Information page of
Greg Richards
Information page of
Greg Richards
Consultant/Program Manager
Kitchen Innovation Awards Program
National Restaurant Association Show
Embedded Files
Greg Richards
About the 2026 Kitchen Innovation Awards
About the 2026 Kitchen Innovation Awards
The Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards celebrate forward-thinking, cutting-edge equipment that’s making a significant impact on the foodservice industry. The awards are judged by an independent, expert-led panel of judges possessing a variety of industry backgrounds. The KI Awards recognize a broad range of technological achievement.
Successful submissions include both new technologies as well as enhancements to existing technologies. Whatever the implementation, judges are seeking innovations that significantly elevate automation, efficiency, safety and sustainability within foodservice.
Helpful links to 2026 Kitchen Innovation Awards program documents
Helpful links to 2026 Kitchen Innovation Awards program documents
About the KI Awards Panel of Judges
About the KI Awards Panel of Judges
The 2026 KI Awards will be evaluated by an independent panel of expert judges. Each brings a wealth of knowledge from across operating segments in foodservice. As part of the only peer-reviewed kitchen equipment award program in the industry, the judges will assess innovations based on their potential to solve real-world challenges and evolve the way kitchens operate. The 2026 judging panel includes:
Dan Bendall (Principal, FoodStrategy, Inc.)
Lenny Condenzio (CEO, Ricca Design Studios)
Richard Eisenbarth, FCSI (President, Emeritus Cini-Little International)
Cha Nye Farley (Director Facility Services, Cracker Barrel)
Christine Guyott, FCSI (Executive Principal, Rippe Associates)
Frank Inoa (Vice President, Design, Engineering and Equipment Innovation, Inspire Brands)
Jim Krueger, Jr. CMCE, NRAMF (Chief, Air Force and U.S. Space Force Food and Beverage, Air Force Services Center – AFSVC)
Juan Martinez, Ph.D., FCSI (Founder and Principal, Profitality - Labor Guru)
Alfred Spear (Manager, Food and Beverage Program Design and Development, Walt Disney World Resort)
Each of the judges is instrumental in recognizing innovations that not only set new standards for the industry but also redefine what’s possible in foodservice.
About the National Restaurant Association Show
About the National Restaurant Association Show
Awarded by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand winner of the largest trade show managed by an independent organizer, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere's most influential foodservice event showcasing industry innovations and trends. Each year (starting in 1919), the Show brings together restaurant operators and foodservice professionals for four days of celebrity-led demos, exhibits, sampling, education, and networking.
The Show unites a global community and enables exploration of the latest advancements in food, beverage, equipment, technology, and solutions driving the industry forward. The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for more information.
For assistance with KI Awards Program entries...let's get in touch
For assistance with KI Awards Program entries...let's get in touch
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