US Foods, one of the nation’s top foodservice distributors, has officially announced the programming for Food Fanatics® 2025, which is set to be the company’s most expansive and solutions-driven foodservice event to date. Taking place August 19–20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, this flagship event promises to deliver a transformative experience for more than 5,000 attendees, including foodservice operators, culinary professionals, industry vendors, subject-matter experts, and celebrity chefs.
A Two-Day Industry Showcase Like Never Before
Under the theme “Every Second Counts,” Food Fanatics® 2025 is designed to help operators make meaningful changes to their business strategies, menus, and technology usage, especially as the industry continues to recover and evolve from ongoing macroeconomic and operational challenges. With over 180,000 square feet dedicated to programming, exhibits, and interactive experiences, the event aims to go far beyond traditional trade shows.
“This isn’t just a show; it’s a comprehensive platform for education, innovation, and collaboration,” said Diane Hund, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at US Foods. “We’re delivering a full-spectrum experience tailored to the real-world challenges and opportunities our foodservice partners face. Attendees will return to their operations with tangible solutions they can implement immediately.”
Star-Studded Keynotes and Culinary Lineup
The show will open with powerful keynote presentations by Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and celebrity chef Jet Tila, who will offer their unique perspectives on leadership, performance under pressure, and innovation. Smith, a renowned businessman and former NFL superstar, will focus on perseverance and adaptability—qualities mirrored in the foodservice industry’s ongoing evolution. Tila, a recognized culinary authority and TV personality, will speak to the power of culinary creativity and operational excellence.
In addition to Jet Tila, celebrity chefs Scott Conant and Stephanie Izard will lead live cooking demonstrations, sharing expert insights and inspiration on how to elevate menu offerings while maintaining cost-efficiency. These high-energy presentations will highlight the culinary possibilities enabled by US Foods Exclusive Brands and new product innovations.
Conant, a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef and TV personality, and Izard, Executive Chef and Owner of acclaimed restaurants such as Girl & the Goat and Cabra, will also serve as guest judges for a culinary competition on the main stage. This challenge will see four top chefs from around the U.S. competing head-to-head using products from US Foods’ proprietary brands.
Hands-On Experiences and Practical Tools
Food Fanatics® 2025 is intentionally designed to go beyond product sampling. It will provide deep, practical engagement across four key pillars—quality, support, tools, and delivery—ensuring that every second attendees spend at the show adds value to their business.
MORE QUALITY – Inspire Menus and Lower Costs
Attendees will explore an expansive showcase of high-quality, innovative products across all categories—from center-of-the-plate proteins and fresh produce to grocery staples and non-food solutions. Over 60 vendor exhibitors and US Foods’ Exclusive Brands will offer tastings, demos, and in-depth discussions on how to enhance quality while driving cost savings.
This year’s event places a strong emphasis on menu innovation, offering not only a wide variety of product samples but also guidance on how to integrate these items into real-world foodservice operations. From upscale dining to quick-service concepts, attendees will discover solutions tailored to diverse business models and market needs.
MORE SUPPORT – One-on-One Consulting with Industry Experts
Food Fanatics® 2025 is about more than discovering new products—it’s about solving real problems. Attendees will gain access to US Foods specialists and third-party experts for one-on-one consultations, offering tailored advice on issues like staffing shortages, inflation-related cost control, operational modernization, and customer engagement.
Also featured are Talk Shop Live panel discussions, featuring thought leaders from across the foodservice spectrum. These panels will address key industry concerns, such as supply chain resiliency, sustainability, menu engineering, and maximizing profitability during economic uncertainty.
MORE TOOLS – Boost Efficiency Through Technology
The event will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions designed to help operators simplify and enhance their day-to-day operations. Attendees can expect interactive exhibits on the latest digital tools, including:
- MOXē®, US Foods’ proprietary mobile ordering and kitchen operations platform
- CHECK® Business Tools, a suite of resources to help manage labor, track food costs, and increase revenue
- Tools and innovations from leading tech partners committed to supporting foodservice operators through automation and data insights
Sixteen expert-led educational sessions will cover essential business topics such as digital marketing strategies, workforce optimization, data-driven decision-making, and adapting to emerging industry trends.
MORE DELIVERIES – Optimized Supply Chain Solutions
Timely and responsive delivery remains a top priority for operators, and US Foods plans to spotlight its advanced logistics and fulfillment capabilities throughout the event. Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge about innovative delivery programs such as:
- Pronto®, which enables next-day delivery on hundreds of high-demand items
- US Foods Direct®, an e-commerce platform for fast, streamlined purchasing
Multiple US Foods trucks of varying sizes will be stationed on-site, allowing attendees to physically explore the logistics systems that power the company’s delivery operations. These demonstrations aim to educate operators on how to better manage inventory, plan for peak service times, and increase order flexibility.
A Must-Attend Event for Foodservice Professionals
Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur, a food truck entrepreneur, or a large-scale institutional foodservice director, Food Fanatics® 2025 offers something for everyone. By merging inspiration, education, and practical takeaways under one roof, US Foods aims to empower operators to “Make It”—not just survive, but thrive in an increasingly complex industry environment.
Hund summed it up best: “This is the most all-encompassing show in our company’s history, and we’ve engineered every component to ensure that foodservice operators leave better equipped to grow, innovate, and succeed.”
Registration for Food Fanatics® 2025 is now open, and spaces are filling quickly. Foodservice professionals are encouraged to secure their spot to experience two unforgettable days of food, business insights, technology, and connection—only in Las Vegas.
