2025 National Restaurant Association Show RECAP

2025 Keynote Speaker: Carla Hall

The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show has come to an end. The show was held May 17th – May 20th at McCormick Place. The NRA show is where the future of foodservice comes alive, where the next big stories unfold, and where trends are born, not followed. From bold flavors to game-changing tech, you experience the pulse of foodservice as it happens, surrounded by the people leading the charge.

There were exclusive product launches and candid conversations with industry leaders. There’s 2,200+ exhibitors across 900+ product categories—spanning equipment, tech, global flavors, and cutting-edge solutions. Each year I learn something new.

Here are Chiataglance 2025 National Restaurant Association highlights:

Chef Nina Compton Culinary Demo

Culinary Demos. I loved watching Chef/Owner/Author, Nina Compton show us how to make Saltfish ackee and dumplings.
Keynote Speaker, acclaimed Chef/Author/Television Host, Carla Hall. Carla shared her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality. She conveyed the principles that have shaped her career and mission to uplift the next generation of food service professionals.
Walking the Showroom floor will always be my favorite part. So many gadgets to discover and of course delicious food samples.
Events associated with NRA like the Menu Masters awards. Recognizing visionary and creative food service professionals in R&D, culinary, and menu development.