News Summary
The California Restaurant Show has successfully spotlighted innovations in the culinary industry, featuring over 230 exhibitors and numerous educational sessions. Attendees engaged in voting for the Operators Choice Award, with Sioux Honey Association winning the top honor. Industry representatives expressed excitement over networking opportunities and insightful workshops on digital marketing and AI integration. Renowned chefs showcased unique culinary techniques, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion hosted the California Pizza Challenge, celebrating excellence in pizza making. Looking ahead, the next events are already scheduled.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – The 2025 California Restaurant Show has successfully highlighted the latest innovations in the culinary industry and showcased the excellence of local restaurants, as confirmed by Glenn Celentano, Partner & CEO of Restaurant Events LLC. The event not only exceeded expectations but also featured incredible engagement from a mix of returning and first-time exhibitors.
This year’s event was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, with a jam-packed schedule of education sessions and a bustling Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion. The sold-out exhibit hall displayed over 230 exhibitors, each showcasing the latest advancements in food, beverages, equipment, technology, and tableware aimed at the restaurant industry.
Attendees took an active role in the event by participating in the Operators Choice Award. Thousands of votes were cast for the most innovative new products in various categories, with the top honor going to the Sioux Honey Association for their Sue Bee Sea Salt Honey.
Industry representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the event, with Alan Paggao from Pampanga Food Company highlighting that their participation was a game changer. The show allowed them to connect with hundreds of potential clients and generate significant leads, indicative of the event’s networking potential.
The event provided an extensive education program that covered timely topics relevant to today’s market. Guests gained insights into AI integration, digital marketing strategies, building strategic partnerships, team building, and scalable growth for businesses. Notably, workshops guided by industry professionals like Darren Denington and Alison Anne focused on effective leadership strategies.
Moreover, the Culinary Innovation Theater featured renowned chefs such as Chef Nyesha Arrington and Disneyland Resort’s Culinary Director, John State. Attendees had the opportunity to preview Disneyland Resort’s upcoming fall menu, which included a special Caramel Apple Bread Pudding. Other culinary demonstrations showcased techniques like Detroit-style pizza by Glenn Cybulski and a live meat-cutting demo led by Sierra Jepsen.
The Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion played host to the California Pizza Challenge (CPC), celebrating the state’s legacy of high-quality cheese production. The U.S. Pizza Team also organized various culinary events and competitions within the pavilion, drawing significant interest among attendees.
Juan Robles of Triple Beam Pizza earned the Grand Champion title at the California Pizza Challenge. The Pizza Team Challenges featured various categories, with first-place winners including Juan Robles in both Traditional Pizza and Pizza in the Pan categories, Mike Pitera for Best Traditional Red Sauce, Sean Dempsey for the 3-Cheese Challenge, and young talent Arabella Justice recognized as the Young Pizza Maker.
Additionally, the Pizza Athletic Events saw competitors showcase their speed and skill, with Nicholas Harper winning the Largest Dough Stretch competition, while Roberto Ramirez took home titles for Fastest Pie Maker and Fastest Box Folder.
The excitement surrounding the event has already set the stage for future gatherings, with the 2026 California Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion scheduled for August 23-25, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Restaurant Events LLC also organizes the Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit set for November 11-13, 2025, in Orlando, along with the New York Restaurant Show taking place on March 8-10, 2026, in New York City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Paris Banh Mi Set to Open New Location in Cordova
Disney World Announces Closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
Orlando Tops Best Cities for Retirement by 2025
Orlando Commissioner Criticizes FDOT for Painting Over Public Art
Orlando Hosts a Weekend of Events for Sports and Entertainment
Orlando Prepares for Cultural Celebrations and Community Gatherings
Jacksonville Welcomes The Dough Show Restaurant Opening
Disney World Unveils Major Updates at D23 Fan Event
Top Outdoor Dining Spots in Orlando Highlighted
California Named Most Fun State in 2025 Rankings
Additional Resources
- Total Food: California Restaurant Show
- Restaurant News: Slice on Broadway Awards
- Fox LA: California Restaurant Show Coverage
- PMQ: Pizza Making Competitions
- Morning Ag Clips: California Dairy Display
- Google Search: California Restaurant Show
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: California Restaurant Show
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
