Chasing the American Dream at Outback Steakhouse (Classic)

This podcast episode explores the relationship between proximity and social mixing, specifically focusing on the role of full-service restaurant chains. The episode discusses a study that used cell phone location data to identify where people are most likely to encounter someone from a different socioeconomic background. The study found that large full-service restaurant chains, such as Olive Garden and Applebee's, had the largest positive effect on mixing. The episode also includes the speakers' visit to an Outback Steakhouse in Australia to investigate whether it is a place where people from different income levels can socialize. They find mixed perspectives from staff and customers, with some indicating that the restaurant facilitates socializing across socioeconomic backgrounds. The episode concludes with the discussion of the RBAC Stakehouse, where people from different socioeconomic backgrounds come together to socialize, and the positive effects of cross-class friendships on economic mobility.