The National Restaurant Show – Review
Hello everyone, welcome back to the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast! It’s just you and me today, diving into my experience at the National Restaurant Expo in Chicago. This was my first time attending, and to say it was overwhelming is an understatement. Today, I’ll break down the pros and cons of the event, especially from the viewpoint of a pizzeria owner or aspiring pizzeria owner. I’ll also share some highlights from the pizzerias I visited in Chicago and some cool tech finds that caught my eye.
First Impressions
To start, I want to thank our sponsors who make this podcast possible, including a new sponsor, Cheese Hog. As someone who loves making pizza at home, I’m excited to share about Cheese Hog, a family-run company specializing in cheese shredders that can handle up to 100 pounds of cheese in minutes. They offer both countertop and floor models, making cheese shredding a breeze.
Also, a shoutout to Slice, an independent company helping pizzerias with websites, online ordering, and marketing. Unlike third-party services, Slice truly focuses on supporting independent pizzerias, which is evident in their approach and service.
The Pros of the National Restaurant Expo
Size and Scope:
This expo was massive, easily five to seven times the size of the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. It’s a comprehensive event covering everything you can think of to run a restaurant.
Diverse Products:
From technology to kitchen equipment, the variety of products was impressive. There was a significant emphasis on tech, including AI-driven marketing and online ordering platforms.
Chicago’s Charm:
This was my first visit to Chicago, and I was pleasantly surprised. The city’s hospitality, vibrant food scene, and the pizzerias I visited were fantastic. Chicago itself was a major highlight.
The Cons of the National Restaurant Expo
Overwhelming Scale:
The sheer size can be daunting. Without a plan, it’s easy to get lost and miss out on valuable booths. The event’s duration of four days is necessary to cover everything, but it can feel like too much.
Not Pizza-Focused:
While there was a lot of tech and products, not much was tailored specifically for independent pizzerias. The focus seemed to be more on large chains and franchises.
Mixed Reception:
As someone from the pizza community, I sometimes felt looked down upon. This isn’t unique to this expo but felt more pronounced here. There were moments when I felt dismissed by vendors who cater to larger businesses.
Cool Tech Finds
Despite some of the drawbacks, there were some great discoveries at the expo:
PopMenu:
This online ordering platform offers a robust AI-driven marketing tool that uses your menu and photos to create customized marketing campaigns. It’s designed to streamline your marketing efforts efficiently.
Hygenix Grease Cutter:
This product helps clean your hood filters by breaking down grease in a specialized tub, making maintenance easier and more efficient.
Tap to Order:
A nifty kiosk system that uses a tap feature to bring up online ordering on your phone, eliminating the need for QR codes. Plus, their unique business card—a poker chip with contact info—was a standout.
Expand and Share by Restaurant 365:
A comprehensive training video database that allows you to create and organize training materials. This can be a game-changer for consistent and efficient staff training.
Final Thoughts
Would I attend the National Restaurant Expo again? Probably not. While it’s a great event for those running large chains or multiple units, it doesn’t quite cater to the independent pizzeria owner like myself. However, the smaller, pizza-focused expos like the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando or Los Angeles are more my speed and highly recommended.
If you went to the show, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did this recap help you decide whether to attend in the future? For more detailed insights and video demos of the products I mentioned, head over to our YouTube channel. And as always, you can connect with me on Instagram at Smart Pizza Marketing.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you on the next episode!
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