The world of retail technology is not just about the latest gadgets and gizmos; it’s a glimpse into the future of industries far beyond retail itself. This week, the largest retail show in the world, aptly named The Big Show, took place in New York City, offering attendees an exclusive look at what’s to come from retail technology vendors by 2025. While primarily focused on retail, the show also featured the Food Service Innovation Zone, highlighting its relevance to the restaurant industry.

Retail technology serves as an incubator for many of the innovations that eventually make their way into food service. Technologies such as POS systems, labor management software, barcodes, RFID, and self-service technologies all originated in retail. These innovations were stress-tested, refined, and made economically feasible in the retail sector before transitioning into the restaurant space. For instance, barcodes, a technology dating back to the 1980s, became a savior for restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the enduring impact of retail innovations on food service.

Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is set to play a major role in transforming food service. AI is being targeted at solving key issues such as understanding customer buying patterns, managing inventory and distribution, and improving merchandising through high-definition cameras and heat maps. These tools are more easily deployed in retail due to the industry’s mature integration standards, providing a roadmap for the food service sector to follow.

For those in the restaurant industry, attending events like NRF’s Big Show offers a valuable opportunity to see what’s on the horizon. It’s a chance to witness the cutting-edge technologies that will soon become integral to food service operations. So, whether you’re there for the insights or simply to enjoy a street pretzel or coney dog, visiting The Big Show is an experience not to be missed.