Kitchen Innovations Awards Judges Announced, Applications Open

Now through Dec. 10, manufacturers can submit their latest and greatest products to the 2026 Kitchen Innovations Awards.

Awardees will be announced in February, then showcased at the National Restaurant Association Show, scheduled for May 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The 2026 panel of judges is made up of: Dan Bendall (principal of FoodStrategy); Lenny Condenzio (CEO emeritus of Ricca Design Studios); Richard Eisenbarth, FCSI (president emeritus of Cini-Little International); Cha Nye Farley (director facility services at Cracker Barrel); Christine Guyott, FCSI (principal at Rippe Associates); Frank Inoa (vice president, design, engineering and equipment innovation at Inspire Brands); Jim Krueger, Jr., CMCE, NRAMF (chief, mission feeding, Air Force and U.S. Space Force Judge); Juan Martinez, PhD, FCSI (principal at Profitality Labor Guru); and Alfred Spear (manager, food and beverage program design and development at Walt Disney World Resort).

In 2025, two dozen manufacturers were honored with the annual award, with sustainability and productivity enhancements marking some product trends in 2025. As in year’s past, select honorees will be in display in the KI Showroom.

“For over 20 years, the Kitchen Innovations Awards have been the catalyst for transformative solutions that redefine how operators manage their businesses,” says Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “This year, as restaurants confront higher costs, workforce shortages, and evolving consumer demands, the KI Awards will highlight solutions that empower operators to enhance efficiency, boost profitability, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

For more information on the program, and to apply, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com/home/kitchen-innovations-application.