The Truth About Becoming a Chef in 2026

<p>Ray Delucci breaks down whether it&#39;s actually worth joining the hospitality and food industry in 2026, why networking might be the most undervalued skill in this business, Sweetgreen&#39;s stunning fall from a $5 billion valuation, ongoing food safety outbreaks hitting Chipotle and Qdoba, and a first look at A24&#39;s Anthony Bourdain biopic &quot;Tony.&quot;If this episode was helpful, please like and subscribe — at 2,500 YouTube subscribers, we&#39;re doing a follower Q&amp;A. Listening on Spotify or Apple? Share with a friend and leave a review.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Interested in Chef Tech Stack?</strong><a href="https://justinkhanna.notion.site/36138fe6ebfb80e4949ffce6e9cf446a">⁠Learn more here.⁠</a></p><p><strong>Want 1-on-1 Coaching with Repertoire?</strong><a href="https://justinkhanna.notion.site/39c38fe6ebfb8098bbdfc636fdac611a">⁠Apply here.</a></p><p><br></p><p>Links: </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/KitchenConfidential/comments/1vgqp9b/whats_the_consensus_on_joining_the_hospitality/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Joining the Food Industry in 2026 (Reddit)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/linecooks/comments/1vgqa80/networking/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Networking Advice for Cooks (Reddit)</a></p><p><a href="https://foodinstitute.com/foodservice/sweetgreen-turnaround-has-problems-beyond-outbreak/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Sweetgreen’s Struggles</a></p><p><a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/chipotle-qdoba-sweetgreen-salmonella-jalapeno-outbreak/827360/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Salmonella Outbreak</a></p><p><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2026/08/11/raw-beef-recalled-missed-inspection/91253506007/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Beef Recall</a></p><p><br></p><p>💬 <strong>Notice something we missed?</strong>If you come across something we had to search for, send us a message—we&#39;re always looking to make these show notes even better.</p><p>💌 <strong>The Repertoire Newsletter</strong><a href="https://www.joinrepertoire.com/newsletter">⁠Subscribe here⁠</a></p><p>🎙 <strong>Share the Podcast</strong><a href="https://geni.us/repertoirepodcast">⁠Listen &amp; Share⁠</a></p><p>📸 <strong>Instagram</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/joinrepertoire">⁠Follow @joinrepertoire⁠</a></p><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> We earn commission income from qualifying purchases made through Amazon&#39;s Affiliate Program and other affiliate links in this description.</p><p>🙏 <strong>Thank you for listening!</strong></p><p>🎙️ Enjoy More from Repertoire</p>