Adding foodservice has become a key 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 Foodservice 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.
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.
The Foodservice Innovation Zone is now located in the main Expo Hall on Level 1.
If your company and tech partners want to join the Foodservice Innovation Zone to create a unique activation area, call today to become Michelin Sponsors!
All products showcased in the Foodservice 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.
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.
Contact: Tami Sakell, VP, Sales at (202) 661-3044 or sakellt@nrf.com
