Articles
May 20, 2025
Association celebrates best and brightest at annual restaurant show
Industry members gather in Chicago for foodservice’s biggest event in North America.
Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo, 4th from right, opens the Show.
More than 50,000 restaurant and foodservice industry professionals converged on the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, which ends today.
Michelle Korsmo, the Association’s President & CEO, opened the Show May 17 at its annual ribbon-cutting ceremony. In the event’s keynote presentation, she stated restaurants would continue to thrive by empowering a future-ready workforce and embracing technology in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace.
Korsmo, left, and chef Carla Hall talked about leadership and the importance of team building.
Korsmo then joined celebrity chef Carla Hall for a one-on-one discussion that focused on leadership, successful team building, and preparing employees for career advancement.
Members of America's Armed Forces celebrated service men and women working in foodservice.
The Association’s leader also presided over its annual Military Foodservice Awards, which honors the work of service men and women providing sustenance and support to America’s Armed Forces across the country and around the world. “It’s such a privilege to honor these individuals,” she said. “We’re so grateful for their dedication to serving their country and each other.”
Korsmo, left, and Golden Corral President & CEO Lance Trenary, right, present Ted Fowler with his Legends Award.
During the annual IFMA Gold & Silver Plate awards gala, the Association paid tribute to restaurant industry veteran Ted Fowler, recipient of its 2025 Legends Award. The award honored Fowler, the former President & CEO of the Golden Corral casual-dining chain and 2001 Association chair, for excellence, innovation, and leadership during his 40+ year career.
“Ted is a true legend in every sense of the word, with a legacy that exemplifies the power of hard work and a drive to give back in service to others,” Korsmo said.
Michelle Korsmo, the Association’s President & CEO, opened the Show May 17 at its annual ribbon-cutting ceremony. In the event’s keynote presentation, she stated restaurants would continue to thrive by empowering a future-ready workforce and embracing technology in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace.
Korsmo, left, and chef Carla Hall talked about leadership and the importance of team building.
Korsmo then joined celebrity chef Carla Hall for a one-on-one discussion that focused on leadership, successful team building, and preparing employees for career advancement.
Members of America's Armed Forces celebrated service men and women working in foodservice.
The Association’s leader also presided over its annual Military Foodservice Awards, which honors the work of service men and women providing sustenance and support to America’s Armed Forces across the country and around the world. “It’s such a privilege to honor these individuals,” she said. “We’re so grateful for their dedication to serving their country and each other.”
Korsmo, left, and Golden Corral President & CEO Lance Trenary, right, present Ted Fowler with his Legends Award.
During the annual IFMA Gold & Silver Plate awards gala, the Association paid tribute to restaurant industry veteran Ted Fowler, recipient of its 2025 Legends Award. The award honored Fowler, the former President & CEO of the Golden Corral casual-dining chain and 2001 Association chair, for excellence, innovation, and leadership during his 40+ year career.
“Ted is a true legend in every sense of the word, with a legacy that exemplifies the power of hard work and a drive to give back in service to others,” Korsmo said.
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