CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs

CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs, produced by Nation’s Restaurant News, is the destination for growth-minded restaurateurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to build meaningful connections, learn from insightful speakers, and experience the most innovative ideas in foodservice firsthand.

Interested in CREATE 2025

Highlights from 2024 CREATE

Nashville, TN

What can you expect?

Dozens of industry experts sharing best practices and lessons learned
Inspiring keynote speakers
Interactive roundtable discussions to discuss your biggest challenges
TED-style presentations focused on Tech, Finance and Growth solutions
Networking events showcasing trending food and beverages that your customers crave
Immersive experiences designed to connect you with your peers outside of the meeting room

Ask the Experts Sessions

Learn from Leaders

Tap into the best and brightest minds in the restaurant industry during these interactive Q&A sessions with leading restaurant executives

Fireside Chats

Insights & Information

Get to know some of the most innovative leaders who are on the cutting edge of the latest ideas and solutions to help you grow your business.

Lightning Keynotes

New Ideas & Solutions

A fast-paced, no fluff "TED style" presentation focused on data, customer case studies or the benefits of a partner solution.

Investment Summit

Accelerating the Emerging Restaurant’s Expansion Journey

This exclusive event is designed to bring together leaders of emerging restaurant brands with the investment community.

Pop Up Festival

Featuring New Products & Menu Innvotions

We have ditched the traditional tradeshow floor model for a fun, new way to learn about new products and menu innovations. The Pop-Up Festival features new products and menu innovations that will continuously change throughout your CREATE experience.

Kitchen Hero Cook-Off

Top Chefs Square off in a Fast-Paced Cooking Competition

Chefs from top restaurant brands will compete during the annual Kitchen Hero Cook-Off. These accomplished chefs will compete to create the best dish using a mystery basket of products. The winner will be selected by a panel of expert judges and announced live. CREATE attendees will get a chance to taste the winning dish at the evening's celebration.

Festival Parties

Join us for Cocktails & Conversation

Nightly networking parties in the light of Nashville. More details to come.