NRAS Post-Show Recap: What We Saw (and Didn’t See) at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show

Key takeaways from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show:

• Restaurant AI tools dominated the floor, showcasing how automation is streamlining everything from ordering to staffing decisions.
• Operators are shifting focus toward restaurant automationand cost-saving digital solutions, moving away from traditional hardware and consumables.
• POS system integration and seamless software interoperability have become essential features, no longer just optional upgrades.
• Industry leaders like R365 and Square made a strong showing, highlighting their advancements in restaurant inventory management software and broader tech ecosystems.
• Food sampling took a backseat this year, but booth creativity (and sticker humor) was at an all-time high.

The National Restaurant Association Show (NRAS) 2025 wrapped up this week in Chicago. If there was one word echoing through the massive McCormick Place halls, it was AI. From voice-powered ordering systems to video analytics tools that optimize operations, artificial intelligence was the dominant theme in nearly every aisle. But that wasn’t the only story to come out of this year’s show.

Here are a few of the major takeaways and highlights from NRAS 2025.

The Rise of AI and Automation

One thing was clear in 2025: AI is the name of the game for the restaurant industry. Dozens of vendors were showcasing AI-powered solutions designed to streamline everything from drive-thru ordering to back-of-house productivity tools.

We saw products that help restaurant operators understand their operational insights through video analytics, voice AI interfaces that can take complex customer orders, and software that uses machine learning to optimize food costs, inventory, and labor scheduling.

It wasn’t just about flashy features either; AI is increasingly being tied directly to profitability, and that’s what caught the attention of attendees.

Cost Control is King

With ongoing concerns about rising costs, operators are laser-focused on solutions they can actually control – particularly digital tools that don’t rely on overseas manufacturing, given the current political climate. Many attendees were asking hard questions about product origin and supply chain transparency, which is a shift from years past.

Digital platforms that promised labor optimization, food waste reduction, and system integrations were big winners at the show. Companies that led with a clear value proposition, especially those that claimed to “work with what you’re already using” stood out from the crowd.

One of the major messaging shifts we saw as well was an emphasis on integration. Tech vendors are not trying to replace entire ecosystems but rather adapt to fit within them. Many companies made it clear that their platforms can plug into existing POS systems, scheduling tools, or ordering platforms; a sort of “we play well with others” mentality which makes a strong impression on attendees looking to streamline without completely rebuilding their tech stacks.

See how NCCO can help your restaurant operations save money

Booths That Dominated

In terms of presence, a few brands stood out:

• Restaurant365 (R365) had a commanding presence on the tech side, with a massive booth that acted as a digital command center.
• Square reintroduced itself in a big way, reminding everyone they’re not just a retail POS anymore. From booth size to sponsored signage around the venue and online, they made sure restaurants knew they’re serious about this vertical.
• Classic giants like Coca-Cola and Heinz also had significant real estate, reinforcing their legacy status in the industry.

Meanwhile, our own DateCodeGenie^® was one of the most talked-about solutions on the floor, with its product demos drawing steady traffic and spurring conversations around custom labeling, compliance, and, of course, tariffs.

Less Food, More Function

One unexpected shift this year was less focus placed on food samples and more on tech and equipment. Many attendees noticed fewer full-size giveaways, especially from longtime favorites like Nathan’s Famous and Vienna Beef, who were conspicuously absent (and deeply missed – sadly there were no Chicago-style dogs this year!).

Instead, exhibitors leaned into cost-effective swag, with funny or clever stickers and branded promo items replacing food in many booths. This may reflect the changing exhibitor mix or tighter marketing budgets amid economic uncertainties.

Foot traffic in general felt a bit lighter this year compared to 2024, but the quality of conversations remained strong. It’s possible some vendors are taking a “wait and see” approach or even looking to get acquired by larger tech firms who might return in force next year. Still, the emphasis on digital transformation, AI integration, and smart restaurant technology indicates that the industry is heading into a new era of optimization, analyzation, and automation.

The National Restaurant Association Show 2025 made one thing crystal clear: the restaurant industry is rapidly evolving, and those who adapt early, especially in the digital space, will be better equipped to thrive in a future shaped by AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

While we’ll still be dreaming of those missing hot dogs, we’re even more excited about where the industry is headed. NCCO is excited to be your restaurant supplies and solutions partner now and in the future.

Read our National Restaurant Association 2024: Post-Show Recap