We dive deep into the intricacies of the food and beverage community's marketing landscape in North Carolina by speaking with Felicia Trujillo, founder and CEO of Food Seen, a marketing agency specializing in food photography and social media. Felicia shares her journey from being a wedding photographer in LA to starting her own marketing agency in Raleigh, offering insights into the evolving world of social media, PR, and marketing for restaurants. They discuss the nuances of food styling, social media strategies, creating cookbooks, and maintaining a vibrant corporate culture. Whether you're a budding restaurateur or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of food marketing, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips.

00:00 Introduction to the NCFNB Podcast

00:44 Meet Felicia Trujillo: Founder and CEO of Food Scene

01:23 The Journey to Food Scene

04:50 The Role of Social Media in Food Scene's Success

11:51 Expanding Services: From Photography to PR

16:01 Strategies for Restaurant Marketing and PR

22:29 Building a Strong Corporate Culture

25:05 Building a Positive Work Environment

26:03 Women in Social Media and PR

27:54 Client Collaboration and Communication

29:18 Future Trends in Social Media

29:45 The Complexity of TikTok Marketing

30:56 The Effort Behind Social Media Content

32:28 The Role of Chefs in Social Media

34:14 Navigating Social Media Trends and Algorithms

38:06 The Legacy of Cookbooks

43:19 International Business and Cultural Nuances

46:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss dive into the world of sausages with their guest, Haig Berberian, owner of Specialty Food Solutions. Broadcasting virtually live from the historic Raleigh building in downtown Raleigh, they explore Haig's Armenian roots, playful nicknames, and his journey from a youth working in his parents' meat store to becoming a sausage aficionado. Haig shares insights on his clean label, high-quality sausages made in North Carolina, and discusses the fascinating details of their sausage-making process. The conversation takes humorous turns, with references to Ferris Bueller, Toblerone payments for childhood chores, and the intricacies of child labor laws. Haig explains the company's role as both a supplier and a developer of proprietary products for restaurants and distributors, emphasizing their agility and commitment to quality. It's a fun and informative chat that promises to leave listeners both entertained and craving some premium sausages.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

On the mic this week:
@trujillo.media
@weisswine

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpodcast

Bill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid losing a season of shows. We touch on the broader vision for downtown Raleigh, including improved public transportation, safety, and potential major league sports developments.

00:00 Introduction to the NCF&B Podcast

00:46 Meet Bill King: President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance

01:24 Bill King's Background and Experience

02:35 The Role and Mission of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance

04:40 Challenges and Initiatives in Downtown Raleigh

11:18 The Impact of the Pandemic on Downtown Raleigh

17:11 Safety and Transportation in Downtown Raleigh

25:52 Future Developments: Red Hat Amphitheater and Convention Center Expansion

27:24 Amphitheater Relocation and Controversy

27:55 Economic Impact of the Amphitheater

28:48 Community Concerns and Connectivity Issues

29:41 City's Plan to Address Connectivity

30:17 Urgency and Timeline for Construction

31:58 Public Involvement and Hearings

32:55 Impact on Local Businesses

35:08 Future of Raleigh's Entertainment Venues

43:56 Potential for Major League Sports in Raleigh

52:40 Call to Action for Community Support

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

On the mic this week:
@trujillo.media
@weisswine

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod