National Restaurant Association Takes Majority Stake in WGB Parent Winsight

Image: National Restaurant Association

The National Restaurant Association announced June 1 it has taken a majority interest in Winsight Grocery Business owner Winsight Holdings LLC, a leading market intelligence company that connects the restaurant, foodservice, convenience retailing and grocery industries through its portfolio of research, events and industry news. Winsight will continue to operate as an independent entity, and its senior leadership team will remain in place to run Winsight operations.

“Together the National Restaurant Association and Winsight will be better positioned to support the dynamic demands of the restaurant and foodservice industry as it continues to rebuild,” said Tom Bené, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “The association’s investment in Winsight reinforces its commitment to support and best represent the interests of the entire industry. Winsight’s robust engagement and event platforms along with their industry-leading informational resources contribute enormously to the success of every restaurant.”

Winsight serves every segment of the food and beverage industry (restaurants, noncommercial foodservice, convenience and grocery) with:

• Market-leading events, including the National Restaurant Association Show, the Restaurant Leadership Conference, FSTEC, the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference and Outlook Leadership.
• Technomic, which provides research, insights and strategic consulting to the global food and beverage industry. 
• An award-winning portfolio of digital media brands, including Restaurant Business, CSP, Foodservice Director and Winsight Grocery Business, which will continue to have independent editorial oversight.

“In the face of an historic challenge, our industry has shown resilience, innovation, and teamwork,” said Mike Wood, CEO of Winsight. “Restaurants are in the early days of a comeback that promises significant growth for the next 5 years. Convenience and grocery stores have evolved and redefined what it means to be essential. Thanks to this renewed partnership with the Association, Winsight’s market defining thought leadership will be available to fuel a rebirth.”

Winsight maintains operational ownership and execution of the National Restaurant Association Show and related assets following the 2018 formation of an equity partnership between Winsight and the National Restaurant Association. The annual event will continue to be promoted jointly by Winsight and the National Restaurant Association. The National Restaurant Association Show is scheduled to take place May 21-24, 2022, at McCormick Place in Chicago.