How Long Gone 873. - Paul Needham
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Nov 21, 2025 
Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation, dives into the vibrant world of restaurant culture from his NYC office. He explores the intriguing psychology behind waiting in line and shares his favorite In-N-Out order. The talk touches on elevated small luxuries in dining, Ojai's rise as a trendy getaway, and the latest in the 'bagel wars.' Paul also reveals insights from The Infatuation's best-of lists and discusses the balance restaurants face with viral trends versus loyal customers. Tune in for a flavorful feast of culinary insights!
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Platforms Become Personal Identities
- Substack and niche social platforms become identities for some users, which makes critiques feel like personal attacks.
- Paul and Jason argue platform choice often reflects income strategies, not inherent cultural value.
Avoid Single-Platform Dependence
- Don't build your whole business on a single third-party platform.
- Paul suggests owning your payment and distribution where possible to avoid platform risk.
Star-Studded River Cafe Night
- Jason described a River Cafe dinner where multiple celebrities appeared at one table.
- He used the story to convey the restaurant's high-profile, exclusive vibe.