Key Takeaways
2025 National Restaurant Association Show Recap
Cost-Cutting, AI, and Smarter Tech
The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show made one thing clear: independent restaurant operators are done juggling disconnected systems.
With rising food costs, policy uncertainty, and tech fatigue top of mind, restaurants are looking for leaner, smarter, all-in-one platforms to drive results—without adding workload.
Chowly’s presence at the show, including our feature as a DoorDash Preferred Integration and Sterling’s upcoming interview, reflected what independent restaurant operators want most: cost savings, simplicity, and real results from their tech stack.
1. Cost Cutting Is Priority #1
From food prices to labor, independent restaurant operators are under pressure to protect margins. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, conversations at the show centered around value-based menu strategies and efficiency gains.
That’s where the Chowly Platform shines. By consolidating over 10 tools into one system—menus, listings, ads, pricing, POS integration—we help independent restaurant operators cut costs and reclaim third-party revenue without hiring more staff.
Source: Kelso, Alicia. Nation’s Restaurant News, May 19, 2025
2. The Push for Tech Consolidation
Independent restaurant operators are tired of tech silos. This year’s theme wasn’t just “more tech”—it was “tech that actually talks to each other.”
The Chowly Platform solves this with a unified platform built for modern restaurants. From Google optimization to ad tracking to menu updates across all channels, everything works together—and it works for you.
Source: Kelso, Alicia. Nation’s Restaurant News, May 17, 2025
3. Automation and Labor-Saving Tools
With fewer hands in the kitchen, labor-saving equipment stole the show—from QR-code steamers to auto egg makers. Efficiency is no longer optional—it’s essential.
The Chowly Platform helps you optimize labor outside the kitchen, automating digital ordering, pricing, listings, and customer engagement—all from one login.
Source: FER Editors. Foodservice Equipment Reports, May 20, 2025
4. AI, Data, and Attribution
AI wasn’t just a buzzword—it was a blueprint. From predictive staffing tools to AI-powered ordering and marketing, independent restaurant operators are betting on data to guide their decisions.
The Chowly Platform provides built-in attribution tracking across Google Ads, order channels, and more—so you know where every dollar goes.
Source: Guszkowski, Joe. Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025
5. Digital Hospitality + Google Optimization
Google hosted live GBP audits at the show, showing that optimized listings drive 5x more views and 7x more clicks. Customers are 29% more likely to purchase when they find complete, accurate restaurant info on Google.
The Chowly Platform integrates with Google Business Profile, keeping your menus and listings fresh—automatically. No manual work. No missed traffic.
Source: Guszkowski, Joe. Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025
6. Robots Are Coming—But They're Not All There Yet
This year’s show floor had more robots than ever—napkin folders, pizza toppers, and even grill bots—but many still struggled with reliability. The takeaway? Automation is exciting, but only if it actually works. Independent restaurant operators are cautious about investing in hardware that complicates operations.
That’s why the Chowly Platform focuses on automating digital tasks—menus, listings, pricing, and Google optimization—without the hardware headaches.
Source: Guszkowski, Joe. Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025
7. Dashboards Are Out. Actionable Insights Are In.
Independent restaurant operators don’t want to stare at dashboards—they want smart suggestions that drive decisions. AI is replacing static dashboards with narrative insights and real-time prompts. Chowly’s built-in attribution tracking connects your ads, listings, and orders, so you know exactly what’s working—and what’s not.
That’s why the Chowly Platform focuses on automating digital tasks—menus, listings, pricing, and Google optimization—without the hardware headaches.
Source: Guszkowski, Joe. Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025
Sterling on the Ground
From spinning for a cause to sitting down with DoorDash, Chowly Co-Founder Sterling Douglass made his mark in Chicago during National Restaurant Show.
- At Sizzle & Spin with Yazzle & Yoga, Sterling helped raise over $21,000 for LEAD and GLEAM Network—turning fitness into impact.
- Throughout the weekend, he connected with key industry voices like Shawn Walchef and Schatzy, repping Chowly’s mission to make independent restaurant operators more profitable.
- He wrapped up with a recorded interview with DoorDash, discussing Chowly’s role as a Preferred Integration Partner and how we’re helping independent restaurant operators own their digital storefronts.
Final Thoughts: Tech That Pays for Itself
This year’s show wasn’t about shiny new tools—it was about smarter, scalable systems that help independent independent restaurant operators survive and grow. The Chowly Platform delivers what restaurants need right now: cost savings, clarity, and control.
Want to see how it all works together?
Sources
Cision PR Newswire. “Artly Debuts Mini Barista Bot at National Restaurant Association 2025 Show.” FOX4 Kansas City, May 17, 2025. Chicago, IL.
https://fox4kc.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250517CN89282/artly-debuts-mini-barista-bot-at-national-restaurant-association-2025-show/
https://fox4kc.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250517CN89282/artly-debuts-mini-barista-bot-at-national-restaurant-association-2025-show/
FER Editors. “3 Product Themes on Display at the Restaurant Show.” Foodservice Equipment Reports (FER), May 20, 2025.
https://www.fermag.com/articles/3-product-themes-on-display-at-the-restaurant-show/
Guszkowski, Joe. “Restaurants Get a Digital Checkup From Google at the National Restaurant Show.” Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025.
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/restaurants-get-digital-checkup-google-national-restaurant-show
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/restaurants-get-digital-checkup-google-national-restaurant-show
Guszkowski, Joe. “6 Tech Observations from the 2025 National Restaurant Show.” Restaurant Business Online, May 20, 2025.
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/6-tech-observations-2025-national-restaurant-show
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/6-tech-observations-2025-national-restaurant-show
Kelso, Alicia. “Takeaways from Day One of the National Restaurant Association Show.” Nation’s Restaurant News, May 17, 2025.
https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-operations/takeaways-from-day-one-of-the-national-restaurant-association-show
https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-operations/takeaways-from-day-one-of-the-national-restaurant-association-show
Kelso, Alicia. “What Operators Are Looking for from the National Restaurant Association Show Floor.” Nation’s Restaurant News, May 19, 2025.
https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-operations/what-operators-are-looking-for-from-the-national-restaurant-association-show-floor
https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-operations/what-operators-are-looking-for-from-the-national-restaurant-association-show-floor
