Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner
Restaurant Tradeshow News
We attended the Chipotle session with Scott Boatwright, Chief Restaurant Officer for Chipotle and it was a great session. And today there is a terrific interview on Cheddar
Chipotle Looks to the Future with Crypto, AI and Roblox Following Earnings Report
Thanks to inflation, Chipotle’s customers are paying extra for more than just guacamole, but most apparently don’t care, as the fast-casual chain said in its earnings report that price hikes helped boost profits in its most recent quarter, which sent the stock surging today. Curt Garner, chief technology officer of Chipotle, joined Cheddar News’ Closing Bell to discuss how Chipotle is embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence, the metaverse, Roblox — and cryptocurrency. “We do accept crypto through a partnership with Flexa, in our restaurants and our digital channels,” Garner said. It’s a partnership that we’re excited about. … We had a lot of customers that were asking for a crypto option as payment within our restaurants, and we’re proud to put this partnership together and deliver that.”
Full interview on Cheddar today
Scott covered many topics in his session and took many questions as well.
Here are some pics
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- A man stands smiling in front of a CREATE the experience demo kiosk at the restaurant tradeshow, with a screen displaying graphics. In the background, several people mingle in the bustling conference hall.
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- A wall display titled Thank You to Our Sponsors showcases logos of various sponsors categorized under Founding, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Supporting tiers—including brands like Johnsonville Foodservice and Coca-Cola—set against an office backdrop at the bustling restaurant tradeshow.
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- A person in a plaid suit speaks into a microphone while seated onstage at a restaurant tradeshow. Theres a CREATE the experience banner behind them, setting the scene. Another person is partially visible, holding a notepad and capturing key moments of the discussion.
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- A man and a woman are seated on stage at the restaurant tradeshow, engaging in a lively discussion. The backdrop features the repeated phrase CREATE the expectation. The man wears a blue suit, while the woman holds a microphone and a notebook.
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- Two women smiling and posing in front of a Ripple display booth at an indoor restaurant tradeshow. They are wearing matching teal shirts and lanyards. A drink dispenser is on a table to their left, enhancing the lively atmosphere in the conference or expo room.
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- Two women are smiling and standing together indoors at a restaurant tradeshow. Both are wearing name tags and business attire. The background features a brown wall and double wooden doors.
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- An older man stands on a small stage at the restaurant tradeshow, holding a microphone. Behind him is a backdrop and a solitary chair. The room is empty, with rows of vacant seats, and the floor is carpeted.
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- A gray kiosk labeled COURT stands in an urban plaza, covered in a Smartwater ad featuring a model. Nearby, concrete planters brim with colorful flowers amid tall buildings, creating a vibrant backdrop that feels reminiscent of a bustling restaurant tradeshow scene.
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- Street view of a bustling city intersection with tall buildings in the background, including a Sheraton hotel. Amidst the parked cars, a kiosk advertises a restaurant tradeshow alongside an image of someone using a Visa card.
