The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show delivered the scale and energy the foodservice industry has come to expect. With more than 2,300 exhibitors and 50,000-plus attendees, the show floor was filled with beverage samplings, food innovations, and a growing presence of smart technology. Connectivity was a central theme, as manufacturers, vendors, and operators explored how the Internet of Things (IoT) fits into the evolving restaurant ecosystem.
While definitions of “connected” varied, one thing was clear: IoT is no longer an emerging idea. It is a key part of the conversation about where the industry is heading.
From kitchen equipment and beverage systems to automation platforms and analytics tools, connected solutions were on full display. Many are already delivering tangible value, while others are still building the infrastructure to do so.
Connected Equipment Moves from Buzz to Backbone
A defining feature of this year’s show was the number of products advertising smart, cloud-enabled capabilities. Nearly every OEM had something “connected” to showcase, and many demonstrated meaningful progress toward integrated, data-powered systems.
At the same time, not every product had a fully developed software stack or data model. That is not a shortcoming. It reflects an industry making steady progress and prioritizing long-term infrastructure. Many vendors showcased tools built to offer real-time visibility, better decision-making, and fleet-wide insight.
Operators want more than just device data. They are looking for context, usability, and measurable return on investment. Many exhibitors are meeting that challenge head-on.
From Hardware to Insights: The Software Story
One of the clearest patterns across the show was the growing demand for software to complement connected hardware. Attendees expressed strong interest in dashboards, remote configuration tools, and predictive maintenance capabilities. The desire for real-time control and clarity is widespread.
Some exhibitors showcased fully integrated ecosystems. Others offered forward-compatible hardware that will be ready to deliver more value once the supporting platforms are in place. Many operators are focused on tools that reduce friction, unify operations, and surface meaningful insights across their systems.
There is no shortage of data. The opportunity lies in how that data is organized, visualized, and operationalized.
Future-First Thinking in a Practical Industry
Conversations across the show floor weren’t only focused on what’s available now. Many operators and OEMs are planning for future investments, aiming to adopt connected technology at a pace that aligns with their operational goals and resources.
There’s a growing emphasis on scalable automation, interoperability, and data-driven performance optimization. While not every organization is ready to scale immediately, the interest in long-term strategies and flexible roadmaps is growing.
This kind of forward-looking engagement signals a shift. Companies are asking smarter questions, seeking more integration between systems, and approaching IoT as a business strategy—not just a tech upgrade.
Human-Centered Innovation Still Leads
Even with all the technology on display, the most resonant theme remained clear: people are at the center of it all. Whether it was AI-driven menu support or connected tools that help manage labor more effectively, the best innovations were those that made work easier, more efficient, or more intuitive for restaurant teams.
This year’s show made it clear that human-centered design and practical innovation remain top priorities. That aligns well with IoT’s real value, which is in simplifying complex systems, reducing downtime, and surfacing insights that empower people to act faster and smarter.
Serving Up Scalable IoT—Ready When You Are
The show was massive, loud, and highly caffeinated. Our team made meaningful connections across food equipment, automation, beverage systems, and tech-forward vendors. IoT was a consistent theme, though interpretations varied. While not every product was fully integrated, the direction is clear. The ecosystem is maturing, and expectations are rising.
Operators are no longer just asking what a device can do. They are asking how it connects, how it helps them make better decisions, and how it supports their teams.
Mesh Systems has been helping manufacturers and operators navigate the connected future for two decades. Our platform and services are built to support the full lifecycle of connected solutions—from prototype to production, cloud to edge, and insight to action.
Whether you’re starting your IoT journey or looking to scale a proven concept, we’re here to help.
Contact us to explore how connected technology can become a real business advantage.