Peaches, Plates, and Progress: Your Ultimate Guide to the Georgia Restaurant Association Show in Atlanta!

For every restaurateur, chef, caterer, hospitality professional, and aspiring culinary innovator across the Peach State, there’s one annual event that serves as the indispensable gathering point for inspiration, education, and growth: the Georgia Restaurant Association Show. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s the premier annual event meticulously designed and championed by the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) to elevate and empower the state’s incredibly diverse and dynamic hospitality industry. Imagine stepping onto a bustling exhibition floor, alive with the tantalizing aromas of Georgia-grown produce, the sizzle of cutting-edge kitchen equipment, and the energetic hum of professionals exchanging groundbreaking ideas. You’re surrounded by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from the freshest local ingredients, innovative packaging, and sustainable solutions to the latest in kitchen and front-of-house technology, and essential operational services. This Expo is a vibrant marketplace, a hands-on learning environment, and a crucial networking hub, all expertly crafted to cater to the unique needs of Georgia’s hospitality landscape. It’s where a historic Savannah eatery can discover new cost-saving equipment, where a burgeoning Atlanta hotel finds innovative ways to enhance guest experiences, and where an aspiring chef gets inspired by live culinary demonstrations from regional culinary stars. For anyone deeply invested in the success and evolution of their foodservice or lodging business in Georgia, attending this Expo is not merely an option—it’s an indispensable annual pilgrimage that directly impacts their bottom line, fuels innovation, and strengthens the entire industry ecosystem.

Georgia’s hospitality sector is a rich and vibrant tapestry, woven from Southern charm, diverse regional cuisines, and a thriving urban landscape. From the farm-to-table movements in North Georgia and the coastal seafood delights of the Golden Isles to Atlanta’s booming international dining scene, the state offers a unique and evolving culinary identity. Operators here face distinct challenges and opportunities, whether it’s sourcing from Georgia’s robust agricultural sector, navigating specific state health regulations, or attracting tourists to a variety of destinations. The Georgia Restaurant Association Show is specifically designed to address these very issues. It’s where a Macon restaurant can find tailored solutions from regional distributors, where a resort in Helen can connect with new food and beverage concepts, and where industry leaders can discuss the latest legislative updates impacting their businesses. The Expo’s unwavering commitment to education, direct engagement, and community building makes it an incredibly efficient platform for businesses of all sizes. If you’re a restaurateur looking for a competitive edge, a lodging professional aiming to enhance guest satisfaction, or a supplier keen to expand your market reach within this vital state, attending this Expo offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your business growth and strengthens Georgia’s renowned hospitality industry.

The Heart of Hospitality: Venue and Time

The Georgia Restaurant Association Show consistently makes its home in Atlanta, the bustling capital and economic powerhouse of Georgia, a centrally located city that offers unparalleled accessibility for professionals from all corners of the state and the wider Southeast.

Georgia World Congress Center: Your Hub for Hospitality Excellence The Georgia Restaurant Association Show is annually held at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. This colossal and modern facility is a premier choice for major industry events, providing:

• Vast Exhibition Space: The GWCC offers expansive, flexible exhibit halls that are perfectly suited to accommodate hundreds of booths, dedicated product zones, live culinary and bar demonstration stages, and a comprehensive program of educational seminars. This ensures a spacious, well-organized, and easily navigable environment for all attendees.
• Central and Accessible Location: Situated in downtown Atlanta, the GWCC is easily accessible from major interstates (I-75/85 and I-20) and is directly connected to MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system), including a dedicated station. Its downtown location places it within easy walking or short ride distance of numerous hotels, dining options, and Atlanta’s iconic attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The venue boasts cutting-edge amenities, including robust connectivity, versatile meeting spaces, and professional support services, ensuring a smooth and productive experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

A Fall Feast of Knowledge: The Annual Schedule The Georgia Restaurant Association Show is an annual event, strategically timed to allow businesses to explore new solutions and prepare for the upcoming holiday and new year cycles.

• When It Happens: While specific dates can shift slightly year to year, the Expo typically takes place in the fall, often in late September or October. This timing is ideal for showcasing new products, technologies, and services, allowing operators to integrate them into their operations before the busy holiday season and to strategize for the coming year.
• Duration: The Expo generally runs for a single, intensive day, packed with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking, maximizing efficiency for busy professionals.
  • Typical Schedule (e.g., 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): This concentrated format means the show floor is open for a full day of supplier interactions, often featuring continuous live cooking demonstrations and educational sessions. This allows attendees to absorb a wealth of information and make crucial connections without extending their travel.

The structure of the Georgia Restaurant Association Show is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum value in its single-day format:

• Extensive Exhibit Hall: The core of the event, where attendees can directly engage with a wide array of suppliers across all product categories.
• Educational Seminars & Workshops: A focused program of expert-led sessions covering critical topics relevant to Georgia’s foodservice and hospitality industries, such as operational efficiency, marketing, food safety, labor trends, and the economic outlook for the state.
• Live Culinary Demonstrations: Often a highlight, showcasing new ingredients, cooking techniques, and equipment in real-time, frequently featuring renowned Georgia chefs, providing both inspiration and practical application.
• Product Showcases & Innovation Zones: Dedicated areas may highlight specific types of products, such as Georgia Grown items, new technology, or sustainable solutions.
• Networking Opportunities: The concentrated format encourages direct, impactful interactions with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across Georgia.

This efficient and engaging schedule ensures that Georgia’s foodservice professionals can effectively explore a vast landscape of opportunities, discover new partners, gain vital industry knowledge, and make informed decisions that fuel their business growth within the dynamic Peach State.

A Southern Spread of Solutions: Key Product Categories

The Georgia Restaurant Association Show offers a comprehensive and diverse array of products, services, and technologies essential for every segment of the foodservice and lodging industry, deeply reflecting Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage and evolving culinary landscape. It’s a true “total solutions” event for any operation. Key product and service categories you can expect to explore include:

• Food & Beverage Products:
  • Georgia Grown & Local Specialties: A significant focus on products from Georgia farms, dairies, and producers. This includes fresh produce (peaches, Vidalia onions, pecans, blueberries), local meats, poultry, seafood from the coast, artisanal cheeses, and specialty sauces and condiments.
  • Proteins: Fresh, frozen, and prepared meats, poultry, and an increasing array of plant-based protein alternatives to cater to diverse dietary preferences.
  • Produce: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, emphasizing both local and nationally sourced options.
  • Dairy & Bakery: Fresh dairy products, artisanal breads, pastries, and dessert components.
  • Pantry Staples: Grains, oils, vinegars, seasonings, and dry goods from both regional and national distributors.
  • Specialty & Gourmet Foods: Organic, gluten-free, sustainable, international, and innovative food items catering to diverse dietary needs and culinary trends.
  • Beverages: Extensive offerings of coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, craft sodas, and non-alcoholic options. Often includes local Georgia craft beers, wines, and spirits for tasting and sourcing where permissible by state regulations, showcasing the state’s growing beverage industry.
• Kitchen & Bar Equipment:
  • Cooking Equipment: Latest models of commercial ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, combi ovens, and specialty equipment designed for high-volume, energy efficiency, and modern culinary techniques.
  • Refrigeration & Storage: Commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and walk-in units crucial for food preservation and safety.
  • Food Preparation: Mixers, slicers, food processors, and other tools for efficient and consistent prep work.
  • Warewashing & Sanitation: Commercial dishwashers, sanitizing systems, and a range of cleaning chemicals to meet stringent health code standards.
  • Smallwares: A vast selection of pots, pans, utensils, cutting boards, and serving tools.
  • Bar Equipment: Specialized equipment for bars, including draft systems, ice bins, cocktail stations, and glasswashers.
• Technology Solutions:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Advanced POS hardware and software, mobile ordering platforms, online reservation systems, and table management solutions tailored for seamless customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • Back-of-House Technology: Inventory management, recipe costing, labor scheduling, and kitchen display systems (KDS) for optimized back-end operations.
  • Guest Engagement Tools: Digital menu boards, loyalty programs, online reputation management systems, and contactless payment solutions.
• Tableware, Serving & Disposables:
  • Plates, glassware, cutlery, serving dishes, and buffetware in various styles and materials to match any restaurant concept.
  • Single-use packaging, compostable and eco-friendly to-go containers, and catering supplies.
  • Linens, uniforms, and apparel for kitchen and front-of-house staff, ensuring a professional presentation.
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Food Distributors: Major national and regional foodservice distributors showcasing their full product lines and service capabilities, often with a specific focus on their distribution networks throughout Georgia.
  • Financial & Insurance Services: Specialized offerings for the hospitality industry, including payment processing, commercial insurance, and financing solutions.
  • Marketing & Digital Solutions: Website development, social media management, online presence optimization, and public relations services.
  • Staffing & Training: Recruitment services, culinary schools, hospitality management programs, and food safety certification programs (e.g., ServSafe) aligned with Georgia regulations.
  • Design & Consulting: Restaurant design, kitchen layout optimization, and operational efficiency consultants.
  • Waste Management & Recycling Solutions.

This incredible breadth ensures that attendees can find everything required to run and grow their foodservice and lodging operations efficiently and profitably, all while exploring new ways to enhance their unique Georgia culinary identity.

The Atlanta Ascent: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The Georgia Restaurant Association Show is the premier industry event in the state, drawing a significant and influential audience from across Georgia and often neighboring states. Its strength lies in its concentrated focus on the specific needs and opportunities within this vibrant market.

• Visitor Count: While precise figures can vary annually, the Georgia Restaurant Association Show typically attracts several thousand qualified attendees. Given its single-day format, the attendance is focused and highly engaged, creating a high-energy environment. This diverse group includes:
  • Restaurant Owners & Operators: A vast majority of attendees, representing independent restaurants, multi-unit chains, and franchise owners across all dining segments, from casual to fine dining.
  • Executive Chefs & Culinary Directors: Key decision-makers for menu development, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen operations.
  • Catering & Event Professionals: Owners and managers of catering businesses and event venues.
  • Hotel Food & Beverage Directors & General Managers: Overseeing dining, catering, and guest experience within the lodging sector.
  • Bar & Beverage Managers: Seeking new drink concepts, spirits, beers, wines, and equipment, especially with Georgia’s booming craft beverage scene.
  • Institutional Foodservice Directors: From schools, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities.
  • Food Distributors & Brokers: Exploring new products to add to their portfolios and strengthening relationships with operators.
  • Aspiring Restaurateurs: Individuals planning to enter or expand their foodservice business in Georgia. The high concentration of local and regional decision-makers makes this Expo particularly valuable for both buyers and sellers seeking to thrive in the Georgia market.
• Exhibitor Count: The show floor at the Georgia World Congress Center is packed with a wide range of companies eager to connect with these buyers. The Georgia Restaurant Association Show typically features hundreds of exhibiting companies, often well over 100 to 150+. These exhibitors represent a robust mix of national brands with strong local ties, as well as a significant presence of Georgia-based businesses:
  • Major Food & Beverage Manufacturers: National and international brands with established distribution networks in Georgia.
  • Regional & Local Georgia Food Producers: Showcasing Georgia-specific ingredients, specialty foods, and craft beverages (e.g., local produce farms, seafood suppliers, artisanal snack companies, wineries, breweries, distilleries).
  • Leading Foodservice Distributors: Major players crucial to Georgia’s supply chain.
  • Kitchen & Bar Equipment Suppliers: Demonstrating the latest in commercial cooking, refrigeration, and bar technology.
  • POS & Technology Providers: Offering cutting-edge solutions for front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
  • Uniform & Linen Services.
  • Business Services: Including insurance, financial services, pest control, and marketing support tailored to the hospitality industry.
  • Georgia-specific Industry Associations & Training Programs.

This focused yet comprehensive gathering ensures that the Georgia Restaurant Association Show remains the premier platform for fostering business relationships and driving growth within the state’s vibrant culinary and lodging landscape.

A Recipe for Southern Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the Georgia Restaurant Association Show offers a unique blend of practical benefits and inspiring experiences, making it an indispensable event for anyone involved in the state’s vibrant hospitality industry:

• Direct Access to Thousands of Products: Sample new menu items, taste innovative ingredients, and get hands-on demonstrations of the latest kitchen equipment and technology, all under one roof. This direct interaction is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions and staying competitive.
• Discover Georgia-Specific Solutions: Connect with local and regional suppliers who understand the unique flavors, sourcing opportunities, and operational needs of the Georgia market. Find fresh Georgia Grown produce, authentic Southern ingredients, and unique craft beverages that can truly differentiate your menu and appeal to local and tourist palates.
• Unparalleled Networking: Mingle with thousands of your peers – from independent restaurant owners and executive chefs to hotel F&B directors and institutional foodservice managers from across the Peach State. Share insights, discuss challenges, and forge valuable relationships that can lead to collaborations and growth.
• Live Culinary Inspiration: Witness dynamic live cooking demonstrations from talented chefs, often featuring Georgia’s own culinary stars. These sessions showcase new techniques, innovative menu ideas, and the effective use of ingredients and equipment, providing both inspiration and actionable takeaways for your own kitchen.
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Access a focused educational program featuring industry experts discussing the latest trends in food and beverage, operational best practices, marketing strategies, technology innovations, and critical food safety and labor updates specific to the Georgia market.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors leverage the Expo to offer special pricing, discounts, or incentives for orders placed at the show, providing a direct opportunity to reduce costs and improve your bottom line.
• Problem-Solving Power: Directly engage with a wide array of vendors and consultants to find solutions for your specific operational challenges, whether it’s streamlining your inventory, upgrading your POS system, or finding more sustainable packaging options.
• Professional Development: Gain new skills and knowledge through seminars and interactions designed to help you improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and boost profitability for your Georgia-based business.
• Experience Atlanta’s Charm: Immerse yourself in the unique culture and vibrant energy of Atlanta while conducting business. The city itself is a perk, offering world-class dining, attractions, and a truly welcoming atmosphere.
• Support Your Local Industry: By attending, you contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Georgia’s foodservice and hospitality sector, fostering a stronger local economy and community throughout the state.

For any foodservice or lodging professional in Georgia, the Georgia Restaurant Association Show is not just a trade show; it’s an annual celebration of culinary excellence, a strategic business platform, and a vital community gathering that directly contributes to your success.

Your Atlanta Oasis: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Attending the Georgia Restaurant Association Show in Atlanta means you’ll have access to an extensive array of excellent hotel options, many conveniently located near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta. Atlanta offers a dynamic mix of upscale, mid-range, and budget-friendly accommodations, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring a comfortable stay.

Here are some highly recommended hotels, ranging from luxurious to more value-oriented, all within easy reach of the GWCC:

• Directly Connected / Very Close Walking Distance to GWCC & Centennial Olympic Park:
  • Signia by Hilton Atlanta: Often directly connected to the GWCC, this hotel offers premium convenience, modern amenities, and likely serves as a host hotel for the event.
  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Connected directly to the GWCC and CNN Center, offering excellent access to the Expo and major attractions, with full-service amenities.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park: An all-suite option, perfect for those seeking more space, located directly across from Centennial Olympic Park and a short walk to the GWCC.
  • Hyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Olympic Park & Hyatt House Atlanta Downtown: These sister properties offer comfortable and contemporary stays, both within easy walking distance of the GWCC and attractions.
  • Atlanta Marriott Marquis: A distinctive downtown landmark with excellent amenities, though a slightly longer but still very manageable walk or short ride to the GWCC.
• Within a Short Walk / MARTA Ride (Downtown & Midtown):
  • Hilton Atlanta Downtown: A large, full-service hotel with multiple dining options, a short walk or quick MARTA ride to the GWCC.
  • Hyatt Regency Atlanta: Iconic downtown hotel known for its unique architecture and excellent amenities, also a short walk or quick MARTA ride away.
  • The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta: A distinctive skyscraper hotel with great views and a revolving restaurant, offering convenient access via a short walk or MARTA.
  • Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection: A boutique hotel known for its style and rooftop bar, a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park.
  • Aloft Atlanta Downtown & Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Downtown: Modern, stylish, and convenient options in the downtown core.
• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Numerous well-known chain hotels (e.g., Holiday Inn Express, Motel 6, Quality Inn) are available throughout downtown and in surrounding areas, offering good value and standard amenities. Consider those near MARTA stations for easy access to the GWCC without high parking costs.

Booking Advice:

• Book Early: Atlanta is a major convention city. Hotels, especially those closest to the GWCC, can book up quickly, particularly during major events like the Georgia Restaurant Association Show. Booking several weeks or even months in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred option and rate.
• Check Official GRA Site: The official Georgia Restaurant Association website for the Expo is your best resource for information on official host hotels or any special discounted room blocks for attendees. Always check their “Hotel Information” or “Travel & Logistics” section for the most current information.
• Consider Transportation: Downtown Atlanta is very walkable around the GWCC and Centennial Olympic Park. MARTA is an excellent option for getting around downtown and to Midtown/Buckhead. If driving, inquire about hotel parking fees, which can be substantial in downtown Atlanta.

Staying in the downtown area ensures you’re at the heart of the action, maximizing your time at the Expo and allowing you to fully experience the vibrant charm of Atlanta.

Investing in the Peach State Plate: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the Georgia Restaurant Association Show is a highly accessible and valuable investment for industry professionals in the state, with the pricing structure designed to encourage broad participation and deliver significant value to attendees.

• Attendee Registration (Restaurant & Hospitality Industry Professionals):
  • For qualified professionals working in restaurants, hotels, catering, bars, and other foodservice establishments, the registration fees are generally very reasonable.
  • Pre-registration fees (before the show date) are typically the most affordable, often ranging from $25.00 to $50.00 USD per person.
  • On-site registration at the door will usually be slightly higher, perhaps in the range of $50.00 to $75.00 USD per person.
  • Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) Members: Members of the Georgia Restaurant Association often receive discounted or even complimentary admission as a benefit of their membership, making membership a worthwhile consideration for frequent attendees and those engaged with the state’s industry.
  • Admission Requirements: The Expo is a trade-only event. Attendees are usually required to be 18 or 21 years of age or older (depending on state regulations and the presence of alcohol sampling) and may need to present business credentials (e.g., a business card, company ID, or other proof of industry affiliation) to qualify for admission.
• What Your Pass Includes: Even the basic attendee pass typically offers tremendous value: direct access to hundreds of suppliers and their products, opportunities to sample new food and beverage items, witness engaging live culinary demonstrations, and network directly with countless peers and industry leaders. The ability to discover cutting-edge products, find cost-saving solutions, and make vital connections can lead to significant returns on this modest investment for any Georgia foodservice or lodging business.
• Educational Seminars & Special Events:
  • While access to the main trade show floor might be part of the general admission, there might be additional fees for specialized educational seminars or workshops. These typically offer in-depth insights from industry experts on specific topics like labor laws, marketing strategies, or financial management. These “conference passes” or “education tracks” would be priced separately, ranging from $75 to $200+ USD, depending on the content and duration.
  • Any special networking receptions or awards ceremonies (like the GRA’s GRACE Awards, which might be held in conjunction with or around the Expo) would also be separate ticketed events.
• Exhibitor Costs:
  • For companies wishing to showcase their products or services with a booth, the primary cost is the exhibit booth space fee. This varies significantly based on booth size (e.g., 10×10 ft units) and location on the show floor.
  • The Georgia Restaurant Association provides detailed pricing for booth rentals. Exhibitor packages typically include the exhibit floor space, standard booth setup (pipe and drape), a booth identification sign, listing in the show guide, and a certain number of complimentary staff badges.
• Additional Costs for Attendees:
  • Beyond registration fees, attendees will need to budget for their travel expenses (e.g., gas, tolls, parking, or flights if coming from afar), accommodation (hotel stay), and dining (beyond any complimentary samples or light refreshments available on the show floor).

The accessible pricing for qualified foodservice and lodging professionals, combined with the rich and focused offerings, makes the Georgia Restaurant Association Show an incredibly high-ROI opportunity to enhance your business’s culinary excellence and operational efficiency within the Peach State.

Your Invitation to Georgia’s Table: Your Journey to the Georgia Restaurant Association Show Begins Here!

The Georgia Restaurant Association Show is more than just an event; it’s the annual celebration of Georgia’s rich culinary heritage and the essential business platform that drives its hospitality industry forward. It’s where tradition meets innovation, where crucial connections are forged over shared passions, and where the next big idea for your establishment is just waiting to be discovered. If you are serious about the success of your restaurant, catering business, hotel, or any foodservice operation across the Peach State, then marking your calendar for this Expo is an absolute must. Come and immerse yourself in the flavors, the deals, and the community that make Georgia’s food scene truly iconic.

To learn more about the upcoming Georgia Restaurant Association Show, including specific dates, exhibitor lists, educational session details, and to secure your registration, please visit:

garestaurants.org/expo