The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, the largest restaurant trade show in the southeast, has been cancelled. It was scheduled to take place Sept. 22-23 at the Orange County Convention Center.

The annual show, sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, features seminars, workshops and demonstrations as well as exhibitors displaying all the things that go into owning and operating a restaurant, from menu covers and tableware to pots, pans, stoves and refrigeration units. Food and beverage samplers are also a part of the show, which generally is not open to the public.

The American Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter (ACF/CFC) conducts its culinary arts and pastry arts competitions in conjunction with the show. Those have been cancelled, too. Scott Joseph’s Sous Chef Challenge, another cooking competition under the sponsorship of ACF/CFC, is also cancelled. The Sous Chef Challenge offered the rare opportunity for members of the general public to attend the expo.

The show, which includes the Healthy Food Expo Florida, has been rescheduled for Sept. 19-20, 2021.

A letter from ACF/CFC president Joe Alfano (picuted above judging last year’s Sous Chef Challenge) and competition chairman Bryan Frick stated, “The consequences of this very real virus have impacted our industry to an extent that is almost beyond comprehension.

“We will be back next year, barring any unforeseen circumstances, with our competitions and look forward to your participation.”