Restaurant Events, LLC announced the launch of the Carolinas Restaurant Show, a new annual trade event scheduled for June 16–17, 2027, at the Charlotte Convention Center. The event marks the company's expansion into a region that currently lacks a large-scale, dedicated restaurant industry trade show. North and South Carolina combined represent more than $59 billion in annual restaurant and hospitality sales, employ over 700,000 foodservice and hospitality professionals, and are home to approximately 36,000 restaurant and hospitality establishments.
Regional Market Opportunity Charlotte was selected as the host city for its central location, transportation infrastructure, and accessibility to key markets including Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston. Restaurant Events, LLC operates several established regional shows, including the California Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and New York Restaurant Show. Collectively, these events attract tens of thousands of restaurant and foodservice professionals annually.
Event Format and Programming The Carolinas show will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies showcasing food and beverage products, equipment, technology solutions, smallwares, tableware, design concepts, and operational innovations. A robust educational program will include expert-led sessions, workshops, panel discussions, culinary demonstrations, and competitions. Programming will address topics including artificial intelligence, workforce development, profitability, marketing, guest experience, emerging consumer trends, restaurant technology, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. "For decades, our events have helped restaurant operators discover new ideas, solve business challenges, and build meaningful connections," said Glenn Celentano, Partner and CEO of Restaurant Events, LLC. "The Carolinas have emerged as one of the country's most vibrant and fastest-growing hospitality markets. With strong population growth, a thriving culinary culture, and thousands of restaurant businesses throughout the region, we believe the time is right for a dedicated event that brings together the entire hospitality community." Celentano added: "As we've seen with our successful events in New York, California, and Florida, restaurant professionals are looking for practical solutions, actionable education, and opportunities to connect with peers and suppliers. The Carolinas Restaurant Show will deliver all of that while creating a new annual gathering place for one of the nation's most exciting hospitality markets."
Why It Matters
Operators across the Carolinas will gain access to a regional sourcing and education hub without traveling to established coastal markets. For suppliers and distributors, the event represents an untapped market concentration in a high-growth region with significant restaurant employment and consumer spending.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
