Restaurants Canada announces Chef José Andrés as headliner for RC Show 2025

The global icon is set to share insights and bold ideas for the foodservice industry on April 7

On April 7, 2025, RC Show will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a landmark fireside chat featuring Chef José Andrés—renowned chef, humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK). Presented by Restaurants Canada and High Liner Foods, Chef Andrés was chosen as the ideal embodiment of this year’s RC Show theme: FUEL Your Potential, People, Prosperity, and Passion. This milestone industry event underscores both organizations’ commitment to uniting and empowering Canada’s foodservice and hospitality community.

The fireside chat, set to take place on April 7 on the Speaker Stage at 3:00 p.m. at the 80th RC Show, will feature a candid and intimate conversation between Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada, and Chef Andrés. Together, the pair will explore topics surrounding the resilience of the foodservice industry and how to continue inspiring professionals to lead with purpose and thrive in an era of rapid transformation.

“The conversation with Chef José Andrés will showcase the vital role restaurants play in fostering healthy, vibrant communities,” says Kelly Higginson. “As hubs of connection, creativity, and economic growth, restaurants are the backbone of thriving neighborhoods. We’re proud to partner with High Liner Foods to bring this global icon to the RC Show, celebrating industry resilience and inspiring foodservice professionals to lead with purpose showcasing their craft’s power to nourish people and communities.  at this pivotal time.”

High Liner Foods is proud to work in concert with Restaurants Canada to bring the esteemed chef and humanitarian José Andrés to the Canadian foodservice audience at the RC Show for what is guaranteed to be an inspiring session,” said Anthony Rasetta, Chief Commercial Officer, High Liner Foods. “As a company committed to Reimagining Seafood to Nourish Life, we have a deep and sincere appreciation for Chef Andrés’ work and commitment to both culinary and social impact and know that the foodservice community will benefit greatly from his presence at the show.”

Throughout his career, Chef Andrés has redefined the roles of chefs and restaurateurs, proving that food is more than sustenance—it’s a lifeline. Through WCK, Andrés has delivered millions of meals to communities in crisis, from hurricane-ravaged regions to war-torn countries, showcasing the unparalleled power of the hospitality industry to do what it does best: deliver comfort, humanity and connection, fast. Recently awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, Chef Andrés reflected on his mission, saying, “Chefs like me feed the few, but our destiny is to feed the many. To be an army of goodness where a plate of food becomes a plate of hope…a light in dark times. Together, we can change the world through the power of food.”

An Inspirational Industry Gathering

Chef Andrés’ keynote will share highlights from his extraordinary journey—from his beginnings as a young chef in Spain to becoming a globally recognized humanitarian leader. Attendees will walk away with  actionable insights on how innovation and purpose-driven leadership can transform the future of foodservice and hospitality. Key takeaways will include:

• Reconnecting with foundational industry values such as community, culture-building, and sustainability.
• Cultivating innovation within teams and operations.
• Leading with purpose to create lasting, meaningful impact in their communities.

An Evening to Remember

Following the fireside chat with Chef Andrés, the Opening Night Reception will honour RC Show’s legacy and the industry’s creativity and vitality. Guests will enjoy world-class culinary experiences, connect with peers, and toast to 80 years of excellence in Canadian foodservice.

For more information and to register to attend RC Show 2025, visit www.rcshow.com.

Social Media/Website

Instagram: @RestaurantsCanada | Facebook: @RestaurantsCanada | X: @RestaurantsCA | LinkedIn: restaurants-canada

About RC Show – Celebrating 80 years

RC Show, produced and hosted annually by Restaurants Canada, is the nation’s leading foodservice and hospitality event. Held at Toronto’s Enercare Centre, it draws nearly 25,000 industry professionals for three dynamic days of connection and discovery. The show highlights the most innovative products, emerging trends, and transformative ideas through world-class speakers, leadership panels, live competitions, hands-on workshops, immersive events, and unmatched networking opportunities. A one-stop destination for the tools and insights to grow foodservice businesses and shape the future of the industry, RC Show is not to be missed. Learn more at www.rcshow.com.

To learn more about how to support  Restaurants Canada’s work on behalf of the Canadian foodservice industry, contact Edyta Dhillon at EDhillon@restaurantscanada.org.

About Restaurants Canada

Since 1944 Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit member-based trade association advancing the potential of Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry through member programs, research, advocacy, resources and events. Restaurants Canada is a growing community of 100,000 FOODSERVICE BUSINESSES, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions, and suppliers. Canada’s foodservice sector is a $114 BILLION INDUSTRY. As Canada’s number one source of first jobs, we directly employ more than ONE MILLION PEOPLE. www.restaurantscanada.org

Media Contacts:

Jessica Barcelos, Touchwood PR, Jessica@touchwoodpr.com | Mara Zentil-Casey, Touchwood PR, Mara@touchwoodpr.com