Hospitality Trends and Transformations with Courtney Blake of Pilot Light Consulting
Release Date: 01/30/2025
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...
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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...
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Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe
NC F&B Podcast
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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...
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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...
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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...
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From Alcohol to THC: Embracing a Healthier Beverage Choice with Tailchaser & Nature's Releaf
NC F&B Podcast
Ready to explore the buzz around THC-infused beverages? 🎧 Tune in to the latest North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast episode where we chat with Jennifer Wilson, the founder of Tail Chaser, about their new line of sangrias. 🎙️🍇 #HempRevolution #PodcastLife #drinklocal Host Max Trujillo explores the realm of THC-infused sangria alongside Ian Brown, the District Manager of Nature's Relief, and Casey Taylor, the brand’s operations assistant. We get into the inspiration behind Tail Chaser, the complexities of creating a beverage that's both delicious and health-conscious, and the...
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Unleashing Potential: A Woman's Story of Transformation and Entrepreneurship with Jillian Whitlow
NC F&B Podcast
Join Max Trujillo, host of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, as he chats with his coworker from PFG, Jillian Whitlow. Jillian, an impressive culinary school graduate, has lived in North Carolina for over two decades but will always be a New Yorker. Her story takes us from her early days of culinary training in Arizona to her current passion for horses and fitness. Having undergone a significant weight loss journey, Jillian has transformed her life through discipline and hard work. She is also the creator of Che Figata, a line of women’s chef jackets designed for both fit and...
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Meatballs and Mixology: An Adventure in Angier, NC with Giuseppe's Corner
NC F&B Podcast
Join host Max Trujillo on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as he dives into the vibrant culinary world of Angier, North Carolina. Let’s chat with Giuseppe's Corner, an Italian deli renowned for its authentic New York-style sandwiches. Max is joined by deli owners John and Mike Canepa, and famous local bartender, Zachariah Williams. Listen in as they discuss everything from sourcing bread directly from New York, experimenting with cocktail recipes, firing employees, and their recent TikTok fame. The episode also touches on Angier’s emerging food scene, quirky customer stories,...
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Max & Anthony's Culinary Adventures: A Foodie Podcast Special
NC F&B Podcast
In this lively and impromptu episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes the incredibly positive and quintessentially Italian Anthony Rapillo. They laugh about Anthony's Italian aura and share anecdotes about getting back into the podcast groove. Anthony discusses his spontaneous appearance on the show, attributed to his upcoming TED-style talk at . He shares insights on setting short-term goals and his involvement with La Taqueria, V Pizza, and Flask Cocktail Bar. Amidst humorous banter, Anthony opens up about industry connections, overcoming personal...
info_outlineIn this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo speaks with Courtney Blake, owner and managing director of Pilot Light Consulting. They discuss their shared bi-coastal experiences and delve into serious topics like the natural disasters affecting California and North Carolina. Courtney shares insights into the challenges faced by the food and beverage industry, the evolution of restaurant consulting, and the importance of building sustainable business models. We highlight the essence of California and Southern cuisines, trends in the industry, and the innovative ways to maintain quality and profitability. We explore Courtney's background, her educational journey, and how Pilot Light Consulting helps restaurateurs develop robust business and cultural systems. They wrap up with a discussion on the vibrant food scenes in North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville.
The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media
For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com