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

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.

Miso Mac and Cheese
Beet kimchi, micro wasabi & furikake & garlic crunch

Watch (3) Johnson & Wales culinary students battle it out for the tastiest use of Land O'Lakes cheese. Taste them all and help choose the winner!

In Les vergers Boiron’s cocktail-focused class, Philip Khandehrish, Senior National Beverage Ambassador, will explore three distinct techniques to elevate mixology utilizing agar and our frozen and shelf-stable fruit purees.

Agar fluid gel adds smooth yet structured texture, perfect for innovative garnishes or layered drinks. Agar caviar, small flavor spheres that deliver intense fruit flavor, add a playful twist to cocktails. Lastly, agar foam provides a stable, airy topping that enhances both the presentation and sensory experience of a fruit-focused beverage.

Les vergers Boiron has been the industry leader in premium frozen and ambient fruit purees for over 80 years. With a portfolio of 50+ fruit flavors, most of which have no sugar added, we offer a range of fruit solutions to provide beverage professionals with creativity at their fingertips. Taste matters, which is why Les vergers Boiron focuses on the fruit, and sources the very best from around the world to deliver unparalleled flavor and consistency.

Duck Fat Fries
Toasted mustard seed demi glace, cheese curd, queso bravo dip, pink peppercorn & popcorn shoots

Attending the show for the first time? Don't miss our First-Timer's Meet-Up, designed just for you! Connect with fellow professionals, share experiences, and mingle with our esteemed Advisory Board of industry experts who are eager to offer insights and guidance. This is your chance to build valuable relationships and kick off your show experience with confidence!

Bring your menu! It’s time to talk about your menu. What are your offerings? How creative are you? Join Chef Duffy for an eye-opening session as he breaks down menus looking for opportunities to improve food offerings, kitchen operations, and guest experience.

2 for 1 cocktail, beer or wine! Present badge on the Club Level to redeem. Show your Bar & Restaurant Expo badge