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 Decisions You Make Here Shape Your Next Year in Business
If you run, manage, or influence a foodservice operation, this is where you come to solve real problems—fast. Over four days, you'll explore thousands of products, meet the companies behind them, and walk away with ideas you can put into action immediately.
This isn't just a show. It's where your next move happens.
Why This Show Matters Right Now
Margins are tighter. Labor is unpredictable. Guest expectations keep rising. You don't need more ideas—you need solutions that work.
At the Show, you can:
- Find products that reduce labor and increase efficiency
- Discover menu trends before they hit your competitors
- Compare solutions side-by-side in one place
- Make smarter purchasing decisions—faster
Most attendees find at least one solution that pays for their trip. Will you?
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.
Make the Most of Your Time
Whether you have one day or more, the Show works for you.
First Timer?
Experience full immersion by attending sessions, networking, and exploring everything, and leave with a complete strategy for the year ahead.
Only Have One Day?
Hit key exhibitors, discover new products, and make high-impact connections.
Two Days?
Add education sessions, dive deeper into sourcing decisions, and explore multiple categories.
Veteran
Focus on what's new and trending, reconnect with exhibitors, attend tailored sessions, and network to exchange strategies.
National Restaurant Association Show: It’s Serving Innovation
The pressure is real—but you don’t have to face it alone. The National Restaurant Association Show is where foodservice pros from every corner of the industry come together to discover solutions, explore innovations, and find what’s next. Whether you run a single location or a national restaurant chain, this is your chance to connect with peers, preview cutting-edge tech, and gain insights that help you stay ahead.
Just the facts . . .
About the Show
The National Restaurant Association Show is the premier annual event for foodservice professionals, offering a comprehensive platform to explore cutting-edge restaurant technology trends, foodservice innovation, and networking opportunities. With over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing solutions across 900+ product categories, attendees gain access to industry-leading insights, efficiency-boosting equipment, and global flavor trends—all designed to help businesses thrive in a competitive market.
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, and 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 upgrade and gain access to 30 operator-led education sessions, unparalleled networking opportunities, on-demand session recordings and presentation materials 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 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.
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 holders, the Show’s education program 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 can I expect to learn at the Show?
The Show offers 30 operator-led education sessions as part of our Expo + Education program, plus on-floor programing and live demos with celebrated chefs and mixologists. Dive into topics like restaurant technology trends, global flavor innovations, and best practices for operational efficiency. Keynote presentations by industry icons provide inspiration, while hands-on sessions deliver practical tools to boost your business. Expo + Education enhancement holders enjoy exclusive access to focused learning experiences tailored for growth-minded professionals.
What networking opportunities are available?
The Show is a hub for building relationships with industry leaders, peers and potential business partners. Networking events, on-floor programming and casual meetups create opportunities to discuss collaboration ideas, share insights and explore partnerships. With representation from global brands, independents and distributors, attendees can connect with professionals across the foodservice spectrum, fostering valuable connections that extend beyond the event.
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.
