Hospitality Group, Stone Brewing, The H. Wood Group, White Castle
Non-Commercial
Aramark, Association Of Correctional Food Service Affiliates, Centerplate, Compass, Cornell University, Dayton Children's Hospital, Delaware North, DFW International Airport, Georgia State University, North Dakota State University, Rice University, Sodexo, The Ohio State University, The University of Notre Dame, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy
Dealers & Distributors
Boelter Company, Clark Associates, Gordon Food Services, Katom Restaurant Supply, Inc., Parts Town, Restaurant Equipment World, Singer Equipment Company, Stafford-Smith, Inc., Sysco, Trimark, US Foods, Wasserstrom
Lodging
Best Western, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland Resort, Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts, Great Wolf Resorts, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Hotels, JW Marriot, Loews Hotels, Norwegian Cruise Line, Sheraton, The Ritz Carlton, Universal Orland Resort, Westin, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Retail
7-Eleven, Amazon, Buc-EE's, Costco, Food Lion, Getgo Cafe+Market, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Kum & Go, Kwik Trip, Publix, Racetrac, Sam's Club, Sheetz, Walmart, Wawa, Whole Foods Market
Who Exhibits at the Show?
We anticipate over 2,000 exhibitors at the Show, making it is the ultimate destination to source inspiration and innovations in over 900 product categories – from food, beverage, equipment, technology, tableware, sanitation, and everything in between.
What’s New at the 2026 Show?
Enhanced Expo + Education
Discover innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and future-forward ideas through operator-led education. Available exclusively for Expo + Education badge holders, the Show’s enhanced education program provides a focused learning experience for growth-minded attendees.
Fresh On-Floor Programming
Find new speakers, new content and new ideas in our On-Floor Programming. From supplier-led sessions, to live culinary demos with celebrated chefs, to beverage sessions and demos with top mixologists and experts, you’ll walk away with new tools and solutions to boost your business.
Emerging Brands Pavilion
Features NEW companies to the foodservice industry with a sneak peek at new food and beverage items, new equipment and supplies, new technology and much more!
New Exhibitors
We are excited to feature hundreds of new exhibitors in over 900 product categories – from food, beverage, equipment, technology, tableware, sanitation and everything in between.
New Products
Get an up-close look at the latest trends and must-have products for the restaurant industry, all in one place. Preview these products in The Show To Go and visit these exhibitors in-person at the Show!
What Programming & Education Will I Find at the Show?
At the Show, you’ll find world-class programming & education that delivers impactful learnings, exciting experiences, and inspiring speakers – all here to help you and your business succeed.
Education
Discover innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and future-forward ideas through operator-led education. Available exclusively for Expo + Education badge holders, the Show’s newly revamped education provides a focused learning experience for growth-minded attendees.
On-Floor Programming
Directly on the Show floor, you’ll find an array of carefully curated sessions and demos focused on practical strategies and best practices. From supplier-led sessions, to live culinary demos with celebrated chefs, to beverage sessions and demos with top mixologists and experts, you’ll walk away with new ideas and solutions to boost your business.
Keynote & Featured Session
Be inspired and awed by industry icons, celebrated figures, and innovative thinkers we’re bringing to the Show.
What Is There to Do in Chicago?
Chicago is known for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music scene, amazing food and iconic neighborhoods. Chicago is a foodie haven with over 8,000 restaurants that showcase its ever-changing culinary scene. Be sure to explore the variety of dining options while you are in town.
Explore Chicago
We encourage you to discover all the fascinating things there are to see and do in Chicago, whether it’s visiting Wrigley Field, one of the oldest ballparks in the nation; enjoying the city’s many waterfront; viewing public art by the likes of Picasso, Miro, and Matisse; visiting internationally renowned collections at the city’s many museums; sipping wine along a skyscraper river canyon; or worshipping the sun along miles of sandy beaches with the iconic city skyline as your backdrop, Chicago is second to none.
Young Professionals
The National Restaurant Association Show presents foodservice as it truly is—a vibrant industry alive with possibilities and growth opportunities, perfect for young professionals looking to build exciting, fulfilling careers.
Join us in 2026 to meet innovative thinkers, get the latest insights on trends and discover all you can be and where you can go in foodservice.
Lowen Thomas
Executive Chef
Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Whether you have years of industry experience or are a first year culinary student, everyone should get to experience this Show at least once in their career. It is one of the few ways to see just how broad spectrum the aspects of the hospitality industry can be. Being able to find regional and niche vendors under the same roof as International Broadliners and manufacturers is invaluable to those looking to get their start or broaden well establish relationships. The Show is a must attend for industry professionals and amateur foodies alike.
