Published: May 7, 2026
From Prep to Plate: Fortifi Showcases Tools to Boost Kitchen Speed and Food Quality at National Restaurant Association Show
THE WOODLANDS, TX. , May 7, 2026– Companies within the Fortifi Food Processing Solutions (“Fortifi”) unified platform of leading global brands will showcase kitchen-ready technologies designed to help restaurant and food service operators improve prep speed and ensure uniform results at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago at McCormick Place in booth #2094, May 16-19. Fortifi brands, Nothum Food Processing Systems and Bettcher Industries, will partner to feature the latest advancements for batter and breading as well as fat trimming and stacked meat slicing.
Aligned with the company’s strong collaboration, Nothum will feature two products: The Optimax BB-1 and the Automated Coating System (ACS). The BB-1 is a compact batter and breading machine. It is an all-in-one system designed specifically for consistent coating results within a smaller footprint. The BB-1 machine delivers uniform batter and breading for a wide range of food options, allowing operators to achieve hand-crafted quality at scale. With user-friendly controls, quick product changeovers and easy sanitation, kitchens can improve efficiency, reduce labor dependency and maintain product consistency across high-volume production. Its flexible design supports various coating styles, allowing operators to adapt quickly to menu changes while minimizing waste and maximizing yield.
Nothum will also show its ACS, which expands production of formerly hand-crafted products without sacrificing breading freshness or control. The machine increases output speed and productivity without ingredient waste or loss of flavor.
In addition, Bettcher will bring its next-generation kitchen trimmer technology, the Whizard® Versa™. The upgraded trimmer’s ring-blade design delivers sharp, clean cuts and offers easier cleaning, improved sanitation, and reduced cross-contamination risk at meat cutting work stations. The trimmer’s two-speed motor allows for rapid cutting, and its twist-and-go head is dishwasher safe.
Featured at the show with the gyro/shawarma vertical rotisserie in mind, the corded 115V Whizard Versa will highlight Bettcher’s built-in steeling device. The device ensures effortless blade sharpening that allows users to keep pace with rush preparation lines. Compared to traditional straight knives, the Whizard Versa helps workers cut more consistently, improve product quality, save costs, and provide faster service to customers.
For more information and to register for this event, please visit the event website.
