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&#39; 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<ul><li><a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/majority-us-diners-menu-prices-high-eating-out-less-yougov/803948/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Most Americans Priced Out Of Dining Out</a></li><li><a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/restaurant-menu-price-increases-2025-11849326" target="_new" rel="noopener">How Restaurant Prices Keep Getting More Expensive</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/sweetgreen-s-9-5-same-store-sales-decline-highlights-value-perception-issues" target="_new" rel="noopener">Fast-Casual Pricing Problem (Sweetgreen)</a></li><li><a href="https://restaurant.org/NRA/media/Research/RPI/2024/RPI-September-2025.pdf" target="_new" rel="noopener">Restaurant Performance Index (Sept 2025 PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/menu-prices/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Restaurant Menu Pricing Data (Restaurant.org)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/review-why-our-critic-no-longer-recommends-seattles-famous-canlis/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Seattle Times Canlis Review</a></li><li><a href="https://seattle.eater.com/restaurant-news/89030/what-happened-to-josh-henderson-seattle-chef-skillet" target="_new" rel="noopener">How To Build, Then Lose, A Restaurant Empire</a></li><li><a href="https://trypicnic.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Picnic (Workplace Lunch App)</a>Enjoying the episode? Keep up with Repertoire:💌 <a href="https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter">⁠⁠Subscribe to the Repertoire Newsletter⁠⁠</a> – Get industry insights, links, and podcast extras delivered weekly.🎙 <a href="https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast">⁠⁠Share the Podcast⁠⁠</a> – Pass it on to your team, group chat, or fellow chefs.📸 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire__">⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠</a> – 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. 👨‍🍳🎧</li></ul>

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