1515 Design Recap: Highlights from the Antojo Industry Expo and SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo

This month, our team at 1515 Design & Manufacturing had the privilege of hitting the floor at two outstanding industry events, Antojo Industry Trade Expo and the SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo. Both gatherings delivered not just inspiration but meaningful connections, insight into evolving trends, and fresh opportunities. Below are some key takeaways of what we learned, and what’s next for 1515.

Antojo Industry Trade Expo (Long Beach, CA)

Held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Antojo Expo is quickly becoming a major gathering for the Latino foodservice and retail segment. The show is laser-focused on that community and brings together brands, restaurateurs, equipment suppliers, and designers from across the West Coast.

Key Takeaways

• Latino foodservice is growing fast. The U.S. Latino foodservice and retail industry continues to expand rapidly, proving it’s not a niche but a major market.

• Design and cultural relevance matter. Buyers are seeking fixtures and environments that balance authentic cultural cues with modern design standards.

• Partnerships are everything. Vendors offering turnkey solutions, from design to manufacture to installation, stand out, aligning perfectly with 1515’s capabilities.

• Sustainability is a core value. Clients are increasingly asking about eco-friendly materials and lifecycle costs alongside aesthetic appeal.

SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (Downey, CA)

Just days later, our team attended the SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo at the Energy Resource Center in Downey. This event focused on innovation, energy efficiency, and the next generation of commercial food-service equipment.

Key Takeaways

• Back-of-house efficiency is critical. Smart layout and modular fixture design can dramatically improve operations.

• Energy-efficient design is a differentiator. Clients value solutions that reduce energy use and simplify compliance with new regulations.

• Flexibility is in demand. Modular workstations, shelving, and prep areas help clients make the most of limited kitchen space.

• Integration is key. Our front-of-house design expertise complements what we learned from the equipment and energy side, a full-circle perspective.

Bringing It All Together

Attending both expos reinforced our mission at 1515 Design & Manufacturing: to deliver cohesive, efficient, and culture-driven design solutions from the front counter to the kitchen floor.

Our Value Proposition

• End-to-end design & manufacturing: We don’t just build fixtures, we design systems that support operations and brand storytelling.

• Industry-specific expertise: By engaging directly with both Latino foodservice operators and commercial equipment innovators, we understand every side of the business.

• Sustainability & efficiency: Our designs reflect today’s environmental and operational priorities.

• Market-driven insights: The foodservice landscape is evolving, and we’re evolving with it.

What This Means for Our Clients

• We speak both the cultural and operational languages of the industry.

• We merge design creativity with technical precision.

• We provide scalable, future-ready solutions that work as beautifully as they perform.

Thank You & What’s Next

To everyone we met at either event, thank you for sharing your time and insights. We’re already following up with new connections to explore partnerships and upcoming projects.

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📞 PHONE: (310) 671-0345   |  📧 EMAIL: chris@1515design.com