Why US Foods Is Turning the Food Show Into a Full-On Operator Retreat
US Foods is reimagining the traditional food show with Food Fanatics 2025, an immersive event for restaurant operators happening August 19–20 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Behind it all are industry veterans like Lance Reynolds and Chef Scott McCurdy, whose passion for helping operators grow is the heartbeat of the event. With live demos, hands-on tech, and real-world workshops, this isn’t just about food—it’s about the future. “This is about recharging,” says Scott. “Come recharge with us.” For Lance and Scott, it’s not just a show. It’s personal. And it’s built for you. They joined Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to preview what’s coming.
Interview Takeaways:
- This Isn’t a Trade Show—It’s a Recharge: Food Fanatics 2025 is designed to help restaurant operators pause the chaos, step away from the daily grind, and return to their businesses with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a clear sense of direction.
- Built for Operators, Not Just Sales Reps: From labor-saving ingredients to digital tools like Moxē, everything at Food Fanatics is curated with one goal: to make running a restaurant more efficient, more profitable, and less overwhelming.
- Hospitality Runs on Community: Whether you’re fighting to stay afloat or preparing to grow, Food Fanatics creates space for restaurateurs to connect, swap stories, and learn from others who truly understand the challenges of the business.
Episode Links:
- Scott McCurdy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mccurdy-2a44a368/
- Lance Reynolds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancejreynolds/
- US Foods Online: https://www.usfoods.com/
- Food Fanatics Las Vegas: https://www.usfoods.com/great-food/food-fanatics/events/food-fanatics-vegas.html
- US Foods Online: https://order.usfoods.com/desktop/search/browse
- US Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usfoods/
- US Foods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzFkZMsCmTiUvmAR6PFY1w
- US Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/us_foods/
- US Foods Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usfoods
About Our Sponsors
DAVO:
DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn moreMarqii:
Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn moreWhere to find Cali BBQ Media