National Restaurant Association Show Opens 2026 FABI Awards to Showcase Products Transforming Foodservice Menus

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show today announced that applications are open for the 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards. As the foodservice industry evolves amid shifting consumer expectations and economic pressures, the FABI Awards showcase products and companies setting the pace for trend-defining innovation that drives new menu ideas and dining experiences. The 2026 award recipients will be celebrated at the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“Restaurants are navigating higher costs and changing consumer expectations, and that’s driving incredible creativity across food and beverage,” said Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “Each year, the FABI Awards spotlight those breakthroughs — from reimagined ingredients and healthier formulations to inventive global influences and beverage customization — and the innovators who aren’t just following trends but setting them.”

FABI Awards Reflect Industry Evolution

As operators adapt their menus and sourcing strategies to address these economic pressures, including higher ingredient costs, supply constraints and workforce challenges, they’re also responding to shifting consumer preferences.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, 86 percent of consumers are seeking to try unique foods and flavors at restaurants, while demand for healthier menu options has risen 23 percent. These dynamics are reflected on the Show floor as well, where engagement surveys found that 63 percent of 2025 attendees were sourcing food products on-site and 30 percent were sourcing beverages, underscoring the Show’s role as the industry’s hub for discovering what’s next and reaffirming the importance of programs like the FABI Awards in spotlighting those advancements.

FABI Awards Impact & Submission Details
FABI Award recipients receive broad visibility and engagement opportunities through Show marketing, media exposure and on-site programming. Each selected product is featured in exclusive on-site FABI Tasting sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to sample and experience the year’s most notable food and beverage innovations.

From these recipients, judges also designate a group of FABI Favorites—standout products recognized for exceptional creativity, appeal and potential industry impact. These products receive additional exposure through a dedicated tasting, Show coverage and are featured in a The Culinary Experience demonstration. All recipients receive lifetime use of the FABI Award logo for product packaging and promotion.

Brandie Miller, co-founder of Mochi Love and a 2025 FABI Award recipient, said, The FABI award is helping us with exposure beyond just the trade show and every little bit helps. It brings validation to what we’ve created.”

The 2026 FABI Awards will be judged by a panel of respected leaders in culinary development, operations and product innovation, including:

• Zia Ahmed (Senior Director, The Ohio State University)
• Patricia Cobe (Senior Editor, Restaurant Business Magazine)
• Becky Davis (Director of Culinary Innovation, The Wendy’s Company)
• Marion Gibson (Culinary Development Director, Aramark)
• Farley Kaiser (Senior Director of Culinary Innovation, McLane Fresh)
• Paul Pszybylski (Vice President of Culinary Innovation, California Pizza Kitchen)
• Robin Rosenberg (Vice President, Chef de Cuisine, Levy Restaurants)
• Jay Smith (Senior Director of Research and Development, Bloomin’ Brands)
• Bret Thorn (Senior Food & Beverage Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality)

“I’ve always loved the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago because it’s where the best ideas, products, and people in food come together under one roof. Being selected as a FABI judge is an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to shine a light on the ideas that will elevate the experience for both restaurants and the people they serve,” said Pszybylski, who recently joined the 2026 FABI Awards judges panel.

Applications for the 2026 FABI Awards are open through Jan. 21, 2026. Awardees will be announced in March 2026 and recognized at the National Restaurant Association Show. For more information and to apply, visit the FABI Awards Application Page.

For additional insights on breakthrough food and beverage products and emerging consumer trends, read the National Restaurant Association Show’s 2025 Food & Beverage Trend Report.