OptiSigns at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show

This year’s National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show at McCormick Place buzzed with excitement as restaurant professionals from around the world gathered to explore the latest in food service innovation, technology, and trends. Among the standout exhibitors was OptiSigns, which showcased how our digital signage solution transforms the customer experience in restaurants and hospitality spaces.

Making a Digital Impact

Our vibrant and interactive booth drew hundreds of visitors eager to see firsthand how digital signage can elevate their operations. From digital menu boards to QR code-driven kiosks and real-time promotional displays, OptiSigns demonstrated how our platform empowers businesses to communicate more effectively with customers.

The highlighted innovations included:

• AI-driven content scheduling for peak times and special promotions
• Touchless menu experiences leveraging QR codes and NFC technology
• Dynamic and easy-to-use menu boards
• Back of House management
• POS Integration
• Drag-and-drop content creation tools that simplified campaign updates across multiple locations

Real Solutions for Real Challenges

A hot topic among show attendees was labor shortages and how automation can help. OptiSigns addressed this challenge head-on, highlighting how digital signage can reduce the burden on staff by streamlining communication, from kitchen to front of house.

“We’re not just displaying content; we’re helping restaurants solve real operational problems,” said John Shelley, Head of Sales at OptiSigns. “Whether automating upselling at the counter or reinforcing brand messaging in lobbies, our solutions are designed to make an immediate impact, drive growth, and increase consumer loyalty.”

A Booth Full of Fun: Claw Machine & Tech Giveaway

One of the biggest attractions and crowd favorites of the OptiSigns booth was the custom claw machine. The interactive crowd-pleaser drew in visitors and challenged them to test their skills and luck! Winners cashed in at the OptiMart for coveted OptiMerch and small tech prizes. The retro game experience created a unique buzz and became a go-to destination for both fun and networking.  

But the fun didn’t stop there. OptiSigns also hosted a three-part tech giveaway, drawing in show-goers all weekend with the chance to win prizes such as:

•  A Meta Quest VR headset for immersive experiences.
  
  
• An Apple Watch for next-level productivity and health tracking.
  
  
• A Potensic ATOM SE Drone for capturing stunning aerial footage.
  
  

Winners were announced live at the booth and across social media, drawing applause and creating memorable moments attendees won’t soon forget.

Collaborating with Industry Leaders

Throughout the event, OptiSigns met with restaurant owners, franchise groups, and technology integrators to discuss partnership opportunities. The booth hosted live demos, strategy sessions, and spontaneous gameplay, making it one of the most dynamic presences at the show. OptiSigns staff also dove deep into one-on-one conversations with potential partners to discuss the future of restaurant tech—topics like sustainability, seamless tech stack integration, and customer experience personalization took center stage.

Looking Ahead

As the NRA Show came to a close, one thing was clear: digital signage is no longer “nice to have” — it's a necessity. With a powerful suite of tools tailored for the fast-paced food service industry, OptiSigns is leading the charge in modernizing how restaurants communicate, from back-of-house operations to front-of-house engagement.

If you missed us in Chicago, don’t worry. You can still book a demo with our team and explore how OptiSigns can help your business drive engagement, reduce costs, and boost sales. 

Aisha Albritton

Director of Trade Shows and Event Marketing

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