The Repertoire Podcast - podcast cover

The Repertoire Podcast

Your Repertoire is the most valuable asset in your career. It's the collection of skills, stories, experiences, and lessons you've had to hard-earn in this hospitality industry. What if you could ask some of the best professionals in the world how they built their Repertoire? In this podcast, you can look forward to expert-led interviews by Chef Justin Khanna, breakdowns of news and stories that are impacting the industry, and the occasional bonus episode that might include a tactic or strategy that drastically improves your life. Subscribe for weekly episodes of The Repertoire Podcast.
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Episodes

Repertoire Report: How GLP-1 Is Changing The Food Industry

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 Na...

Jul 03, 202537 minEp. 172

Repertoire Report: Michelin Debate, Reservation Charges, and JBS Hits The Stock Market

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: @justinkhanna Follow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire — What's next? 👇 Share the Podcast Get Total Station Domination Take th...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 5 min

Repertoire Report: Restaurants Hold Strong, Virginia Drops Michelin, and Nerds Gummies To The Moon

National Restaurant Association: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/restaurant-performance-index/ Axios: https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/14/michelin-guide-dc-star-restaurants-virginia-declines Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-10/whole-foods-supplier-hack-leaves-empty-shelves-stalls-forklifts?srnd=phx-industries Food Dive: https://www.fooddive.com/news/how-nerds-gummy-clusters-became-the-candy-aisles-biggest-...

Jun 11, 202544 min

The MAD7 Symposium Recap: How Was It?

In this episode, Justin breaks down his time at the MAD7 Symposium. What is MAD7? It is the seventh edition of the MAD Symposium, a gathering that brings together hundreds of chefs, sommeliers, servers, bartenders, baristas, bakers, producers, and writers together beneath a big red circus tent in Copenhagen for two days of ideas, inspiration, and connection. Link to MAD's newsletter: https://www.digest.madfeed.co/Justin's Instagram: @justinkhanna Follow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @join...

Jun 04, 20251 hr 6 min

The Repertoire Report: Next Generation Of Cooks, Domestic Producers Poised To Win, And Klarna

National Restaurant Association Reporting: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/analysis-commentary/restaurants-projected-to-add-490k-seasonal-jobs-this-summer/ Klarna: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/analysis-commentary/restaurants-projected-to-add-490k-seasonal-jobs-this-summer/ Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-05-27/higher-food-prices-from-tariffs-has-restaurants-asking-sysco-for-...

May 28, 202537 min

The Repertoire Report: Airbnb's Big Bet On Chefs, CIA Investments, And SNAP Risks

Links: Airbnb: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mglv2d455o NRA Reporting: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/analysis-commentary/elevated-costs-continue-to-pressure-restaurant-profitability/ NRA Career Website: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/analysis-commentary/new-association-website-spotlights-restaurant-jobs-and-career-paths/ Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en CIA Investment: https:/...

May 21, 202555 minEp. 171

The Repertoire Report: Menu Prices Rise, Groceries Fall, And The Success Of Shake Shack

Wegman's Next Door: https://www.wegmansnextdoor.com/rochester-new-york/events/ McDonald's Hiring: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/12/business/mcdonalds-hiring-announcement Menu Prices Rising: https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-finance/menu-prices-increased-in-april-for-the-third-month-in-a-row Third Spaces: https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/restaurants-embrace-the-return-of-the-third-place Fast Casual Success: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/why-fast-casual-keeps-winning/ Follow us on Tik Tok and Inst...

May 14, 202535 minEp. 170

Repertoire Report: Tariffs, Michelin Guide Expansion, And Reservation Platforms

This episode focuses on the very real impact tariffs are expected to have on both independent restaurants and chains across the country. Justin and Ray discuss the pros of the Michelin Guide expansion into the South, and also discuss their worries about the accessibility of this style of dining to a broader audience. Finally, the two take on the idea of platforms that sell exclusive reservation options, and the negative effects this can have on the food industry as a whole. Show Notes: National ...

May 07, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 169

Alessandra Ciuffo | Food “Unicorns”, Documenting in Kitchens, and Growing Food Media - Ep. 168

Show Notes: Alessandra's Site: https://alessandraciuffo.com/about/ Flavors by Ale on IG: https://www.instagram.com/flavorsbyale/?hl=en Trattoria l'Incontro: https://trattorialincontro.com/ ICE Culinary Program: https://www.ice.edu/campus-programs/culinary-arts-associate-degree Rachael Ray: https://rachaelray.com/ If you come across something you ended up having to search for, send me a message to help make this Show Notes better! — 🤑 To learn more about courses, community, and coaching for hosp...

May 22, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 168

Eddie Shepherd | Productivity in Pop Ups, Skill Stacking, and Plant-Based Tasting Menus - Ep. 167

Eddie's Bio from his website: Eddie Shepherd is an award winning modern plant-based chef. At the forefront of contemporary plant-based cuisine Eddie takes inspiration from nature to create delicious, exciting food with a modern aesthetic. Eddie runs the unique ‘Walled Gardens’ underground restaurant in Manchester, serving a modern 12 course tasting menu in an informal atmosphere. All the food is prepared and served by the chef for just 8 diners per night, making this an intimate but relaxed, uni...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 31 minEp. 167

My Problem with "Heard" in Kitchens, and Why I Prefer Mirrored Callbacks

My Problem with "Heard" in Kitchens, and Why I Prefer Mirrored Callbacks instead - what do you folks think? Get my specialized culinary program, Total Station Domination: https://geni.us/gettsd Video of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vZGXDqrfsdA This episode as a blog post: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/blog/heard-versus-mirrored-callbacks Justin's Instagram: @justinkhanna Follow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire — What's next? 👇 Share the Podcast Get Total Statio...

Apr 02, 202413 min

On "Quantifying Cooking Performance" - My Message to David Chang

Get Total Station Domination (for YOU or for YOUR TEAM): https://www.joinrepertoire.com/tsd David Chang's Episode: https://www.theringer.com/2024/3/21/24107541/quantifying-cooking-performance-and-how-to-menu-musso-franks-grill Get my Prep List Template: https://youtu.be/mHlecuGSNRg?si=mVLpIThDVwVfbW9Y Momofuku Cookbook: https://geni.us/yrar Email me: [email protected] Get your Station Score, free Reps Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARoV2qnyR3E Justin's Instagram: @justinkhanna Fol...

Mar 26, 202452 minEp. 166

Myles Snider | How to Cook Intuitively, Growing Online, and Techniques-over-Recipes - Ep. 165

Introducing Myles Snider, a brilliant culinary enthusiast and entrepreneur, widely known as "@myles_cooks" on Twitter. With his expertise in the art of cooking and his innovative approach to food, Myles has been captivating audiences with his unique culinary creations and sharing his passion for gastronomy through his engaging online presence. In this podcast interview, we delve into Myles' culinary journey, exploring his inspirations, techniques, and the impact of his creative endeavors on the ...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 26 minEp. 165

Ki Chung | Standing Out On the Line, Nervousness, Eating to Learn, and Work You Can Sustain - Ep. 164

Ki Chung is the executive chef of Bar Maze in Honolulu, Hawaii. In this conversation, we talk about his journey to becoming a chef, including his time at French Laundry, Commis, and Aubergine. He also discusses the importance of creating a positive work culture in the restaurant industry, nervousness, improving team culture, and eating to learn. [sponsor] Check out The Standard from MISE: https://youtu.be/FRZNsBOudrQ Show Notes : Ki on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kilols/ Anthony Bourdain book ...

May 15, 20231 hr 18 minEp. 164

Suzanne Vizethann | Chef’s Mental Health, Operational Excellence, Empathy in Hiring - Ep. 163

Chef Suzanne Vizethann talks about her successful breakfast and brunch restaurant, Buttermilk Kitchen. She shares her insights on taking advantage of an underserved market, building a team, and the importance of communication. Additionally, she discusses the operational strategies that set her restaurant apart, including the use of high-quality ingredients, transparency with guests, and implementing new offerings such as espresso and reservations. Finally, she emphasizes the need for clear visio...

Apr 13, 202352 minEp. 163

"Hostile" Hospitality, A Failed Chef-Restaurateur, Delivery Financials, and more - Ep. 162

In this episode of the Repertoire podcast, host Justin Khanna shares his excitement about the return of solo episodes. Khanna highlights some of the most popular stories covered in past episodes, including a Twitter thread by startup founder Nick Huber, about the reality of running a profitable restaurant. The thread features a cautionary tale about a chef turned restaurateur who failed after opening a restaurant for selfish reasons and not being prepared to handle the responsibilities of runnin...

Apr 04, 202351 minEp. 162

Helpful Pre-Stage Advice: The 2 Types

In this episode, we dive into the world of hospitality and discuss the crucial pre-stage advice that can help you succeed in the industry. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or looking to break into the field, these tips and strategies will give you the edge you need to thrive. Following these pre-stage tips and strategies can help you stand out in the competitive hospitality industry and set you on the path to success. Remember to stay focused, be prepared, and take the ...

Feb 24, 202328 min

Akshay Bhardwaj | Family-Run Restaurants, Indian Fine Dining, and Finding Balance - Ep 161

Born in Queens, Akshay Bhardwaj studied business at Fordham University and Baruch College, and then pivoted to his passion: cooking. His ascension in the culinary world was extraordinary; between 2012 and 2017, he worked his way from working the line to executive chef at Junoon. Junoon was awarded one Michelin Star eight consecutive years from 2011, and held the title of the only Indian restaurant in New York City with a Michelin Star from 2018-2019. He was also selected as a Gohan Society Culin...

Feb 20, 20231 hr 37 minEp. 161

Don't Make it In-House

Get on my Email Newsletter This post's newsletter, so you can get a taste of what each version is like Justin's Instagram: @justinkhanna Follow The Repertoire Podcast on Instagram: @joinrepertoire — What's next? 👇 Share the Podcast Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge Support the show for $19 a month via the Repertoire Pro Community for Industry Professionals My latest upload on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Get in touch with Justin Tweet at Justin Follow along on Instagram ...

Feb 10, 20239 min

Noma's News, The Menu, and AI Eating Food | Ray Delucci - Ep. 160

Join us for a special episode of our podcast as we delve into the recent news of Noma's shutdown and the online food fight that ensued. Our host breaks down his initial thoughts on the situation and interviews Ray Delucci, host of Line Cook Thoughts, for his perspective. Stay tuned as the host discusses more on the state of the fine dining industry with Ray Delucci. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on the future of fine dining in a post-apocalyptic COVID world. Don't forget to check out our s...

Jan 13, 20231 hr 27 minEp. 160

Eneko Axpe | Gastrophysics, Delicious Sustainability and Wrestling Texture - Ep 159

Welcome to this episode of the podcast, where we will be discussing food sustainability and the restaurant industry. Our guest today is Eneko Axpe , a gastrophysicist who has been awarded one of the world's 50 Next Awards from San Pellegrino for his work in science innovation. In this episode, we will be discussing Eneko's background in material sciences and physics, and how he has applied these principles to the culinary world. We will also be discussing his work in fine dining concepts, food m...

Dec 29, 20221 hr 22 minEp. 159

Corey Chow | Overcoming Fear, Leading in Kitchens and Asking for Help - Ep 158

My guest today is Corey Chow, the executive chef of the Stanwich Golf Club, and famously before that, the chef-de-cuisine of Per Se. If you’ve picked up the latest edition of the Thomas Keller book titled The French Laundry + Per Se, you’ll notice Corey’s name because he was the co-author. This episode is also cool because of the connection we shared back when I was an extern at the three Michelin star restaurant, Per Se, Corey was my sous chef. — Corey Chow's Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...

Dec 15, 202239 minEp. 158

Arnold Byun | Building Brands, Front-of-House Mastery, and Stacking Skills - Ep 157

My guest today is Arnold Byun, a hospitality leader, brand builder and community connector. As the Founder of With Warm Welcome and Co-Founder of MAUM , his purpose and passion is in amplifying fellow Asian founders through experiential storytelling, event activations, and branded partnerships. I met Arnold on one of my first visits to Atomix in New York City, check out that This Place Called video on my Youtube channel if you haven’t seen that yet - because that’s where Arnold got some stellar ...

Dec 09, 202250 minEp. 157

Andrew Friedman | Chef Interviews, Critical Writings, and Crafting The Dish - EP 156

My guest today is Andrew Friedman, an acclaimed author, food writer, and host of the podcast Andrew Talks to Chefs. For more than ten years, Friedman has collaborated with many of the nation's best and most revered chefs on cookbooks and other writing projects. His writing career began in 1997, when Alfred Portale, asked him to collaborate on the Gotham Bar and Grill Cookbook. He has since worked as a cookbook collaborator on more than twenty projects, including Knives at Dawn cataloging the Boc...

Nov 18, 20221 hr 46 minEp. 156

Rushir Parikh | Restaurant Brands, Built with Creators - Ep. 155

My guest today is Rushir Parikh, CEO of Popchew, the brains behind restaurant brands like WingSZN, Snapback Kitchen, and Bitcoin Pizza. Depending on other creators you follow online, these restaurant brands might sound familiar because Zias, a Youtuber with nearly 5 million subscribers, Jack from Snapback Sports with one of the largest Snapchat accounts, or Anthony Pompliano, the investor with almost 2 million twitter followers have all launched food brands with Popchew in over 100 locations nat...

Nov 06, 202239 minEp. 155

2 Tips for Pop-Ups and What Often Gets Missed

Screenshot this episode and share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Twitter on this new shorter format! This question came in from Jadeon on YouTube for an #AskJK video - thanks for your question! Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge: https://geni.us/5dkpc — To learn more about courses, community and coaching for hospitality creators: https://www.joinrepertoire.com Join Repertoire Pro Community: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/pro-membership Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challe...

Sep 09, 20226 min

How to Get a Job/Stage Abroad - My Strategy

Screenshot this episode and share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Twitter on this new shorter format! This question came in from Jerick on YouTube for an #AskJK video - thanks for your question! Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge: https://geni.us/5dkpc — To learn more about courses, community and coaching for hospitality creators: https://www.joinrepertoire.com Join Repertoire Pro Community: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/pro-membership Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challe...

Sep 09, 20226 min

My Restaurant Plans? Plus: Writing a Book, Drug Abuse & Bucket List Restaurants

Screenshot this episode and share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Twitter on this new shorter format! This question came in from Jesse on YouTube for an #AskJK video - thanks for your question! Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge: https://geni.us/5dkpc Article on High-Performers: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160420083955.htm — To learn more about courses, community and coaching for hospitality creators: https://www.joinrepertoire.com Join Repertoire Pro Community...

Sep 09, 20229 min

"Memorable" & Go-To Staff Meals

Screenshot this episode and share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Twitter on this new shorter format! This question came in from Ben on YouTube for an #AskJK video - thanks for your question! Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge: https://geni.us/5dkpc — To learn more about courses, community and coaching for hospitality creators: https://www.joinrepertoire.com Join Repertoire Pro Community: https://www.joinrepertoire.com/pro-membership Take the 5-Day-Kitchen-Productivity Challenge...

Sep 09, 20229 min

Jon Merrick | The Rapping Chef, Mentors, and Creating Content Around Food - Ep. 154

In this conversation with Jon Merrick, we discussed how to be a content creator while still cooking, finding mentors, mental health and how cooking saved Jon's life. He's a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He's worked in kitchens like Michael Mina worked on the sales side in food distribution as well. He's most recently he's been a content creator on TikTok, on YouTube, on Instagram, and also launching the new pop-up series called Family Meal Boise, where he hosts intimate tasting ...

Sep 01, 202259 minEp. 154
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