Highlights from Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas

Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 Las Vegas welcomed nearly 11,000 hospitality professionals from across the globe for a dynamic, industry-shaping experience. The annual event returned to the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 24–26, delivering powerful education, new products, and unmatched networking for the bar and restaurant industry.

Celebrating its 39th edition, the expo continues to lead the way in hospitality innovation, bringing together owners, operators, bartenders, and suppliers for three impactful days of inspiration and collaboration.

Opening Ceremony Showcased Olympic Spirit and Community Impact

On Tuesday, March 25, the official expo floor opened with a vibrant red carpet and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Olympians Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall were special guests, helping kick off the event in true Las Vegas style.

During the ceremony, organizers donated $5,000 to CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), reinforcing the event’s dedication to community. Two culinary students, Lea Dalton and Grace Miles, also received $2,000 fellowship grants to support their education at Johnson & Wales University.

Expo Floor Highlights Innovation Across Global Flavors and Trends

The expo floor featured standout activations that immersed attendees in both local innovation and global craftsmanship:

• The Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase offered access to premium imports from Japan’s top producers.
• The Italian Aperitivo Showcase celebrated classic spirits and bold flavors.
• The Cocktail Clubhouse served as a creative hub for bartenders and beverage pros.
• IFMA’s Food Away From Home Pavilion brought insight into emerging trends, supply chain shifts, and leadership strategies shaping hospitality’s future.

Awards such as the Industry Excellence Awards, Supplier Awards, and Industry Impact Award recognized those making meaningful contributions to the field.

Local Food Donation Effort Supports Southern Nevada

Beyond the showroom floor, the expo gave back to the local Las Vegas community. A total of 1,213 pounds of food was donated to Three Square Food Bank, including leftover items from the Food & Beverage Innovation Center. Sponsors also contributed unused product, ensuring nothing went to waste while helping fight food insecurity across Southern Nevada.

Looking Ahead to the 40th Anniversary in 2026

Bar & Restaurant Expo will return to Las Vegas from March 23–25, 2026, to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Organizers promise even more innovation, education, and opportunities for the hospitality community to thrive Just Now News.

About the Author

Editor-at-Large Alan Merritt

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Alan Merritt is an international journalist and editor with over 12 years of experience across global news, television, and magazine media. Based in Las Vegas, with ties to New York and Paris, he serves as Editor-at-Large at Just Now News, a leading platform recognized for its Unscripted, Unfiltered, Unmissable coverage. In this role, he contributes a wide range of stories spanning human interest, culture, business, technology, and global affairs, bringing depth, clarity, and a global perspective to every piece.

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