Chicago’s UTILITY Show is Where Chefs Connect & Win Big
This is a recap of the UTILITY Show in Chicago.
UTILITY 2026 is a two-day gathering of hospitality professionals in May in Chicago, IL created by the chef apparel company, TILIT.
I caught the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) panel and the second round of the pitch competition on Day 2.
Ope Amosu of Houston’s ChòpnBlọk wins the UTILTY Show Pitch Competition
Round 1 of the pitch competition included a food tasting and elevator pitch.
Then the finalists advancing to Round 2 gave their full pitches to the judges.
The grand prize winner receives a $20K grant from Chase Bank.
Ope Amosu, Owner and Chef of ChòpnBlọk, won the grand prize.
ChòpnBlọk is a West African-inspired restaurant with two Houston locations, one in downtown’s POST Houston and the other in the Montrose neighborhood.
The James Beard award nominee is also the founder of Chopd and Stewd, a food festival and all-day celebration of the West African diaspora.
Should I get a dessert vending machine for my living room?
For years, I’ve imagined a video game arcade machine (like Mortal Kombat) somewhere in my home, but maybe my new dream should be having a dessert-only vending machine.
Presented by King Arthur Baking Company, the *custom* Pastry Vending Machine showcased several dessert creations from pastry chefs across the U.S.
My favorite was the Raspberry Blondie with Raspberry Hibiscus Jam from Sarah Mispangel of Loaf Lounge.
The restaurant industry is fighting back
My first experience with the Independent Restaurant Coalition was watching another panel at the Southern Foodways Symposium in Raleigh, NC.
This panel included restaurant operators discussing their collective action as members of the coalition.
Chef Erick Williams of Virtue in Chicago on the Independent Restaurant Coalition panel
Among several endeavors, they’re working on a bill to stop charging restaurants credit card fees on tax and tip
Visit the IRC’s website to learn about how to become a member.
More about the UTILITY Show & tickets
UTILITY is a tradeshow in Chicago, IL for the restaurant industry to connect, share ideas and grow together.
This year’s location was at the Mae District, about an 11 minute walk from the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place.
Vendors on the UTILITY Show floor
The 1 day pass was $30 and the 2 day pass was $50.
Should you go to the UTILITY Show or the National Restaurant Association Show?
Depends on your goals but if you have time, go to both.
It was easier (for me) to meet and connect with other food industry folks (and find a bathroom) at UTILITY 2026.
