Eating out feels unaffordable—and the data backs it up. In this episode, Justin and Ray unpack why menu prices keep rising, why value perception has flipped for fast-casual, and what the future may hold. We also explore Picnic, a workplace lunch app that could shift weekday demand, and the Seattle Times' recent review of Canlis.#affordableproducts #costofliving #savingmoney #restaurant 0:00 Intro1:55 Restaurant Affordability Crisis23:29 The Chipotle/Sweetgreen Issue34:15 Michelin Coverage Response51:46 Picnic1:00:40 Canlis Seattle Times Poor Review1:11:49 Josh Henderson Eater ArticleWhat we cover:📈 Pricing trends & the RPI🧾 Fast-casual value perception (Sweetgreen)💸 Why Americans say dining out is “too expensive”🍽️ The Canlis review and price expectations⚠️ Operator lessons from rise-and-fall stories🥪 How Picnic could change weekday lunch patternsMost Americans Priced Out Of Dining OutHow Restaurant Prices Keep Getting More ExpensiveFast-Casual Pricing Problem (Sweetgreen)Restaurant Performance Index (Sept 2025 PDF)Restaurant Menu Pricing Data (Restaurant.org)Seattle Times Canlis ReviewHow To Build, Then Lose, A Restaurant EmpirePicnic (Workplace Lunch App)Enjoying the episode? Keep up with Repertoire:💌 Subscribe to the Repertoire Newsletter – Get industry insights, links, and podcast extras delivered weekly.🎙 Share the Podcast – Pass it on to your team, group chat, or fellow chefs.📸 Follow us on Instagram – Behind the scenes, quotes, and quick takes.Affiliate Disclosure:We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through Amazon or other affiliate links provided in this episode.Thanks for listening to Repertoire. 👨🍳🎧
Announcement from Michelin____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌→The Repertoire Newsletter🎙→Share the Podcast📸→Instagram__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program
In this episode, Justin and Ray react to Alinea losing its third star and what this means for the Michelin Guide in 2025. Justin then breaks down how Michelin's "meta" has changed and how restaurant owners should be looking at the Guide.Ray breaks down the claim that "Dining Out Is Dead" and discusses the beef price-fixing accusations by the DOJ against major beef companies. Justin then shares an article he read regarding food critics and how they could change (for better or worse).Links: Grant Achatz Instagram PostMichelin Guide Ceremony AnnouncementDeath of Dining Out (YouTube)Beef Price Fixing – Trump DOJ Case (AP)The Man in the Arena Problem (Substack)Enjoying the episode? Keep up with Repertoire:💌 Subscribe to the Repertoire Newsletter – Get industry insights, links, and podcast extras delivered weekly.🎙 Share the Podcast – Pass it on to your team, group chat, or fellow chefs.📸 Follow us on Instagram – Behind the scenes, quotes, and quick takes.Affiliate Disclosure:We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through Amazon or other affiliate links provided in this episode.Thanks for listening to Repertoire. 👨🍳🎧
In this episode, we dive into the Uncrustables lawsuit against Trader Joe’s and what it signals for the future of food product development, intellectual property, and the battle between CPG giants and private labels. As Smucker’s defends its iconic crustless sandwich, we explore how legal strategies are becoming a new line of defense in a fiercely competitive grocery landscape.We also cover the biggest food and beverage headlines shaking the industry this week:📉 Chipotle’s sales decline among low-income and Gen Z consumers🍗 KFC's shift away from bone-in chicken — is the fried chicken era changing?🥫 Heinz consumer sentiment hits decade lows ahead of a major corporate split🧠 Gen Z’s anti-algorithm movement and how it's reshaping digital food discovery🚨 The evolving SNAP shutdown fallout, with DoorDash, Feeding America, and ABC News sharing critical updates🥑 Whole Foods' 2026 food trend predictions — what's next in natural foods?💼 Whether you're in food tech, brand strategy, or retail operations, this episode unpacks the legal and market shifts shaping tomorrow’s menus and grocery aisles.👇 Explore the full stories below:Uncrustables Lawsuit (Reuters)Uncrustables & Private Label (Food Dive)Chipotle Sales SlumpHeinz Sentiment Drop (Bloomberg)KFC Ditches BonesAnti-Algorithm MovementWhole Foods 2026 TrendsDoorDash Waives Fees (SNAP Shutdown)Feeding America (Shutdown Impact)ABC: How to Help Food BanksEnjoying the episode? Keep up with Repertoire:💌 Subscribe to the Repertoire Newsletter – Get industry insights, links, and podcast extras delivered weekly.🎙 Share the Podcast – Pass it on to your team, group chat, or fellow chefs.📸 Follow us on Instagram – Behind the scenes, quotes, and quick takes.Affiliate Disclosure:We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through Amazon or other affiliate links provided in this episode.Thanks for listening to Repertoire. 👨🍳🎧
In this episode, Ray breaks down the recent AWS outage and the devastating impact it had on restaurants. He discusses the Trump administration's proposal on beef imports from Argentina and the fight over Prop 12 in the upcoming farm bill. Ray also covers Nestle's announcement of 16k job cuts, the rally in Beyond Meat's stock, and a new cookbook utilizing recipes from gravestones. AWS Outage Disrupts Restaurants (NRN)Houston Restaurant Loses 25% of Business (Chron)Reddit AWS Outage Response (Toast)Argentina Beef Policy (AP)Prop 12 Policy Fight (Civileats)Joel Salatin Congressional StatementNestlé Cuts 16K JobsBeyond Meat Meme Stock SurgeGravestone Recipe Cookbook (Rosie Grant)Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌→The Repertoire Newsletter: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter🎙→Share the Podcast: https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast📸→Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this episode, Ray and Justin dive into the recent viral video by More Perfect Union, discussing how Sysco has become the largest food distributor in the country, and how this may affect the similarity of flavors amongst restaurants. Their answers may surprise you, especially when it comes to Sysco's perceived reach. Justin shares about social media users wanting more in-person experience and the decline of online usage from younger generations, Silo closing, EMP's reintroduction of meat, an interesting graphic on consumer goods, and more. Ray discusses the massive drop in Beyond Meat shares and the battle brewing between Logan Paul and Lionel Messi over their hydration beverage brands.Links:Restaurants All Taste the Same (More Perfect Union)Greg Isenberg on Internet DirectionSam Parr’s AI AdviceBeyond Meat Plummets After Debt Swap2x2 Product Ranking (Connor Fowler)Logan Paul vs. Lionel Messi Lawsuit (Prime Hydration)Tom Sietsema on Food Reviews (Washingtonian)Menu Photo AI7shifts Restaurant Tech Video7shifts Digital Prep List Report + QuizEnjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌→The Repertoire Newsletter: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter🎙→Share the Podcast: https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast📸→Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this weekly report: Tyson Foods has settled a record-breaking lawsuit, in which it was accused of conspiring with other pork producers to fix prices. The government shutdown may have effects on the food industry, EJ Lagasse gets 3 stars in the NY Times, and Amazon is creating its own grocery brand for low-cost consumers.Ray breaks down the recent Restaurant Performance Index, and shares some lessons he found from a chef with 30 years of experience in r/KitchenConfidential. 0:00 Intro0:34 Tyson Price Fixing06:54 7Shifts Ad07:34 Government Shutdown12:40 EJ Lagasse NY Times Review19:08 Amazon’s New Grocery Brand21:08 Restaurant Performance Index24:30 Ramblings of an Old Chef7shifts Restaurant Tech Video7shifts Digital Prep List Report + QuizLinks:Tyson Price Fixing SettlementGovernment Shutdown & Food IndustryEJ Lagasse Revives Emeril’s (NYT Review)Amazon's New Grocery BrandRestaurant Performance IndexRamblings Of An Old Chef (Reddit)
In this episode, Justin breaks down the recent collaboration between Airbnb and Chef's Table and how utilizing Airbnb events could be a major win for chefs. He also discusses the Food & Wine awards, the impact of LLMs on restaurant recommendations, a new book he's interested in, and more. Ray discusses the coming matcha shortage, some consumer data from the National Restaurant Association, and a key restaurant that is opening next month.7shifts Restaurant Tech Video7shifts Digital Prep List Report + QuizLinks: Airbnb Chef’s Table ExperiencesMatcha ShortageFood & Wine – Best New Chefs ListEater – Most Influential RestaurantsHigh-Earner DinersNew Rules of Dining Out (Book)Slob Bowls (YouTube)Flynn McGarry Opens CoveEnjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌→The Repertoire Newsletter: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter🎙→Share the Podcast: https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast📸→Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this episode, Ray breaks down a New York Times Article, sharing how sushi has become a dietary commodity. He discusses Starbucks' massive layoff announcement, the cut to a USDA hunger report, why Americans are not eating breakfast, and offers advice to a Reddit user leaving the restaurant industry. 7shifts Restaurant Tech Video7shifts Digital Prep List Report + QuizLinks: Sushi as Commodity (NYT)Starbucks LayoffsUSDA Cancels Food Insecurity ReportSkipping Breakfast in AmericaReddit Advice (Kitchen Closure)Intro 00:00Sushi 00:287shifts 10:46Starbucks Layoffs 11:26USDA 15:42Breakfast 22:13Leaving Restaurants 26:10Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌→The Repertoire Newsletter: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter🎙→Share the Podcast: https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast📸→Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this episode, Ray breaks down how close to 10% of Americans are using Ozempic, and how this is affecting restaurants. He also breaks down the real reason behind Tesla creating a diner, and how the Pumpkin Spice Latte crushed expectations for Starbucks. He discusses the reporting mistakes made by Beyond Meat, breaks down how restaurants performed in July, examines a major food company breakup, and shares his thoughts on a new beverage trend. (Photo in thumbnail: Ye Fan for The New York Times)Links:Ozempic (NYT)Radio Iowa (Ozempic impact)Fast Company (Culina AI Chef)Tesla Diner (NYT)Starbucks (Pumpkin Spice)Beyond Meat Bankruptcy RumorRestaurant Performance IndexKraft Heinz SplitDirty Soda TrendIf you come across something you ended up having to search for, send us a message to help make these Show Notes better!_____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this episode, Justin breaks down how Chefs are now making $100,000 more than ever before and why this trend is a major positive for the industry. He also shares reporting from the LA Times on a new restaurant transitioning from fine dining to casual, a restaurant closure in Washington, D.C., and a Business Insider piece on a Michelin-starred restaurant managing finances during this challenging time.Ray shares about a restaurant in Mexico City that charges customers only what they can afford, and how this is inspiring others in the industry to follow suit. He also shares about a new Netflix cooking competition that is taking place at The Culinary Institute of America, the trend of brand collabs, and how a variety of cabbage is taking over the London food scene.Links:$100K ChefLA Times (Pasjoli)Reverie ClosingMasal y MaizFood CollabsCIA Show (Netflix)Cabbage (NYT)If you come across something you ended up having to search for, send us a message to help make these Show Notes better!_____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram__Disclaimer: We earn commission income through qualifying purchases made via Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening.
In this episode, Ray discusses an article by Chef Nick Curtin of Alouette. He discusses Chef's view on how foraging has impacted the food system of Denmark, and what we can take away from this impact. Ray then discusses how the Federal Takeover of D.C. has destroyed restaurant reservations. He then looks at how fast casual restaurants are not doing well, how honey is taking over consumer diets, and why AI displacements mean more workers in the food industry. (Cover photo from Eater article)Timestamps:0:00 Intro 0:45 Foraging Ruining Restaurants 14:07 DC Restaurants 20:29 Minimal Catch Up 22:13 Fast Casual Dining 28:36 Honey Consumption 30:38 AI Displacement _____________________Links: Foraging TrendDC Restaurants 1DC Restaurants 2Fast FoodHoneyAI ChipotleIf you come across something you ended up having to search for, send us a message to help make these Show Notes better!_____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram
Eleven Madison Park has decided that meat is back on the menu. Ray and Justin break down why they made this decision, the response from the food world to it, and much more. They also discuss how a Michelin-rated ice cream shop in Taiwan is a litmus test for the upcoming Michelin Guide release, the horrible story of a restaurant being stripped of its Michelin Stars due to the chef being arrested on an alleged assault charge, and much more.Eleven Madison ParkMichelin Ice CreamChef ArrestedBeyond Meat LayoffsBeyond Meat Q2 ReportRestaurant Performance IndexStressed Shopper ArticleIf you come across something you ended up having to search for, send us a message to help make these Show Notes better!_____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram
Joshua Weissman is facing a mountain of criticism for alleged poor behavior, plagiarism, and more. Justin and Ray break down the reporting on Joshua Weissman and warn of the lessons learned in the pattern of alleged behavior that has been reported on by one of YouTube's largest food content creators.Ray breaks down Uber's new AI investment, the latest news on beef and poultry pricing, and how agentic AI is being utilized by Walmart. He also examines some industry trends observed at the Fancy Foods Show. Justin breaks down the Wall Street Journal piece on how hotel rooms are getting smaller and how hotel brands are rethinking their approach to hospitality. (Images in YouTube video sourced from Rosenthal reporting.)Links: YouTube LinksWSJ HotelsOther ResourcesJoshua WeissmanWalmart AIUber Eats AIBeef PricesAmazon GroceryFancy FoodsIf you come across something you ended up having to search for, send us a message to help make these Show Notes better!_____________________Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → Instagram
In this episode of the Repertoire Report, Ray starts by discussing the tragic passing of Anne Burrell, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness in the food industry. He shares personal experiences with mental health struggles in the restaurant industry and stresses the significance of checking in on each other. The second part of the episode addresses the current financial crisis at Johnson and Wales University, analyzing an article that criticizes the school's administration and program offerings. Ray and Justin provide their perspectives on the future of culinary education and the steps needed to ensure its sustainability. The episode concludes with a call to action for mental health support and a discussion on the importance of culinary schools in offering comprehensive education beyond basic cooking skills.Links: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 for free and confidential support.International Hotlines – Global list of crisis and suicide prevention hotlines.The Burnt Chef Project – Mental health resources tailored for hospitality professionals.Humans of the Kitchen – Peer stories and mental health support for the culinary community.Anne Burrell – Cause of Death (NY Times)The Rise and Fall of Johnson & Wales University (James G. Martin Center)Enjoy the pod? Get more from Repertoire:💌 → The Repertoire Newsletter🎙 → Share the Podcast📸 → InstagramDisclaimer: We earn commission income with qualifying purchases made through Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.🙏Thank you for listening
Links: Higher Starting Costs: https://www.foodandwine.com/restaurant-opening-costs-increase-post-pandemic-11776163YouTube: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-21/how-youtube-is-shaping-a-new-generation-of-chefsTravis Kalanick on All In, Discussing Lab Robotics: https://youtu.be/KypnjJSKi4o?si=toidvBcjlt3QF1wpPipedream: https://x.com/thegarrettscott/status/1944801083177505235Nuance In The Gloom: https://x.com/a_food_maniac/status/1947466050485760128 Justin's Instagram: @justinkhannaFollow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire—What's next? 👇Share the PodcastGet Total Station DominationTake the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity ChallengeGet on my Email NewsletterSupport the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry ProfessionalsMy latest upload on YouTubeRate the show on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet in touch with JustinTweet at JustinFollow along on InstagramSign up for one-on-one Coaching with JustinBrowse the gear used to create this💌Send me mail:Justin Khanna5920 MLK Jr. Way SUnit 18272Seattle, WA 98118 USA—
Links: Eater: https://www.eater.com/food-culture/893018/jose-andres-chef-humanitariancomic-book-hero Food Dive 1: https://www.fooddive.com/news/us-ice-cream-makers-commit-to-artificial-dye-phase-out-by-2028/753065/ Food Dive 2: https://www.fooddive.com/news/tariffs-meat-drive-inflation-conagra-cfo-says/752918/ Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-09/chocolate-makers-burned-again-as-shortages-hit-cocoa-powder?srnd=phx-industries-consumer Axios: https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/07/15/korean-food-popularity-sf-ca Justin's Instagram: @justinkhannaFollow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire—What's next? 👇Share the PodcastGet Total Station DominationTake the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity ChallengeGet on my Email NewsletterSupport the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry ProfessionalsMy latest upload on YouTubeRate the show on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet in touch with JustinTweet at JustinFollow along on InstagramSign up for one-on-one Coaching with JustinBrowse the gear used to create this💌Send me mail:Justin Khanna5920 MLK Jr. Way SUnit 18272Seattle, WA 98118 USA—
Links: QSR: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/why-back-of-house-clarity-for-restaurants-is-key-to-navigating-an-uncertain-economy/ Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-07/starbucks-menu-news-chain-wants-to-get-rid-of-canola-oil-in-its-food?srnd=phx-industries-consumer Red Lobster: https://www.campaignlive.com/article/popular-ceo-viral-seafood-boils-story-behind-red-lobsters-biz-comeback/1923541 Food Dive: https://www.fooddive.com/news/walmart-case-ready-beef-facility-supply-chain-opening/752325/ Fashion: https://thefashionography.com/fashion/why-fashion-brands-are-suddenly-hungry-for-food-ventures/ Belmond: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer Justin's Instagram: @justinkhannaFollow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire—What's next? 👇Share the PodcastGet Total Station DominationTake the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity ChallengeGet on my Email NewsletterSupport the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry ProfessionalsMy latest upload on YouTubeRate the show on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet in touch with JustinTweet at JustinFollow along on InstagramSign up for one-on-one Coaching with JustinBrowse the gear used to create this💌Send me mail:Justin Khanna5920 MLK Jr. Way SUnit 18272Seattle, WA 98118 USA—
Links: Nissin: https://www.fooddive.com/news/ramen-maker-nissin-launches-brand-to-attract-glp-1-users-health-conscious/751390/ Alinea: https://chicago.eater.com/closings/159756/fire-restaurant-closing-fulton-market-chicago-grant-achatz-alinea-group Food Navigator: https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/07/01/glp-1s-food-industry-response/ Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-30/starbucks-beefs-up-hiring-process-in-search-for-best-baristas?srnd=phx-industries-consumer National Restaurant Association: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/restaurant-performance-index/ Wingstop: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/is-wingstop-on-the-verge-of-another-sales-tear/ Florida's New Law: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/entertainment/restaurants/2025/06/30/tallahassee-restaurants-feel-impact-of-no-shows-support-new-law/84322780007/ Justin's Instagram: @justinkhannaFollow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire—What's next? 👇Share the PodcastGet Total Station DominationTake the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity ChallengeGet on my Email NewsletterSupport the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry ProfessionalsMy latest upload on YouTubeRate the show on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet in touch with JustinTweet at JustinFollow along on InstagramSign up for one-on-one Coaching with JustinBrowse the gear used to create this💌Send me mail:Justin Khanna5920 MLK Jr. Way SUnit 18272Seattle, WA 98118 USA—
inks: JBS: https://www.fooddive.com/news/jbs-sec-approves-listing-nyse-meat-beef/746270/ World's 50 Best: https://www.theworlds50best.com/ Daniel Patterson: https://www.instagram.com/chefdanielpatterson/?hl=en Reservation Charges: https://people.com/restaurant-charges-diners-with-more-or-fewer-people-than-their-reservation-11754617 Justin's Instagram: @justinkhannaFollow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire—What's next? 👇Share the PodcastGet Total Station DominationTake the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity ChallengeGet on my Email NewsletterSupport the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry ProfessionalsMy latest upload on YouTubeRate the show on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet in touch with JustinTweet at JustinFollow along on InstagramSign up for one-on-one Coaching with JustinBrowse the gear used to create this💌Send me mail:Justin Khanna5920 MLK Jr. Way SUnit 18272Seattle, WA 98118 USA—