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Once you've signed up, expect us to pop into your inbox every Monday and Wednesday delivering the freshest restaurant stories. We're talking in-depth analysis, insights, handy tips, and expert advice.

Aimed at providing small-to-mid size restaurant owners, managers and decision makers the best business advice, inspiration, and trends from around the web + exclusive content you can only find on The Prep's Hidden Menu.

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Meet the Editorial Team

Lesley McKenzie, Editor

Lesley McKenzie is a newsroom leader, newsletter strategist and journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the business, entertainment and lifestyle spaces. McKenzie is the former managing editor of Ankler Media, a Y Combinator company formed in 2022 as an uncompromising alternative to Hollywood's traditional trade reporting. Prior to that, she also served as managing editor of Variety, and deputy editor of C. She has written for publications including The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, WWD and Ultratravel. A graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and New York University, McKenzie currently resides in Austin.

Expert Contributor

Julien Perry is a Seattle-based food and lifestyle writer and editor with more than 20 years' worth of bylines. Her work has been featured nationally in Eater, Food & Wine and Food Network. She's the author of two cookbooks and is currently working on her third.

Attn: Freelance Writers

We are looking for freelance writers!

Are you a freelancer who knows the restaurant industry? Send an email to newsletter@theprep.co with your resume and recent clips related to restaurants.