CHICAGO (Feb. 18, 2026) — The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® has selected 20 recipients of its 2026 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards, recognizing foodservice equipment and technology designed to support day-to-day foodservice execution through smarter automation, sustainability, and operational resilience.
This year’s class of awardees reflects the realities operators are managing on the ground, including workforce constraints, tighter margins, and limited room for disruption during service. The selected solutions focus on helping kitchens maintain consistency and speed during peak service, with equipment and systems designed for day-to-day use.
“Operators are no longer experimenting with technology; they are relying on it,” said Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “This year’s Kitchen Innovations recipients reflect how kitchens are using equipment and technology that support consistent execution, faster workflows, and better decision-making under real operating conditions.”
PowerLuxe Battery Powered Buffet Equipment
Spring USA
Take your buffet anywhere with safe, efficient warming trays and induction ranges powered by advanced battery technology. The first of its kind to be fully UL- and ETL-certified, each unit is powered by a removable, rechargeable battery to deliver reliable, precise, and safe heating without reliance on outlets or flame. Designed for optimal style and performance that outperforms traditional warming solutions, they maintain proper food-holding temperatures with durable, matte-black construction for a flexible and safe buffet solution.
Read the full press release originally posted on nationalrestaurantshow.com