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The Foodservice Innovation Zone is returning to NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York City — and this year’s experience is shaping up to be the most dynamic yet.
As the roadways connecting foodservice and retail continue to expand, the FIZ serves as the industry’s premier destination for exploring how next-generation technology is reshaping operations, enhancing guest experiences and unlocking new revenue opportunities. This year, one of the most exciting features inside the Foodservice Innovation Zone is The Pit Stop, a signature activation that brings the future of points-of-service to life.
At the heart of FIZ is the Foodservice Tech Stage, brought to life by MicroTouch, where top leaders from both foodservice and food retail take center stage. Attendees will gain practical insights from brands such as Papa John’s, Aramark, Portillo’s and others driving change at scale. These sessions spotlight everything from digital transformation strategies to the real-world deployment of robotics, AI and automation across the customer journey.
New for 2026, FIZ introduces The Pit Stop — a must-stop destination on the map at Big Show. This immersive experience brings the full spectrum of points-of-service to life, from ordering and production to fulfillment and delivery, powered by the technology partners that make modern foodservice operations possible.
Attendees step directly into a high-velocity environment where they take the wheel and experience an end-to-end road trip of foodservice operations. Every interaction mirrors what today’s consumers expect — speed, accuracy, personalization and seamless convenience. This is not a static demo; it is a connected, living experience that shows how technology powers the modern operation from curb to kitchen to customer.
The drive-thru lane is activated through voice ordering powered by Vox AI and digital payments powered by Adyen. Ordering and confirmation boards provided by The Howard Company and LG feed directly into the Qu point-of-sale platform, which serves as the core engine for transaction flow. From order placement to pick-up, the entire drive-thru experience is integrated for speed, accuracy and guest satisfaction.
Qu serves as the central hub connecting the guest across every point-of-service within The Pit Stop. Attendees can place orders through mobile, kiosk or on-site counter options. MicroTouch kiosks, fully integrated with the POS and payment workflows, create fast, frictionless ordering. Esper powers the device and application infrastructure behind the scenes, keeping every screen, terminal and touchpoint synchronized. Guests can check in for drive-thru, notify staff of arrival for pick-up, or place on-site orders that are fulfilled at the counter and displayed on digital order-ready boards.
Delivery represents one of the most powerful new lanes for revenue growth in modern foodservice. Orders placed through Qu can be designated for delivery and dispatched to autonomous delivery robots powered by Temi. These robots launch from The Garage (a booth right across from The Pit Stop), retrieve orders and complete the last-mile delivery to a designated pickup zone within the adjacent Food Innovation Zone hall. Along the way, Temi robots also engage with guests directly — sharing information, offering guidance and even assisting with ordering.
The kitchen is the engine room of every foodservice operation. Orders flow seamlessly from the POS to digital kitchen display systems where they are prepared and routed for fulfillment. Innovation from Franke connects production to both drive-thru and on-site pick-up stations, helping ensure that speed, accuracy and food quality remain consistent at every turn of the operation.
Across The Pit Stop, digital engagement and intelligence fuel the entire route. The Howard Company powers dynamic digital menu boards and signage throughout the experience, and MicroTouch drives guest interaction at every screen. AI innovation from uKnomi captures behavioral insights and customer analytics, enabling operators to personalize engagement before, during and after each transaction — strengthening loyalty, increasing relevance and maximizing lifetime value.
At NRF 2026, the Foodservice Innovation Zone highlights how retail and foodservice can innovate together to build more seamless, scalable and engaging operations — while offering a rare opportunity to navigate, experience and drive the future firsthand.
Robert Grimes is CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association.
