Momentum, Michelin & Microbiomes: Charlotte's Power Couple: Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max welcomes Charlotte hospitality duo Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown, recapping their busy slate: operating five restaurants including Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo, and Leluia Hall; opening “Olivelli Deli” (a tiny 82-square-foot former donut shop) with sandwiches and soft serve; developing Wyatt’s Super Fine inside the 1903 Leeper-Wyatt building they physically moved 750 feet; earning three Michelin Guide spots; filming season two of their PBS show Fork & Hammer; running their weekly podcast Jeff and Jamie Feed; launching a commissary to centralize production and add a...
info_outline
Feast Your Way Through Wilmington: Inside the 2026 Feast of Wilmington
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo welcomes back Jessica Maurer, Director of the third annual , happening March 28–29, as a spring kickoff showcasing Wilmington’s food and beverage scene. They outline the weekend: a Friday tailgate kickoff at the Starling Bar featuring Southern Smoke, Lawrence Barbecue, Salt & Charm and friends; Saturday’s Crafting Cuisine (11–2) pairing 25 restaurants with 25 breweries plus music from Dawson Wright; Saturday night’s Pier Party (6–9) with a new lineup of 25 restaurants, unlimited food and drinks, and entertainment by Kicking Bird; and Sunday’s Brunch Elevated...
info_outline
Politics, Podcasts, and the Pursuit of Public Office: A Conversation with Beau Blair
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Beau Blair, an old friend and brand ambassador running for the North Carolina Sixth Congressional District. They delve into Blair’s journey from the food and beverage industry to politics, discussing the importance of representation, the challenges faced by restaurant workers, and Blair's stance on immigration, education, and healthcare. Blair shares his motivations for running, emphasizing the need for better governance and authentic representation in Washington. The conversation also touches on...
info_outline
We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
NC F&B Podcast
Max Trujillo interviews Ariana Nester and Sue Ellsworth about the nonprofit organization and their upcoming event on January 26. The episode discusses the mission of We Power Food to empower women in the food and beverage industry by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community. Key discussions include the challenges women face in the industry, the importance of networking and mentorship, the launch of a new pitch competition to distribute $25,000 in funding, and the specifics of their upcoming conference. The participants also touch on personal anecdotes and the evolving role of...
info_outline
The Rise of Chef Isaac Duque: Fusing Music and Culinary, One Pop-up at a Time
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo sits down with Chef Isaac Duque to discuss his unique dining concept, ',' which stands for 'We Here Eat Together.' After a spontaneous yet successful pop-up dinner experience in Wake Forest, reveals his vision of merging food and music to trigger nostalgia and create unforgettable dining experiences. The chef shares his journey from an audio engineer in South Florida to becoming an innovative pop-up dinner host in North Carolina, all while highlighting his love for diverse flavors and community dining. Isaac...
info_outline
Inside the Michelin Guide with Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss joins in
NC F&B Podcast
The North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back co-creator and longtime co-host Matthew Weiss as they delve into the recent Michelin Guide announcements for the American South that have stirred quite a buzz in the North Carolina culinary scene. We kick off with a lighthearted debate about Michelin's surprising decisions, revealing a mix of excitement and skepticism. Max shares his rich experience working with notable chefs while Matt provides insights from the wine industry. They touch upon deserving winners like Counter in Charlotte and explore other notable...
info_outline
Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe
NC F&B Podcast
info_outline
Better Choices, Better Life: Tyler Helikson's Roadmap to Success
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back restaurateur Tyler Helikson for an inspiring conversation. The pair catch up on Tyler’s latest ventures, including his successful restaurants, Happy Inhale and Madre, and dive deep into their shared journey of self-improvement. Tyler shares his recent commitment to health and wellness, describing how he’s transformed his life by focusing on nutrition, physical fitness, and mental well-being. Max, inspired by Tyler’s approach, joins a group called 'The Great Lock-In,' which encourages a...
info_outline
Sideline Snacks and the Revival of Concession Stands in Holly Springs
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo dives into the world of sports, food, and entrepreneurship with Gio Mantovani, the owner of . Joined by Kyle Sutton of , they discuss the innovative approach Gio is taking to revitalize dormant concession stands in Holly Springs. The conversation spans from Gio's entrepreneurial journey, starting from vending machines to concession stands, to the importance of convenience and supporting local businesses. They also touch upon delicious pizza-making techniques, showcasing the passion and craft of home cooking with...
info_outline
Shuck Yeah: The Rawleigh Oyster Fest Preview
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back Eduardo Mera of the Mera Brothers Oysters. The main event discussed is the upcoming , set for November 8th at Smoky Hollow. The festival will feature oysters from various farms, dishes prepared by local chefs, live music, and a charity component benefitting NC Coastal Federation and the Frankie Lemon Foundation. They also discuss Eduardo's pop-up events, the historical significance of North Carolina oysters, and their personal experiences with oysters. The episode ends with a light-hearted chat...
info_outlineWe sat down with Nick Dampf himself to talk about his transition from Cisco sales rep to a full-time pitmaster (a term Nick’s too humble to use).We learned:
- What do you get when you mix weekend pop-ups, Texas style BBQ, and a 2000 gallon smoker? Dampf Good BBQ of course!
- How to work on a behemoth smoker
- why the interest in pork steak is.
Listen in to hear for yourself to hear what exciting plans Nick has in store and we guarantee a Dampf good time! Taste Dampf’s BBQ for yourself at this years Bubbles and Brisket -click the link for your tix.
Support our Sponsors:
SPOT ON Tech that helps your business grow. Call Tanya 858-213-7820 or email her tanyam@spoton.com
Need a Gig? Go to GigPro NCFB! and get your first gig, free of charge, from GigPro!
Drink Joe Van Gogh Coffee!
Proof Alcohol Ice Cream Think Differently About Dessert
Triangle Wine Company Use promo code 'NCFB' at checkout!
The NC F&B Podcast is Produced and Engineered by Max Trujillo of Trujillo Media
For booking or questions about the show, contact: max@ncfbpodcast.com or matt@ncfbpodcast.com