Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025

Will Guidara, the renowned restaurateur, author, and co-producer of FX’s hit series The Bear, has redefined what it means to deliver exceptional hospitality. As the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, Guidara’s more-is-more philosophy turned the restaurant into a three-Michelin-starred, World’s Best Restaurant winner. His groundbreaking approach—centered on creating a deep sense of belonging— also became a major influence on The Bear’s portrayal of hospitality.

In this keynote, Guidara shares his journey from running one of the world’s top restaurants to shaping one of television’s most celebrated depictions of the industry. He’ll dive into the lessons from his book, Unreasonable Hospitality, and offer actionable insights on team culture, guest experience, and scaling hospitality with heart. Whether you’re looking to elevate your business, empower your team, or create unforgettable moments, this session delivers exclusive wisdom from an industry visionary who has influenced both real-life and on-screen hospitality.

Sponsored By: Blaze

Industry Excellence Awards
Recognizing the best of the best in hospitality, the Bar & Restaurant Expo Industry Excellence Awards honor outstanding individuals and venues that are making a significant impact on the industry. This is your chance to nominate those who embody excellence and innovation.

Award Categories
Individual Awards

1. Bartender of the Year
2. Chef of the Year
3. Community Leadership Award
4. Industry Impact

Venue Awards

1. NEW! Design of the Year
2. Bar of the Year
3. Restaurant of the Year
4. Best Hospitality Training Program
5. Best Cocktail Program

Supplier Awards
These prestigious awards aim to honor industry trailblazers who have redefined the bar and restaurant landscape with their exceptional products and solution

Categories

1. Best Alcoholic Beverage
2. Best Food Product/Producer
3. Best Non-Alcoholic Product or Mixer
4. Best Entertainment Product
5. Best Equipment, Tool, or Bar Supply
6. Best Technology Product
7. Best Décor or Furniture Product

Join industry experts Art Sutley Phil Wills, Mia Mastroianni and a special celebrity guest for an engaging and dynamic session on the power of empowerment in the hospitality industry. This panel will explore how to empower your staff, management, and ownership to foster growth, success, and a positive work culture—both inside and outside the four walls of your business. In this interactive session, our panelists will share real-life experiences, industry insights, and
actionable strategies to help you:
• Empower your staff by creating a supportive, inclusive environment where they can
    thrive both personally and professionally.
• Inspire management with leadership tools that encourage self-growth, emotional
   intelligence, and effective conflict resolution.
• Strengthen ownership by cultivating an empowering culture that drives business success
   and personal growth for leaders.
Expect to walk away with practical tips and fresh ideas to implement in your business, as well as
the opportunity to engage directly with our panelists during a Q&A session. Whether you're an
owner, manager, or part of the front-line team, this session is designed to help you elevate your
role and your business to the next level.
Don’t miss out! Come ready with your burning questions and get the tools you need to
empower yourself and your team.

Join the industry as we officially open the Expo Hall! Sponsored by Rodeo de las Aguas Tequila

Explore the dynamic Bar & Restaurant Expo Hall, where innovation meets opportunity! Discover the latest products, services, and solutions that can take your business to the next level. With access and complimentary samples included in all registration passes, this is your chance to taste, test, and connect with top industry suppliers.

Vegan Pulled "Pork"
Roasted maitake mushrooms, charred vegetable slaw, remoulade & pickled stuff, micro amaranth & bulls blood

Guest service is the backbone of any successful food and beverage operation. Learn how exceptional service impacts sales, profitability, and customer loyalty. This session will cover key strategies for fostering a service-driven culture that enhances guest satisfaction and drives long-term success.
Participants will learn:

• The direct link between guest service and increased sales/profitability
• How high-quality service builds trust, loyalty, and repeat business
• Strategies for creating personalized guest experiences that drive upselling
• The role of a positive service environment in improving operational efficiency
• Best practices for training and empowering teams to deliver exceptional service

The demand for high-quality non-alcoholic options is skyrocketing, and hospitality venues that embrace this shift can unlock new revenue streams, attract diverse guests, and enhance the overall guest experience. But how can bars, restaurants, and hotels go beyond token offerings to create a truly compelling NA program?
This interactive seminar brings together industry experts to explore best practices for integrating non-alcoholic drinks into hospitality settings—covering menu strategy, pricing, staff training, consumer engagement, and operational execution.
Join moderator Derek Brown (Co-Founder, Mindful Drinking Fest; Author, Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No & Low-Alcohol Cocktails) as he leads a discussion with top hospitality leaders on:

• How to build a non-alcoholic beverage program that sells
• Maximizing margins while offering value to guests
• Understanding what today’s guests expect from NA offerings
• Equipping teams to promote and serve NA drinks effectively
• Seamlessly integrating NA options into your venue’s workflow

Whether you run a cocktail bar, restaurant, hotel, or multi-unit operation, this seminar will provide actionable insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving beverage landscape.

Stepping into the role of lead or head bartender is a pivotal career decision that can unlock exciting growth opportunities. In this two-part masterclass, you'll learn how to evaluate and prepare for this leadership position thoughtfully and strategically. We'll also dive into the often-overlooked but essential skill of listening, equipping you with tools to lead effectively, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships with colleagues and guests alike. This session will set you up for success not only as a bartender but as a respected leader in the hospitality industry.

Access to watch the Shake It Up Competition is included in all registration passes.

Bar & Restaurant Expo is the official location for the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) National Cocktail Competition.

Get ready to witness the cocktail event of the year – the electrifying USBG Shake It Up Competition that will have you on the edge of your seats!

Watch this thrilling competition as the most talented bartenders go head-to-head in a battle of creativity, speed, and skill. Witness mind-blowing cocktail concoctions that push the boundaries of what you thought a drink could be.

Spotlight Stage, Future Proof Experience

Filipino Fried Chicken Lollipops
Kare-kare sauce and pickled papaya slaw

Bar Managers face some unique challenges. Whether you're looking for new insights or just validation of your experiences, join others facing similar issues at our Bar Managers Meet-Up. Hosted by Bar & Restaurant Expo Advisory Board member Chad Michael George, come exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships in a casual setting.

Unlock the power of data to drive your marketing strategy and make smarter decisions for your bar or restaurant. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage analytics to target the right customers, optimize your promotions, and maximize your marketing ROI.

• Identify metrics that matter for your business.
• Learn how to track customer behavior and preferences.
• Use data to create personalized, effective marketing campaigns.
• Optimize your promotions for better reach and engagement.
• Make informed decisions that boost sales and customer loyalty.