What advantage does a local shop dedicating itself to one style (like Peruvian or Korean) often achieve over a national chain?
A level of mastery that mass production cannot replicate by dedicating effort to a single preparation style.
The text draws a sharp contrast between the consistency offered by large chains and the potential pinnacle of quality achieved by focused local establishments. National chains must cater to broad appeal, leading to standardized, often generalized products. A local shop, however, can focus its entire operational effort, sourcing, and refinement process on mastering one specific preparation—such as Peruvian rotisserie or Korean fried chicken. This singular dedication allows the chef to achieve a depth of flavor, precision in technique, and overall mastery of that specific style which is very difficult, if not impossible, for mass production facilities to replicate consistently.
