Hospitality Trends and Transformations with Courtney Blake of Pilot Light Consulting
Release Date: 01/30/2025
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...
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Sri Lanka Meets Carolina: Spice, Flavor, and a Dash of Pizza
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo visits Aromaa, a new Sri Lankan restaurant in Raleigh. Max speaks with the owner Sherwin, his daughters Stephanie and Jennifer, and Chef Kalpa about the culinary delights of Sri Lankan cuisine. They discuss the restaurant's origins, the distinctive flavors and spices used in Sri Lankan cooking, and the differences between Sri Lankan and South Indian food. The conversation also covers Aromaa's unique blend of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and fusion items like curry pizzas, as well as their plans to introduce a...
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Tacos and Tariffs: A Capitol Encounter with Congresswoman Deborah Ross
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo welcomes Congresswoman Deborah Ross for an insightful discussion. We explore topics such as North Carolina's vibrant food scene, the significance of Juneteenth, and the intersection between politics and the food and beverage industry. Congresswoman Ross shares her culinary favorites in the Raleigh Triangle area and details her legislative efforts to support the local food industry. The conversation also delves into broader issues like tariffs, the importance of a strong food community, and the current challenges in the U.S. agricultural sector. The episode emphasizes the role...
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Bubbles, Brisket, and the Business of Being Mo
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo and his co-host, Hershey the dog, welcome the talented and outspoken chef, Mo (). The conversation traverses Mo's eclectic background, from her roots in Philadelphia to her pivotal role as head chef at in downtown Raleigh. They bounce back and forth from recapping the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket, some personal details in Max’s life, and the similarities to other events happening around town. They delve into Mo's controversial past involving a heated incident at Plum in Durham, her entrepreneurial ventures with the Modega popup, and the ensuing journey that led...
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Behind The Stick: Matt Coleman's Mixology Meets Neighborhood Vibe at The Davie
NC F&B Podcast
'Bubbles and Brisket' is in its fifth year, on Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Matt Coleman, owner of The Davie in Raleigh. They discuss Matt's journey from being a bartender at various high-end cocktail bars like Fox Liquor Bar, to opening his own neighborhood bar. The conversation dives into the evolution of the cocktail...
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Holy Cow! 150 Years of Shipley Farms with Gray Shipley
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets Today we speak with Gray Shipley, a fifth-generation owner of Shipley Farms. They discuss the history and operations of Shipley Farms, which dates back to 1872, including its focus on high-quality, pasture-raised...
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Bartender Banter: Mixing Humor with Spirits at Wolfe & Porter
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets Let's chat bartending and bar culture with Jacob Gallant and Ritchie Reno of Raleigh's Wolfe & Porter, a bar offering multiple spaces, including a neighborhood bar, a classic cocktail lounge, and an outdoor...
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The Ideal episode about Ideal's Sandwiches... Get in Line...
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo is excited to talk about delis, sandwiches, and the story behind Ideals Deli Market Gourmet. Featuring business partners Ian...
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 [email protected]