The 2025 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards program, the ultimate mark of achievement for groundbreaking foodservice equipment innovation, is now accepting applications. As a highlight of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show®, the KI Awards recognize the most forward-thinking products that are revolutionizing the industry—addressing critical needs like automation, sustainability, and efficiency. The 2025 Show, taking place May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, remains the premier platform for innovators to showcase their advancements, connect with key decision-makers, and drive toward the future of foodservice.
Tom Cindric, President of Winsight Exhibitions, remarked: “For over two decades, the KI Awards have set the benchmark for cutting-edge foodservice innovations. The National Restaurant Association Show is where these advancements take center stage, and where industry leaders come to discover the solutions that are improving both back-of-house efficiency and front-of-house customer experience. The 2025 Awards will continue this legacy of showcasing products that streamline operations and enhance overall service delivery.”
As foodservice operators face mounting pressures to streamline operations, improve labor efficiency, deliver a consistent product, and reduce environmental impacts, the 2025 KI Awards will spotlight products that deliver real-world solutions. Whether through AI-powered automation, energy-saving equipment, or tools that reduce waste, winning a KI Award elevates innovators and their products to the forefront of the industry, providing a powerful platform to influence key decision-makers and impact the direction of foodservice.
In addition to industry recognition, award recipients gain direct access to feedback from operators on the Show floor, providing invaluable insights to refine and elevate their go-to-market strategies. The National Restaurant Association Show offers awardees the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, giving them a distinct advantage in positioning their products for long-term success.
Recipients will benefit from:
- Prime exhibit space in the high-traffic KI Showroom, including installation, utilities, and exclusive food storage, providing direct access to operators, dealers, and distributors.
- Extensive media coverage and exclusive participation in media events, such as press releases, social media campaigns, and the Press Breakfast, offering direct connections with industry insiders and the press.
- Material handling services for smooth transportation of the innovation to and from the Showroom.
- The right to use the 2025 Kitchen Innovations logo, enhancing brand recognition and visibility for the life of the product.
Gene Doerr, Director of Technical Training and Industry Standards at Unox Inc. and a past KI Award recipient, reflected, “The Kitchen Innovations Awards are essential for anyone looking to showcase game-changing solutions in foodservice. Being part of the National Restaurant Association Show not only amplifies the visibility of these products but connects them with the people who can take them to the next level.”
The 2025 KI Awards will be evaluated by an independent panel of expert judges, who bring a wealth of knowledge from across the foodservice industry. As part of the only peer-reviewed kitchen equipment award program in the industry, the judges will assess innovations based on their potential to solve real-world challenges and evolve the way kitchens operate. The judging panel includes:
- Dan Bendall (Principal, FoodStrategy, Inc.)
- Lenny Condenzio (CEO, Ricca Design Studios)
- Richard Eisenbarth, FCSI (President Emeritus, Cini-Little International)
- Cha Nye Farley (Director Facility Services, Cracker Barrel)
- Foster F Frable Jr., FCSI Associate AIA (Founding Partner, Clevenger Frable LaVallee)
- Frank Inoa (Vice President, Design, Engineering and Equipment Innovation, Inspire Brands)
- Jim Krueger, Jr. CMCE, NRAMF (Chief, Air Force and U.S. Space Force Food and Beverage, Air Force Services Center – AFSVC)
- Alfred Spear (Manager, Food and Beverage Program Design and Development, Walt Disney World Resort)
- Jim Thorpe (Senior Food Service Designer, Aramark)
These judges are instrumental in recognizing innovations that not only set new standards for the industry but also redefine what’s possible in foodservice.
Jim Thorpe noted, “The KI Awards showcase the technologies that redefine foodservice operations. These innovations inspire creativity while driving real operational efficiency.”
Applications for the 2025 KI Awards are open until December 11, 2024. Eligible products must have been introduced within 24 months prior to the Show. For more information and to apply, visit the 2025 KI Awards Application Page. The KI Awardees will be announced in March 2025.
For more information about the Show and to register, visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com. Connect with the Show online on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for event updates.
