In this episode of Prep Talk, hosts Jen and Mary discuss the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the restaurant industry with Dr. Jadrian Wooten, Collegiate Associate Professor of Economics at Virginia Tech. We will explore the definition of tariffs, how they affect prices across the supply chain, and the challenges restaurant owners face in adapting to fluctuating costs. The conversation delves into consumer behavior, the risks of stockpiling inventory, and strategies for mitigating costs. Additionally, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of tariffs, as well as potential policy interventions to support the restaurant sector.

Dr. Jadrian Wooten's Blog: https://www.mondayeconomist.com/

Let us know about the topics that are keeping you up at night at preptalk@hostmeapp.com

Sources:

https://www.ft.com/content/3cf34904-5345-4764-80e9-806fc3a1e601

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/09/a-fatal-blow-italian-producers-fear-effects-of-trumps-war-against-pasta

https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/restaurant-experts-tariff-impact/745186/

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/economy/spotlight/us-tariffs-impact-consumer-spending.html https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/restaurant-experts-tariff-impact/745186/

https://www.southernpackaginglp.com/blog/impact-of-tariffs-on-the-packaging-industry

https://chaseandassoc.com/tariff-tensions-and-supply-chain-disruptions-flexible-packaging-and-global-trade-challenges https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/tariff-trackers-the-latest-frontier-for-ai-developers-avanade-enterra-microsoft/746210/

https://www.alteryx.com/blog/navigating-tariffs-in-the-ai-era-impacts-and-opportunities-for-demand-planning

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/operations/outside-insights/tariffs-versus-profit-margins-how-ai-is-helping-restaurants-combat-price-hikes/

https://loman.ai/blog/10-ways-ai-optimizes-restaurant-food-costs