In this episode, Justin breaks down Michelin's new Grapes designation and what it means for the wine industry. He also shares a Bloomberg review of EMP that is surprisingly critical, as well as the rise of private dinner clubs in 2026. Ray shares what makes a four-star restaurant, in the New York Times Critics' own words. He also discusses how pizzas are getting smaller and more expensive, and the groundbreaking lawsuit by California against food companies over ultra-processed food. #michelin #wine Links: Michelin Grapes DistinctionNY Times Four-Star BreakdownBloomberg on EMPSmaller Pizza, Fewer ToppingsPrivate Dining Clubs on the RiseChef2NiteCalifornia Lawsuit (Ultra-Processed Foods)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. 👨🍳🎧
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1:12:24
Why New Tariffs Might Literally Stop Italian Pasta from Entering the U.S.
In this episode, Ray breaks down the risk Italian pasta faces due to tariffs and how implementing this policy could literally halt pasta exports from Italy. He covers Chipotle's new Thanksgiving strategy, AI-slop Thanksgiving recipes, and how restaurants are winning diners over to grocery this holiday. He also discusses the disgusting story about a Campbell's Soup VP, the odd case of a dine-and-dash influencer, the closure of a Tyson Beef Plant, and some important GLP-1 data.Links:Pasta Apocalypse (NYT)Pasta Tariffs (Grub Street)Chipotle Thanksgiving StrategyThanksgiving AI “Slop”Thanksgiving Restaurant SalesCampbell’s Soup VP LawsuitDine-And-Dash Influencer (NYT)Tyson Plant ClosureGLP-1 2030 User PredictionEnjoying 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. 👨🍳🎧
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44:13
Why You Can’t Afford Restaurants in 2025
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. 👨🍳🎧
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1:15:44
About Michelin's November Announcements
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
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33:46
The "Meta" of Michelin
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. 👨🍳🎧
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