In the Season 1 finale of 8ighty 6ix, we reflect on the growth, conversations, and journey that built this podcast from the ground up.

From discussions about the restaurant industry, kitchen culture, chef life, leadership, and hospitality, Season 1 became more than just a podcast—it became a real space for honest conversations about the food industry.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The start of 8ighty 6ix
• Personal and professional growth throughout the season
• Lessons learned from the conversations and guests
• The vision moving forward into Season 2
• Why we’re taking a short hiatus before returning bigger and better

This season was built for everyone who’s lived the grind of chef life and understands the reality behind hospitality.

Season 1 may be ending… but this is only the beginning.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📲 Follow @__8ighty6ix
👨🏾‍🍳 Follow Chef Vern Jr @_chefvernjr

#8ighty6ix #RestaurantIndustry #KitchenCulture #ChefLife #BOHLife

In this episode of 8ighty 6ix, we dive into one of the most stressful moments in the restaurant industry—the day the health inspector walks in.

From the tension before the inspection to the aftermath once the score is posted, we talk about how preparation, leadership, and overall kitchen culture can completely impact the outcome.

This episode covers:

• The pressure of health inspections in the food industry
• How your team affects your score
• The importance of systems, cleanliness, and accountability
• The difference between prepared kitchens and chaotic ones
• What that day reveals about leadership and operations

In real chef life, a health inspection doesn’t just test cleanliness—it tests communication, discipline, and the strength of your team.

If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you already know… that day can change the entire mood of the kitchen.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📲 Follow @__8ighty6ix
👨🏾‍🍳 Follow Chef Vern Jr @_chefvernjr

In this episode of 8ighty 6ix, we break down one of the biggest misconceptions in the restaurant industry and kitchen culture—the difference between flavor and seasoning.

A lot of people use the terms interchangeably, but they’re completely different.

We talk about:

• Why flavor and seasoning are not the same
• How seasoning is used to enhance food, not overpower it
• Why salt is an enhancer—not a seasoning by itself
• The importance of balance in cooking and chef life
• How understanding flavor changes the way you cook

This episode dives into the fundamentals that separate simply cooking food from truly understanding it in the food industry.

Whether you’re a chef, line cook, foodie, or someone passionate about cooking, this conversation will change the way you think about food.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📲 Follow @__8ighty6ix
👨🏾‍🍳 Follow Chef Vern Jr @_chefvernjr