NC F&B Podcast

North Carolina Food & Beverage
  • 4.6 (110)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hospitality industry veteran Max Trujillo goes behind the scenes of North Carolina's thriving food and beverage culture. On the NC F&B Podcast, you'll hear from local chefs, sommeliers, distillers, farmers, brewers, and the whole colorful cast that makes up the state's culinary scene.

  1. 5D AGO

    Politics, Podcasts, and the Pursuit of Public Office: A Conversation with Beau Blair

    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 the broader impact of current politics on the food and beverage industry. Beau's Substack 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

    53 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs

    Max Trujillo interviews Ariana Nester and Sue Ellsworth about the We Power Food 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 women in business. 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

    1h 15m

  3. 11/13/2025

    The Rise of Chef Isaac Duque: Fusing Music and Culinary, One Pop-up at a Time

    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, 'Whet,' which stands for 'We Here Eat Together.' After a spontaneous yet successful pop-up dinner experience in Wake Forest, Chef Isaac 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 gives a behind-the-scenes look at his multi-course dinners, featuring dishes like Brazilian cheese bread and duck skewers, and discusses the joys and challenges of creating these unique culinary events. Tune in to hear about his plans for future collaborations and his favorite Thanksgiving traditions, all delivered with the charm and humor of Max's colorful hosting style. 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

    49 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    Inside the Michelin Guide with Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss joins in

    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 mentions in Raleigh, Asheville, and beyond. The duo also reminisces about past joint projects and updates on their separate ventures. Max gives a shoutout to the upcoming Raleigh Oyster Fest he's promoting and throws in some humorous, candid thoughts about his dating life post-divorce. If you stick around until the end, you'll get a raw, unedited taste of their off-the-cuff banter, giving you a glimpse into the real minds behind the mics. 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

    1h 8m

  5. 10/16/2025

    Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe

    NC F&B Podcast

    1h 18m

  6. 09/25/2025

    Better Choices, Better Life: Tyler Helikson's Roadmap to Success

    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 supportive environment for men to improve their lives through diet, exercise, and mindfulness. Despite Max's initial skepticism about joining groups (and his lifelong affinity for the counterculture vibe of the Raiders), the experience has already led to positive changes, like resisting the temptations of food courts. They also hint at the potential for a new series to continue motivating others. This conversation not only highlights their personal growth but also underscores the importance of community and support in achieving lasting change. 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

    54 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    Sideline Snacks and the Revival of Concession Stands in Holly Springs

    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 Sideline Snacks. Joined by Kyle Sutton of Bestow Baked Goods, 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 high expectations. The episode wraps humorously with a secret word challenge for listeners to get some free swag at Sideline Snacks. 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

    1h 34m

  8. 09/11/2025

    Shuck Yeah: The Rawleigh Oyster Fest Preview

    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 Rawleigh Oyster Fest, 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 about family, food, and future plans. 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

    37 min
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4.6
out of 5
110 Ratings

About

Hospitality industry veteran Max Trujillo goes behind the scenes of North Carolina's thriving food and beverage culture. On the NC F&B Podcast, you'll hear from local chefs, sommeliers, distillers, farmers, brewers, and the whole colorful cast that makes up the state's culinary scene.

Information

  • Creator
    North Carolina Food & Beverage
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    531
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    NC F&B Podcast