National Restaurant Association Show 2025 Highlights

Rapids team at the NRA sign
Our team from Rapids had the opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Association Show 2025—the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation. Held in Chicago, this massive event brings together industry leaders, emerging technologies, and the latest trends in commercial kitchen equipment, automation, and culinary creativity.

From robotics and AI-powered cooking to redesigned prep stations and smart refrigeration, the show floor was packed with groundbreaking solutions built to improve speed, efficiency, and customer experience. Whether you’re running a restaurant, convenience store, or institutional kitchen, the future of foodservice was on full display.

What Caught Our Attention at NRA 2025

C-Store & Back-of-House Solutions

by Vollrath

Vollrath showcased a range of innovative equipment designed for both customer-facing and kitchen operations. Their convenience store setup featured compact, modular displays for grab-and-go meals, beverages, and utensils—perfect for fast-paced, self-serve environments. In the back-of-house zone, they demonstrated space-saving workstations outfitted with warmers, mixers, and storage, built for durability and efficiency in high-volume kitchens.

Time of Flight Technology

by True Manufacturing

True Manufacturing’s use of Time of Flight (ToF) technology brings advanced precision to ice equipment by replacing traditional bin and dispenser thermostats. ToF sensors measure the time it takes for light to reflect off surfaces, enabling accurate, contact-free ice level detection. This upgrade improves reliability, reduces mechanical wear, and enhances overall system efficiency—another smart innovation from True.

Valiance Line & Warranty Update

by Hoshizaki

Hoshizaki’s new Valiance line bridges the gap between their Economy and SteelHeart series with durable aluminum construction, Energy Star certification, and features like bottom-mounted compressors and full sheet pan capacity. It’s backed by a 3-year labor, 4-year parts, and 7-year compressor warranty. Plus, SteelHeart now includes a 7/7/7 warranty, setting a new standard for long-term reliability.

Smart Kitchen Innovations

by Atosa

Atosa is pushing kitchen innovation forward with smart solutions designed for modern foodservice. From the award-winning Chillstream™ frozen food dispenser to their IoT refrigeration controllers and automated French fry robot, Atosa is streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. With upcoming products like ice cream machines, pizza lockers, and coffee machines for breakfast service, Atosa continues to deliver accessible, tech-driven tools for kitchens of all sizes.

Fresh Pro Containers & Thermo Future Box

by Cambro

Cambro’s upcoming Fresh Pro Containers combine the best of both worlds with a round base for easy stirring and a square cover for efficient stacking—bringing together the usability of round and square containers in one smart design. Also coming soon, the Thermo Future Box with a sliding lid offers improved access and temperature retention for transport and delivery. With these innovations, Cambro continues to raise the standard for food storage and service efficiency.

Stainless Steel Equipment Update

by Traulsen

Traulsen is upgrading their entire equipment lineup to feature stainless steel construction in place of aluminum—a significant enhancement that boosts both durability and performance. Stainless steel resists corrosion, holds up better under heavy use, and is easier to clean, making it the preferred choice for demanding commercial kitchens. This update reflects Traulsen’s commitment to long-lasting, high-quality refrigeration equipment built to meet the toughest foodservice challenges.

MOD Suite

by Vulcan

Vulcan’s modular cookline system combines the sleek look of a traditional suite with unmatched flexibility. Each unit is mounted on casters and connected to a central utility system, allowing for quick reconfiguration, easy maintenance, and long-term adaptability. It’s a customizable solution designed to improve efficiency, save space, and keep up with the evolving demands of modern kitchens.

UltraRinse

by T&S Brass

The UltraRinse faucet from T&S Brass offers a gentler, more efficient way to rinse produce and thaw proteins. Its patented fan spray delivers broad, even coverage to reduce waste and improve food safety. Retrofit-ready and NSF certified, UltraRinse features a dual-mode handle and fits existing T&S setups. With multiple lengths and mounting options, it’s a smart upgrade for any commercial kitchen.

Bluetooth Scale & Auto French Fry Cutter

by Edlund 

Edlund’s new kitchen tools boost efficiency with smart features and serious power. The Edvantage® EDPZ-20 is the first Bluetooth® pizza and specialty scale—cord-free, highly accurate, and built with a bright LED display for easy visibility. For high-volume prep, their automatic French fry cutter slices up to 50 pounds of potatoes per minute with uniform results and rugged stainless steel construction, making it a fast, reliable solution for busy kitchens.

LET'S FIND YOUR SOLUTION

Rapids Contract & Design serves the United States with locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Our experts are ready to assist with your foodservice needs—contact us for support, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST.