In 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.

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo connects with Jimmy Kim and Andrew Robison to discuss their exciting venture into opening the third Cucciolo location, Cucciolo Famiglia, near Southpoint Durham.

We get into the unique Italian journey of the Cucciolo brand, from its origin in Korea to its expansion in North Carolina. Kim and Robison reveal their plans for Cucciolo Famiglia to offer approachable, family-friendly Italian-American staples, focusing on a neighborhood restaurant feel.

We also reflect on the North Hills community's response to recent local tragedy at Coquette, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and coworkers.

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

We have returned! And to kick off 2025, the NC F&B Podcast starts right by featuring renowned bartender, author, and cocktail expert Jim Meehan. Celebrating his new book, 'The Bartender's Pantry,' Meehan reflects on his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New York’s elite bars like Gramercy Tavern and PDT. He shares anecdotes about working with Danny Meyer, the philosophy behind his writing, and his views on the modernization of the cocktail industry. Meehan highlights the importance of service, community, and the true essence of hospitality in bartending. The episode showcases Meehan’s meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to preserving the craft of cocktail making in a fast-evolving industry.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com