It used to be that menu trends started at expensive, high-end restaurants and trickled their way down. Case in point: global flavors, plant-forward dishes and sustainable practices. Even the tradition of listing vendors’ names, once the domain of independent restaurants, can now be found at restaurants of all price points.

The emergence of new concepts and expansion of others keep this Hawaiian fare prominent.

After a pandemic-induced, two-year hiatus, the National Restaurant Association’s trade show was back in business in Chicago. And, wow, did it feel great to catch up on some of the newest equipment innovations and, more importantly, reconnect with our great industry colleagues. There was so much to see and take in, but here are a few thoughts and observations.