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 patterns

• Most Americans Priced Out Of Dining Out

• How Restaurant Prices Keep Getting More Expensive

• Fast-Casual Pricing Problem (Sweetgreen)

• Restaurant Performance Index (Sept 2025 PDF)

• Restaurant Menu Pricing Data (Restaurant.org)

• Seattle Times Canlis Review

• How To Build, Then Lose, A Restaurant Empire

• Picnic (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. 👨‍🍳🎧