Carolinas Restaurant Show | TradeShowIntel

Name: Carolinas Restaurant Show
Start: 2027-06-16
End: 2027-06-17
Location: Charlotte Convention Center

Event overview

Overview

The Carolinas Restaurant Show is a brand new trade show focused on serving the restaurant and foodservice industry in the Carolinas and beyond.

Join thousands of industry professionals to experience the full scope of front- and back-of-house products and innovation for restaurant technology, operations, new menu offerings and more.

You'll also experience the best in business education and culinary demonstrations presented right on the show floor.

TL;DR

1Carolinas Foodservice Marketplace: The Carolinas Restaurant Show returns 16-17 June 2027 to the Charlotte Convention Center, convening restaurant and foodservice suppliers for independent and chain operators across the Southeast.
22,000+ Qualified Buyers: The show draws more than 2,000 qualified buyers, including independent owners, chefs, foodservice directors and purchasing managers who influence equipment, food and technology spend.
3Kitchen-to-Front-of-House Scope: Exhibits span food and beverage supply, commercial kitchen equipment, restaurant technology and POS, packaging and takeout systems, plus business services and culinary education.
4Culinary Programme Hook: Educational sessions and live culinary demonstrations run alongside the exhibit hall, letting operators evaluate menu, labour and cost solutions before committing capital.
5Uptown Charlotte Access: The Charlotte Convention Center sits in walkable Uptown, with The Westin Charlotte about 320 ft away and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) roughly 15-20 minutes from the venue.

Why visit

Walk the Charlotte Convention Center floor on 16-17 June 2027 and compare commercial kitchen equipment, food and beverage supply, restaurant technology and packaging side by side in one Uptown hall. Educational sessions and live culinary demonstrations run alongside the exhibits, so owners, chefs and foodservice directors can test menu and cost ideas before committing capital. With more than 2,000 qualified buyers expected, the two-day format gives visitors a focused window to source suppliers, negotiate pricing and line up follow-up meetings without a week away from the restaurant.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to a highly qualified audience of restaurant owners and operators, providing a platform to showcase their products and services while building valuable relationships. Carolinas Foodservice Marketplace: The Carolinas Restaurant Show returns 16-17 June 2027 to the Charlotte Convention Center, convening restaurant and foodservice suppliers for independent and chain operators across the Southeast. 2,000+ Qualified Buyers: The show draws.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Independent restaurant owners

Executive chefs and culinary professionals

Foodservice directors

Caterers and event planners

Multi-unit and chain restaurant operators

Purchasing and procurement managers

Restaurant general managers and operations leads

Hotel and resort food and beverage managers

Beverage and bar program managers

Quick-service and fast-casual operators

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Food and beverage suppliers

Commercial kitchen and refrigeration equipment manufacturers

Restaurant technology and point-of-sale providers

Packaging and takeout solutions suppliers

Business and financial service providers

Culinary education and training organisations

Smallware, tabletop and uniform suppliers

Cleaning, sanitation and food safety suppliers

Beverage and bar equipment suppliers

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Food products and ingredients

Beverage solutions

Kitchen equipment and supplies

Restaurant technology and software

Packaging materials

Business solutions for foodservice

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Charlotte Convention Center

501 S College St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, USA

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

16 June –10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

17 June –10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ticket info

Badge collection

Badge collection starts at 8:30 AM on both days.

Who runs the show

Organisers

Restaurant Events LLC

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2026

estimate

Visitors: 2,000

Next edition

Not announced yet

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Carolinas Restaurant Show is a brand new trade show focused on serving the restaurant and foodservice industry in the Carolinas and beyond. Join thousands of industry professionals to experience the full scope of front- and back-of-house products and innovation for restaurant technology, operations, new menu offerings and more. You'll also experience the best in business education and culinary demonstrations presented right on the show floor. The Carolinas are one of the.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Independent restaurant owners, Executive chefs and culinary professionals, Foodservice directors, Caterers and event planners. Carolinas Foodservice Marketplace: The Carolinas Restaurant Show returns 16-17 June 2027 to the Charlotte Convention Center, convening restaurant and foodservice suppliers for independent and chain operators across the Southeast. 2,000+ Qualified Buyers: The show draws more than 2,000 qualified buyers, including independent owners, chefs, foodservice directors.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to a highly qualified audience of restaurant owners and operators, providing a platform to showcase their products and services while building valuable relationships. The Carolinas are one of the fastest-growing restaurant and hospitality regions in the United States, making this event crucial for industry professionals to connect and explore new opportunities. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage suppliers, Restaurant technology providers, Equipment.

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA — the Carolinas foodservice market, with Uptown Charlotte as the buying hub for restaurant and foodservice operators across North Carolina and South Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh–Durham, Greensboro–Winston-Salem, Columbia and Greenville.

Why it matters

Attending Carolinas Restaurant Show on 2027-06-16 to 2027-06-17 in Charlotte lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Sustainability in procurement

What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Automation and labour efficiency

What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Regional supply-chain resilience

What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Hybrid engagement models

What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Food trade fair circuit

Book hotels and supplier meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector fall across March, May, August and September, so a single annual calendar works well.

Buyers covering food and foodservice plan Carolinas Restaurant Show alongside larger North American and international peer shows to compare products, pricing and service coverage across markets.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings, equipment demo slots and distributor appointments for Carolinas Restaurant Show.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live equipment demonstrations and supplier negotiations across the two June days.

Peer events are established North American and international foodservice fairs; dates follow each organiser's published annual calendar.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

CLT

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Primary gateway and an American Airlines hub with nonstop service from New York JFK (about 2 h 5 m), Chicago ORD (about 2 h) and Los Angeles LAX (about 5 h). Taxi or ride-hail runs USD 25–35 to Uptown; CATS Sprinter bus Route 5 connects the terminal to Uptown for a USD 2.20 single fare.

~13 km / 8 mi from Uptown and the Charlotte Convention Center

to venue

15–20 min off-peak by car; 25–30 min in weekday peak traffic

by car

GSO

Piedmont Triad International Airport

Useful alternative when CLT fares spike; rent a car or book a shared shuttle for the I-85 run into Uptown Charlotte.

~150 km / 95 mi north-east via I-85 South

to venue

1 h 35 min–1 h 50 min by car

by car

GSP

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

South Carolina gateway for operators combining the show with supplier visits in Greenville and Spartanburg; rental car is the practical transfer.

~160 km / 100 mi south-west via I-85 North

to venue

1 h 40 min–2 h by car

by car

RDU

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Best option for visitors pairing the show with Raleigh–Durham buyers or suppliers; rail and bus connections require a transfer in Raleigh.

~250 km / 155 mi east via I-85 and I-40

to venue

2 h 20 min–2 h 45 min by car

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

The Westin Charlotte

upscale

Uptown CharlotteAbout 320 ft from the Charlotte Convention Center to venue

Eco-certified 4-star property listed closest to the convention center in the Google Travel capture.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown

upscale

Uptown Charlotte

4-star hotel with a 4.4 guest rating; listed 16% below its usual rate on the capture date.

Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown

midscale

Uptown Charlotte

4-star hotel rated 3.9 from 228 reviews; flagged as a Great Deal at 51% below the usual rate in the hotel capture.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Taxi / ride-hail

Estimated costUSD 25-35

Best forCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Charlotte Convention Center

Roughly 15-20 minutes each way depending on traffic; the most practical option with luggage on arrival day.

Walk / rideshare

Estimated costUSD 0-15

Best forUptown hotels to the Charlotte Convention Center

The Westin Charlotte is about 320 ft from the hall; most other Uptown properties are a 5-15 minute walk or a very short ride.

Public bus and light rail

Estimated costUSD 2-4 per ride

Best forCharlotte Area Transit System services across Uptown

CATS runs local bus and light rail routes through Uptown with stops near the convention center district; confirm current routes and fares before travel.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forPiedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) to Charlotte Convention Center

1 h 35 min–1 h 50 min by car; Useful alternative when CLT fares spike; rent a car or book a shared shuttle for the I-85 run into Uptown Charlotte.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forGreenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) to Charlotte Convention Center

1 h 40 min–2 h by car; South Carolina gateway for operators combining the show with supplier visits in Greenville and Spartanburg; rental car is the practical transfer.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forRaleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Charlotte Convention Center

2 h 20 min–2 h 45 min by car; Best option for visitors pairing the show with Raleigh–Durham buyers or suppliers; rail and bus connections require a transfer in Raleigh.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Weather

June in Charlotte is hot and humid, with daytime highs of 30–33 °C (86–92 °F) and overnight lows near 21 °C (70 °F), so Uptown streets between the hotels and the convention center stay warm into the evening. Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular feature of the month, delivering 10–12 cm (4 in) of rain in short, heavy bursts, so keep a compact umbrella and plan indoor transfers between hotels and halls. Show halls and meeting rooms are strongly air-conditioned — a light layer helps during full days on the exhibit floor.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping

Tipping 18–20% is standard in Charlotte restaurants, bars and taxis; build it into meal and transport budgets, and note that many Uptown venues add a service charge for groups of six or more.

Business dress

Business casual is typical for restaurant and foodservice trade shows; comfortable shoes help across two days on the exhibit floor, while closed-toe footwear is sensible for live kitchen equipment demonstrations.

Arrival

Registration and badge pickup open at the Charlotte Convention Center on the morning of 16 June 2027; Uptown Charlotte is walkable, so allow 10–15 minutes to move between hotels and the hall.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: CLT

Sample Google Flights economy fares for 15 June 2027 arrivals into Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) start at about USD 329 from Chicago ORD and USD 461 from Los Angeles LAX, with New York JFK a short nonstop hop. Book one to three months ahead and aim for a 15 June arrival so you are in Uptown before the 16-17 June 2027 show days.

Visa

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries — most of the EU, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — can attend the show on business travel with an approved ESTA, filed online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before departure for USD 21 and valid for two years. All other international visitors need a B-1 business visitor visa: complete the DS-160, pay the USD 185 application fee and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate, which is typically scheduled weeks to months ahead. Canadian citizens are visa-exempt for business visits. Every traveller should carry a passport valid for the stay, a hotel address in Uptown Charlotte and a letter of invitation or registration confirmation from Restaurant Events LLC at the border.

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): 15–20 min off-peak by car; 25–30 min in weekday peak traffic; Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO): 1 h 35 min–1 h 50 min by car; Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP): 1 h 40 min–2 h by car; Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): 2 h 20 min–2 h 45 min by car. Allow road or rail time to Charlotte Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Charlotte Convention Center: Uptown Charlotte: The Westin Charlotte; Uptown Charlotte: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown; Uptown Charlotte: Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Charlotte; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses and the Uptown light rail corridor serve the convention center district; single rides are typically low-cost and Uptown stops are within walking distance of the hall.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Charlotte Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: June 2027

Temperature: Daytime highs 30–33 °C (86–92 °F) with overnight lows of 20–22 °C (68–72 °F) across the 16–17 June 2027 show days.

Seasonality: June is one of Charlotte's wettest and most humid months: 10–12 cm (4 in) of rain falls mainly as short, intense afternoon thunderstorms, while mornings stay clear and warm.

Packing: Pack breathable business casual, comfortable walking shoes for the exhibit hall, a compact umbrella or light rain shell for afternoon storms on the Uptown walk, and a light layer for heavily air-conditioned halls and meeting rooms.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 1 — Wednesday 16 June 2027

Opening day carries badge pickup, the largest concentration of exhibitor launches and live equipment demonstrations, and the fullest buyer attendance across the hall. Use 17 June for pre-booked follow-up appointments, sampling and price negotiation once shortlists and distributor conversations are set.

Confirm US entry status — International visitors should check ESTA or B-1 business visa requirements before booking flights; US domestic attendees can skip this step.

Register online for the Carolinas Restaurant Show — Register through carolinasrestaurantshow.com and keep the confirmation for badge collection at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Book flights into Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) — Sample economy fares start at about USD 329 from Chicago ORD and USD 461 from Los Angeles LAX for 15 June 2027 arrivals.

Reserve an Uptown hotel — The Westin Charlotte, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown and Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown are closest to the hall; check in 15 June and out 18 June.

Plan airport to hotel transport — CLT is roughly 15-20 minutes from Uptown by taxi or ride-hail; budget about USD 25-35 each way.

Download the programme and hall plan — Review the exhibitor list and session schedule, then shortlist booths and culinary demonstrations for 16-17 June.

Request B2B meetings with priority suppliers — Email the exhibitors you want to meet and agree times so two days on the floor cover equipment, food and technology buying.

Write down your sourcing goals — List the equipment, packaging or menu gaps you need to solve so you can compare suppliers and pricing on site.

Pack for Charlotte in June — Pack business casual clothing and comfortable shoes for two days of walking the hall, plus business cards and a phone charger.

Reconfirm travel and hotel bookings — Check flight times, hotel confirmation and any organiser emails about badge collection or programme changes.

Arrive in Charlotte and collect your badge — Land at CLT, check in Uptown and collect your badge at the Charlotte Convention Center so day one starts on the show floor.

Networking spots

Exhibit hall B2B and demonstration aisles

Stand demonstrations and equipment trials are the fastest way to meet supplier sales leads and Carolinas distributor representatives face to face.

The Westin Charlotte lobby bar

The closest full-service hotel to the hall and the natural spot for follow-up coffees, buyer introductions and evening debriefs with suppliers.

Optimist Hall food hall

A 20-vendor food hall Charlotte operators treat as a live case study in counter service, shared kitchen logistics and high-volume dining.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2$150.00

Estimated total$150.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

flight

visitor · Economy, Chicago ORD to Charlotte CLT (sample 15 June 2027)

USD 329 / one-way sample fare

official

flight

visitor · Economy, Los Angeles LAX to Charlotte CLT (sample 15 June 2027)

USD 461 / one-way sample fare

official

hotel

visitor · Midscale Uptown (Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown or similar)

USD 147–220 / per night

estimate

hotel

visitor · Upscale Uptown (The Westin Charlotte / Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown)

USD 200–320 / per night

estimate

meals

visitor · Per diem, Uptown Charlotte restaurants

USD 60–90 / per day

estimate

local_transport

visitor · Taxi or ride-hail, CLT airport to Uptown venue

USD 25–35 / one way

estimate

visa_fee

visitor · US B-1 business visitor visa

USD 185 / per application

official

visa_fee

visitor · ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program

USD 21 / per application

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
flight	visitor	Economy, Chicago ORD to Charlotte CLT (sample 15 June 2027)	USD 329 / one-way sample fare	official
flight	visitor	Economy, Los Angeles LAX to Charlotte CLT (sample 15 June 2027)	USD 461 / one-way sample fare	official
hotel	visitor	Midscale Uptown (Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown or similar)	USD 147–220 / per night	estimate
hotel	visitor	Upscale Uptown (The Westin Charlotte / Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown)	USD 200–320 / per night	estimate
meals	visitor	Per diem, Uptown Charlotte restaurants	USD 60–90 / per day	estimate
local_transport	visitor	Taxi or ride-hail, CLT airport to Uptown venue	USD 25–35 / one way	estimate
visa_fee	visitor	US B-1 business visitor visa	USD 185 / per application	official
visa_fee	visitor	ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program	USD 21 / per application	official

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Independent restaurant owners, chefs, foodservice directors and multi-unit operators sourcing equipment, food and technology for the next menu cycle.

Min. budget

$750.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks to book flights and an Uptown hotel for 16-17 June 2027

Risks

Uptown hotel rates rise as the June show dates approach

International visitors need ESTA or a B-1 business visa approved before travel

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Food, beverage, equipment and restaurant technology suppliers that want direct access to more than 2,000 qualified Carolinas buyers in a compact two-day format.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

3-4 months to book space, design the stand and ship equipment

Risks

Stand space and hall position are allocated on a first-come basis

Kitchen equipment demos need venue approval for power and rigging

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Operators with no near-term equipment, menu or supplier decision, or those whose existing distributor relationships already cover the Carolinas market.

Timeline

Not applicable

Risks

Missing face-to-face equipment demos and comparison pricing available only on the show floor

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Carolinas Restaurant Show

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

What are the event hours?

The event hours are June 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and June 17 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Is this event open to the public?

No, this is an industry-only event and is not open to the public.

What is the registration process?

You can register for the event through the official website. Registration pricing will be available soon.

What are the admission policies?

Children are allowed on the show floor during official hours if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What types of exhibitors will be present?

Exhibitors will include food and beverage suppliers, restaurant technology providers, and equipment manufacturers.

Glossary

Foodservice: The industry that prepares and serves food and beverages to customers.
Exhibitor: A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
Culinary Demonstration: A live cooking event where chefs showcase their skills and techniques.
Networking: The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.
Trade Show: An event where businesses in a specific industry showcase their products and services.
Registration: The process of signing up to attend an event.
Admission Policy: Rules governing who can attend an event and under what conditions.
Industry-only: An event that is restricted to professionals within a specific industry.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Restaurant Events LLC

Carolinas Restaurant Show
Lang: EN
event_website

Carolinas Restaurant Show

Facebook - Carolinas Restaurant Show
Lang: EN
event_social
Instagram - Carolinas Restaurant Show
Lang: EN
event_social
LinkedIn - Carolinas Restaurant Show
Lang: EN
event_social

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card

Exhibiting at this event?

Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

Explore Spotlights

Build your event team

Compare trusted stand builders, logistics teams and local event suppliers in one request.

Explore Vendor Marketplace

Are you a delegate or visitor at this event?

Habsy.ai helps you scan badges, share your digital card, and keep every connection on the show floor. Exclusive premium tool worth $100.

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card