Texas Restaurant Show to Integrate the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention in 2026

Texas Restaurant Show to Integrate the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention in 2026

Expanded Programming, More Buyers, and a Stronger Platform for Alcohol Serving Establishments in the newly branded Bar & Nightclub Showcase

AUSTIN, TX (December 11, 2025) - The Texas Restaurant Association is excited to announce that the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention will officially be integrated into the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show, taking place July 12 and 13, 2026, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. This powerful combination creates the most comprehensive hospitality event in the Southwest for businesses that serve alcohol.

For years, the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention has been a trusted resource for nightlife operators across the state. As part of this integration, the convention's current director, Quincy Barnes, owner of SMC-Events, will play an active role in shaping and supporting the development of the expanded 2026 Texas Restaurant Show. His industry insight and long-standing leadership will help ensure a seamless transition and a high value experience for attendees and exhibitors.

"The addition of the Texas Bar Nightclub Convention takes the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show to a new level," said Tony Abruscato, Chief Marketing Officer of the Texas Restaurant Association. "The Bar and Nightclub Showcase becomes a featured destination on the show floor, focused on the future of the evolving beverage landscape and the businesses shaping it. With attendance pushing eight thousand, exhibitors and attendees can expect stronger engagement, more buyers, and more opportunities to grow."

As the largest foodservice trade event in the region, the enhanced 2026 show will feature expanded offerings in bar equipment, beverage program innovations, nightlife technology, alcohol service training, compliance insights, and workforce solutions. The integration, to be known as the Bar & Nightclub Showcase creates a single destination to explore the future of beverage driven business within the Texas Restaurant Show.

Exhibitors will benefit from access to an even larger audience of owners, buyers, and decision makers from across the restaurant and nightlife sectors. Booths are available now, giving suppliers a prime opportunity to secure placement before the expanded floor sells out.

Attendees can also plan ahead. Attendee registration for the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show opens January 5, giving operators a clear opportunity to reserve their spot at the biggest and most comprehensive show yet.

The Texas Restaurant Association looks forward to delivering this elevated experience in San Antonio. With the added expertise of Quincy Barnes and the strong legacy of the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention, the 2026 show will offer a dynamic platform where the restaurant and nightlife communities can connect, learn, and grow together.

More details will be announced as the expanded show continues to take shape.


ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state's $138 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 57,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 88th year. For more information, please visit www.txrestaurant.org.