Keynote and Featured Session

The 2025 Restaurant Show Keynote will feature a captivating conversation with chef, author and TV host, Carla Hall. Carla will share her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality, where her passion to ‘cook with love’ and ‘live with joy’ has fueled her success. Known for her approachable and joyful personality, Carla will convey how these principles have shaped her career and mission to uplift the next generation of foodservice professionals.

Carla will explore how the foodservice industry is evolving and how chefs can lead this transformation. She will challenge attendees to rethink traditional foodservice paths, urging them to break boundaries, embrace individuality, and lead with purpose. Carla will also share her vision for the future of food, where creativity, inclusivity, and community are essential ingredients for success.

The keynote session will begin with an introduction and presentation by Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. Following this, Michelle will engage Carla in a lively interview-style Q&A, diving deeper into her passion for mentoring emerging talent and advocating for children’s well-being.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to success? Join us for an exciting deep dive into how you can turn the hottest trends and groundbreaking ideas from top restaurant brands into your own business game-changers. Discover how industry leaders are tackling the biggest topics like sustainability, menu innovation, and elevating the guest experience. We’ll hear from operators and consumers while exploring real-world case studies showcasing how these strategies are making waves across operations of all sizes. Don’t get locked out on new possibilities in business, plan now to attend this session!

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.