Highlights from the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show: Robots, Cannabis-Infused Drinks, Sustainability, AI, and Gen Z Insights
The National Restaurant Association Show kicked off in Chicago with a bang on Saturday, as industry professionals flooded the exhibit halls to discover the latest trends and innovations in the foodservice world. Despite the sunny skies, the real buzz was inside the show, where editors from Restaurant Business logged thousands of steps to uncover what’s hot in the industry.
One noticeable trend was the decrease in the presence of robots compared to previous years. While automation and AI were still prevalent, the robot revolution seemed to have taken a back seat. However, there were still some friendly robot arms and waiters making appearances on the show floor.
Another exciting development was the rise of cannabis-infused drinks as a new trend in the industry. Companies showcasing THC-infused cocktails and non-alcoholic spirits are making waves, with plans to expand their presence beyond restaurants into grocery and convenience stores.
Sustainability also took center stage, with Philz Coffee sharing how they have been using innovative tools like Too Good to Go to reduce waste and protect margins. By selling surplus products at a discount through the app, Philz has been able to recover food costs and even drive additional sales.
Artificial intelligence was another hot topic at the show, with vendors pitching new AI tools left and right. While some may view AI as just a buzzword, industry experts like Liz Moskow and Dena Meek believe in its potential to revolutionize the industry.
Even operators on a budget can benefit from high-tech solutions like ChatGPT, a free AI app that can provide sophisticated labor benefits. And when it comes to winning over Gen Z, Caribou Coffee is taking a unique approach by creating a reality dating show on TikTok to promote their new beverage line.
With so much excitement and innovation at the National Restaurant Association Show, it’s clear that the industry is evolving rapidly to meet the changing demands of consumers. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the show floor!
