Building on the evolution and innovation of food retail in restaurants and C-stores, sign up to be part of the FOOD RETAIL INNOVATION ZONE  

Retailers are constantly innovating. Adding foodservice has become a strategy to increase consumer dwell time and drive sales. Whether it’s full-service dining, fresh gourmet food or a pre-ordered meal, how prepared food is experienced continues to evolve.

At NRF 2026, attendees will step into the NEXT NOW for food retail at the Food Retail Innovation Zone, an interactive exploration of the technologies and innovations transforming the customer experience in restaurants and C-stores.

Check out highlights from the 2025 Foodservice Innovation Zone below.

Foodservice Innovation Zone recap

The 2026 Food Retail Innovation Zone will feature:

• Interactive activations
• 75 booths highlighting the latest in food retail tech
• A food retail-focused stage featuring category thought leaders and innovators offering insights and fresh perspectives you don’t want to miss

Full-service future-forward restaurant and C-store technology will come to life, enabling attendees to be wowed and enjoy a beverage or order food during their journey.

If your company and tech partners want to join the Food Retail Innovation Zone to create a unique activation area, call today to become Michelin Sponsors!

Now located in the main Expo Hall on level 1.
 

All products showcased in the Food Retail Innovation Zone, either through sponsorship or within a booth, must fit certain criteria and be vetted and approved by NRF. Products should be future-forward and must have a primary focus on foodservice for retailers looking to incorporate foodservice into their operations. General solutions that span all types of businesses will not be accepted.

2026 FLOOR PLAN

See what foodservice companies attended in 2025

Food Retail Innovation Zone Activations

NEXT NOW - Tomorrow’s Technology Today

The future of food retail comes to life at Retail’s Big Show. Attendees will experience firsthand how tomorrow’s technology will enhance the customer journey, highlight connectivity and increase profits for operators and retailers. Notable stops along the way will include:

• Robotics in foodservice
• Fresh food/beverage vending
• C-store
• Grab-and-go
• In-restaurant technology
• Drive-thru technology
• Take-out/delivery technology

Future-forward technologies are designed to enhance the customer experience or improve the operator’s business, allowing companies to digitally connect with customers, transform front- and back-of-house operations, enable a seamless grab-and-go experience and more.