At the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, we brought a fresh take to industry conversations—inviting restaurant operators, executives, and tech leaders to share their unfiltered perspectives while taking on a challenge inspired by the Hot Ones series. As the wings got hotter, so did the questions—covering everything from labor and technology to what’s next for the industry.
What began as a simple LinkedIn DM quickly sparked one of the most flavorful collaborations at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show.
Our team partnered with the dynamic chef and restaurateur Nia Grace, owner of Grace by Nia and Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, to co-create a limited-edition hot sauce that brought both heat and heart to the Hot Seat experience.
Together, we collaborated on everything from recipe refinement to label design, culminating in the production of 1,200 bottles of this one-of-a-kind sauce. It was crafted as a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the bold flavor of real restaurant innovation.
This exclusive hot sauce stands as a symbol of what’s possible when passionate operators and forward-thinking tech partners come together with shared purpose and a love for the industry.
Nia Grace is a celebrated entrepreneur, restaurateur, and changemaker in Boston’s hospitality scene. She is the owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, a beloved soul food and live music institution, and Grace by Nia, an upscale supper club fusing culture, cuisine, and community.
Nia is also a founding member of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition and a vocal advocate for equity and representation in the industry.
Her work blends visionary leadership with a deep love for people, making her a force in both business and community spaces.
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