Episode 120: Prix Fixe Fatigue
Restaurant Week was once the ultimate dining deal — a clever way to fill empty tables during slow seasons in New York and Miami. But in 2025, the math no longer adds up. In this episode of The Real State Podcast, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blond explore why today’s prix fixe menus feel less like bargains and more like bait-and-switch.
We break down the hidden costs that turn a $60 steakhouse “special” into a $300 night out, from skyrocketing food and labor expenses to minimum wage increases and rent hikes. We also dive into cultural shifts reshaping restaurant economics: the rise of Ozempic and other appetite-suppressing drugs, Gen Z’s decline in alcohol consumption, and the DIY foodie culture fueled by Instagram. Add in sticker-shock drink pricing, overcrowded dining rooms, and noise levels that make dinner feel like a therapy session, and it’s no wonder Restaurant Week is struggling to deliver on its promise.
Along the way, Alex and Jamie share personal stories from both Miami Spice and New York City’s dining scene, including the history of how Restaurant Week started in 1992, why it expanded to a month (or more), and how restaurants use it as a marketing tool to keep staff working during the off-season. We debate whether the concept can still work, what smarter strategies restaurants could use, and what diners should watch for to truly find value.
If you’ve ever wondered why your “deal” dinner doesn’t feel like one — or what these trends say about the changing culture of city life — this episode is for you.
Keywords: Restaurant Week, Miami Spice, prix fixe menus, dining trends 2025, restaurant closings, NYC restaurants, Miami restaurants, Ozempic and dining, Gen Z drinking habits, food inflation, dining out costs.
