Episode 217: Culinary Decision-Making And 2025 Predictions
In this episode, I break down how GLP-1 drugs are already affecting consumer spending and what restaurants need to do to be prepared. I then focus on decision-making and how it can better your career, using real-world examples from those within the Line Cook Nation. From there, we discuss a NY Times article sharing nine food predictions for restaurants that I believe to be a very accurate assessment of what may come.
LA Times Link: https://www.latimes.com/food/list/los-angeles-restaurants-providing-food-shelter-evacuees-first-responders-fire
Eater LA Restaurants Link: https://www.eater.com/
NY Times Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/dining/food-eating-predictions-2025.html
Food Dive Link: https://www.fooddive.com/news/glp-1-drug-use-cuts-grocery-spending-by-6-study-finds/736313/
CSP Link: https://www.cspdailynews.com/foodservice/circana-talks-profound-impact-glp-1-drugs-have-spending-food-beverages-more
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47:44
Episode 216: Kitchen Leadership with Arturo Rojas
In this episode, I chat with Arturo Rojas. Arturo is the CDC for Antico Nuovo, a restaurant based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, we discuss kitchen leadership, the unique cooking setup his kitchen offers, and how he manages creativity and consistency within one of LA's hottest restaurants this year.
Arturo's Instagram Handle: @hungry_with_passion
Antico Nuovo website: https://www.anticonuovo-la.com/
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40:41
Episode 215: Annoying Restaurant Trends, Part-Time Cooking Advice, and Coffee
In this episode, I start by discussing the viral response of a Threads I posted a few weeks ago, asking what annoying restaurant trends people want to see gone in 2025. I then go over a Reddit question on how to get better when you have limited cooking time in a kitchen. Finally, I share my thoughts on Taco Bell's new coffee concept and celebrate 6 years of the brand.
Links:
Viral Threads Post: https://www.threads.net/@linecookthoughts/post/DCzCboVuIzN
Reddit Thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/linecooks/comments/1gtlc1t/how_to_improve_fast_with_only_1_shift_a_week/?rdt=53431
Taco Bell: https://fortune.com/2024/12/09/taco-bell-live-mas-cafe-pilot-bellristas-mcdonalds-cosmc-starbucks/
7 Brew: https://7brew.com/about-us/
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38:04
Episode 214: Restaurant Ghosting, Fire by Alinea, and 2025 Food Trends
In this episode, Ray Delucci discusses the latest trends in the food industry, focusing on insights from the National Restaurant Association for 2025. He highlights the issue of 'ghosting' in restaurant reservations, the importance of value deals, and the rise of wellness drinks and other cuisines. The conversation also touches on the impact of consumer behavior on restaurants and the need for a return to community-focused dining experiences.
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38:09
Episode 213: The Return Of The Podcast, Chili's, And New Cooks
In this episode of the Line Cook Thoughts Podcast, Ray reflects on his return after a year-long hiatus, sharing insights on the restaurant industry, advice for new cooks, and the recent resurgence of Chili's. He emphasizes the importance of support in the kitchen, the value of learning from mistakes, and the significance of mental and physical health in the culinary profession. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of the food industry and the podcast's future direction, focusing on current trends and valuable lessons for both cooks and restaurant operators.
Links:
Chili's CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/14/heres-why-americans-are-going-back-to-chilis-.html
Chili's Read The Joe: https://readthejoe.com/business/chilis-serves-up-comeback-with-more-focused-menu-value-oriented-items/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/cooks/comments/1gdogry/new_job/
A podcast focusing on the everyday workers of the food service industry. I strive to promote cooks and other food service workers, and give an audio experience that help listeners relate to these stories. Send your stories to@linecookthoughts on Instagram.