Here’s What BCB Brooklyn 2025 Revealed About the Future of Hospitality
BCB Brooklyn 2025 brought together an impressive mix of exhibitors, standout drinks, and a rich lineup of educational seminars that examined the hospitality industry’s past, present, and future.
Photos by Rachel Harrison Communications
The programming especially stood out for its forward-looking panels, where experts shared key insights on emerging trends—leaving attendees more informed and inspired than when they walked in.
Let’s dive into a few of the standout panels and trend highlights from BCB Brooklyn 2025.
🌱 Trend 1: The Rise of No & Low
BCB Brooklyn Panel: Carl Radke and Soft Bar on Elevating Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Mindful Consumption Experiences
This year, there was a clear rise in demand for no- and low-ABV options, with brands such as Second Sip Gin, Ritual Zero Proof, and Casamara Club leading the charge.
In the exclusive VIP Lounge, Carl Radke (co-founder of Soft Bar) led an intimate discussion focused on creating mindful, zero-proof experiences and elevating non-alcoholic cocktails to the same premium level as traditional spirits-driven drinks.
Key Takeaways
Premium is expected: Non-alcoholic cocktails should be as complex and craveable as their boozy counterparts.
Wellness leads: Guests want drinks that align with health goals, not just “mocktails.”
Inclusive by nature: No & low venues are becoming community hubs for sober-curious, pregnant folks, and anyone in between.
This trend isn’t a sidebar—it’s redefining what hospitality looks like in 2025 and beyond.
🌍 Trend 2: The Impact of Diversity in the Hospitality Industry
BCB Brooklyn Panel: Flavors of Immigration: Stories That Need to Be Heard
In hospitality, diversity goes beyond values. It’s a key source of creativity and flavor. At BCB Brooklyn 2025, this was evident in the global influences behind tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey brands on display.
Flavors of Immigration highlighted how personal histories and cultural identity shape hospitality. Panelists shared how immigration stories influence everything from cocktail menus to bar concepts—proving that representation behind the bar translates directly into richer guest experiences.
Key Takeaways
Cultural heritage inspires creativity: Ingredients and techniques rooted in personal histories add depth to menus.
Diverse voices build better bars: Inclusive leadership creates spaces where more guests feel seen and welcomed.
Success is intersectional: Gender, race, and cultural background all contribute to a more dynamic, resilient industry.
Hospitality thrives when everyone has a seat at the table—and a chance to tell their story through what’s in the glass.
🍸 Trend 3: The Importance of Bars in Today’s Growing Digital Age
BCB Brooklyn Panel: The Last Great Third Space: Why We Must Protect Our Bars
In an era dominated by digital interaction, bars remain one of the few true “third spaces”—places where people connect outside of work and home. At BCB Brooklyn 2025, this theme resonated across the show floor, with several bar supply exhibitors showcasing the tools and innovations needed to keep bars running smoothly and sustainably.
What the panel revealed: In the thought-provoking The Last Great Third Space panel, speakers emphasized that bars aren’t just venues for drinks; they’re modern-day gathering places that foster community, conversation, and connection. As more people report feeling isolated despite being constantly online, the role of bars as welcoming, inclusive, and in-person spaces has never been more critical.
Key Takeaways
Bars are cultural anchors: They offer something the digital world can’t: human connection and shared experience.
The future is community-focused: Bars that prioritize inclusivity, hospitality, and storytelling will resonate most with younger, more diverse audiences.
Support behind the scenes matters: Equipment suppliers and bar operators alike play a key role in ensuring these spaces stay functional, relevant, and resilient.
To thrive in a digital age, bars must evolve—while holding tight to the timeless value of real-world connection.
From the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails to the vital role of diversity and the enduring importance of real-world gathering spaces, BCB Brooklyn 2025 made one thing clear: the hospitality industry is evolving with intention. These trends aren’t fleeting; they reflect a deeper shift toward more inclusive, mindful, and community-driven drinking culture.
And if BCB Brooklyn is any indication, the future of hospitality isn’t just in the glass; it’s in the people, stories, and spaces behind it.
The post Here’s What BCB Brooklyn 2025 Revealed About the Future of Hospitality appeared first on Chilled Magazine.