
In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, foodservice operators must embrace technology as a critical tool for overcoming a range of challenges.
From escalating labor costs and shortages to menu engineering and effective marketing, technology offers innovative solutions that can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and boost profitability.
Understanding the latest technological advancements allows operators to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether it’s automating routine tasks, leveraging data analytics for better decision-making, or enhancing digital marketing efforts, technology is no longer optional—it’s essential for today’s restaurant to succeed.
With that, The National Retail Federation (NRF) Show has curated a platform that is focused on bringing those solutions to their annual show. Long known as the flagship event for the retail industry, it is held annually at the Javits Center in New York City.
Scheduled for January 12-14, 2025, the upcoming NRF Show is set to be a pivotal event for chefs and restaurant owners, offering a unique platform to explore the latest innovations in foodservice technology and retail strategies.

For decades, the NRF Show has been a premier event that brings together the best minds in retail, providing the stage to showcase and experience the latest technological advancements and trends. Traditionally focused on retail, the show has evolved to include a significant emphasis on foodservice technology, reflecting the growing intersection between retail and foodservice industries.
The creation of NRF’s Foodservice Innovation Zone is a testament to this evolution, catering specifically to the needs and challenges faced by restaurateurs and foodservice operators. In addition, the show offers the nation’s retailers a comprehensive strategy for creating a foodservice profit center within their store footprint.
“The NRF Show 2025 has always been about showcasing the future of retail,” noted Susan Newman, SVP of Event Strategy at the National Retail Federation. “We are seeing the rapid advancement of the strategic integration of foodservice technology. It was a natural fit to create a space where these industries can converge and share these innovations.”
The NRF Show 2025 fills a critical niche by bridging the gap between retail and foodservice, industries that are increasingly interdependent. Retailers are integrating foodservice into their operations, from small cafes in bookstores to fresh food vending in convenience stores.
Conversely, foodservice operators are adopting many of the innovative retail solutions on display at the annual Manhattan event, especially in the areas of technology and customer engagement.
“Retail and foodservice are no longer siloed industries,” explained Rob Grimes, founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (“IFBTA”), and the NRF’s Concept Partner.
“The NRF Show offers an unparalleled opportunity for foodservice operators to learn from retail innovations and vice versa. This cross-pollination of ideas is where the future of both industries lies.”
With the guidance of Newman and Grimes, The Foodservice Innovation Zone has brought insight into where the foodservice industry is headed. This dedicated zone is designed to showcase the latest technological innovations tailored for the foodservice industry.
From state-of-the-art connected kitchen and equipment to groundbreaking automated food preparation and cooking techniques, the Food Innovation Zone is once again set to be a highlight of the show.
Last year’s show featured Middleby’s Innovation Kitchen, which served as the centerpiece of the Foodservice Innovation Zone and NRF ‘24. The exhibit was nothing short of eye-opening, demonstrating how advanced robotics, automation, and connected kitchens could revolutionize the back of the house operations in restaurants.
“Middleby’s Innovation Kitchen at last year’s show was a game-changer,” Grimes said.
“It provided a real-world glimpse into how technology can be seamlessly integrated into the culinary process, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and ultimately delivering a better product to the customer. And on top of it, an all-electric kitchen and sous-vide cooking! The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many operators leaving with a renewed sense of what’s possible in their kitchens.”
Many of the foodservice industry’s most innovative leaders, including Jon Taffer of TV’s Bar Rescue toured last year’s Javits event. As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping its future.
“We are seeing a significant shift towards sustainability in foodservice operations,” Newman noted. “Operators are increasingly seeking ways to reduce waste and energy consumption, and the technologies showcased at the NRF Show will provide them with the tools to achieve these goals.”
Robotics and automation also play a crucial role in the future of foodservice. “The role of robotics in foodservice is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now,” Grimes detailed.
“Within the NRF’s Foodservice Innovation Zone, operators will see the latest advancements in technology innovation, automated preparation and service, increasing efficiency and showcasing the opportunities of foodservice served up in retail.”
While technological advancements are crucial, maintaining the traditional hospitality that customers expect remains a priority.
Grimes emphasized the importance of balancing these two aspects: “Restaurateurs still want that face-to-face interaction with their customers, and technology should enhance, not replace, the human element. The NRF Show provides insights into how operators can strike this balance, leveraging technology to improve service while preserving the personal touch.”

Sustainability is another critical focus of the NRF Show. With increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices, foodservice operators are under pressure to incorporate more sustainable practices.
“Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s essential,” said Newman. “The NRF Show will showcase technologies and practices that help operators reduce their environmental footprint, from energy-efficient kitchen equipment to sustainable sourcing and waste reduction strategies. Keep in mind too that most of these new automated cooking solutions utilize electricity which is a much cleaner way to prep and cook.”
In addition to the foodservice-specific content, the NRF Show offers broader benefits for restaurant and hospitality professionals. Sessions led by foodservice and retail industry leaders and innovators provide valuable insights that can be applied across various aspects of business operations.
“The NRF Show is a comprehensive event that offers something for everyone,” Newman explained.
“Whether you’re looking to improve your supply chain, enhance customer engagement, or explore new business models, the show provides the resources and networking opportunities to help you achieve your goals. It could be something as simple as a restaurant walking the entire show and finding technologies that they do not see at restaurant shows that can take advantage of from digital innovation, e-commerce, sales, loyalty, mobile and delivery applications to payments and data security.
“This is the show where you come to see what’s next,” Newman concluded. “It’s not just about finding the latest technology; it’s about envisioning how those innovations can transform your business. Whether you’re a small operator or a large chain, the NRF Show offers the insights and connections you need to stay ahead of the curve.”
For restaurant or foodservice operators looking to attend the NRF Show, registration is available at NRF Show’s website. Potential exhibitors can also find detailed information on participation, including booth availability and marketing opportunities, by contacting the NRF’s exhibitor services team through the website.