NC F&B Podcast

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 Seen

01:23 The Journey to Food Seen

04:50 The Role of Social Media in Food Seen'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

We speak with the Children's Flight of Hope charity with Heather Miller, Director of Community Engagement for the organization, and Mike Zolnik, Director of Marketing for Clouds Brewing to promote Hops for Hope on September 14th in North Hills!

Heather explains how Children's Flight of Hope provides flights for children in need of life-changing medical care, often requiring travel to specialized hospitals.

Hops for Hope on September 14th, is a collaboration involving local companies and breweries to raise funds for the charity. Mike shares details about Clouds Brewing's participation and the community aspect of the event. Get your tickets and enjoy unlimited beer tastings, food trucks, and live music.

We welcome Levin Woodall, the director of Lonerider Spirits to explore their journey from being a staple craft brewery in Raleigh to launching its spirits division, including whiskey, in 2018-2019. The discussion delves into Lonerider's unique offerings like the high rye bourbon finished in sherry, tequila, and stout barrels, as well as their limited-edition wheated bourbon. Levin shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of selling craft spirits in North Carolina, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their expansion plans. The conversation also touches on the intricacies of North Carolina's ABC laws and the untapped potential for the state's distilling industry.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod

Euphoria is a food, wine, and music festival that takes place in Greenville, South Carolina. It is celebrating its 19th year and has become a prominent event in the culinary scene. The festival offers a variety of events, including tastings, chef demos, seminars, and lunch and learns. It showcases a diverse range of cuisines and brings in renowned chefs and mixologists from around the country.

Euphoria also focuses on providing an intimate and educational experience for attendees. The festival takes place from September 19th to September 22nd, and tickets can be purchased here:  Euphoria Greenville

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interview Chef Scott Alderson, owner of Native Prime Provisions, a hidden gem located in a strip mall in Cashers, North Carolina. Scott shares his journey, love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, and innovative yet strict approach to running a 10-seat counter restaurant. Despite some harsh Google reviews, Scott emphasizes his commitment to providing exceptional food and experience while setting clear boundaries for his guests. The conversation covers sourcing fresh seafood, local partnerships, and the unique atmosphere of his restaurant, characterized by loud music, casual vibes, and a no-nonsense attitude.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast features co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interviewing accomplished mixologist Ingrid Folkers. Ingrid shares her journey from being a bartender at Whiskey Kitchen to competing in prestigious cocktail competitions like the USBG World Class sponsored by Diageo, where she was named a top 30 contestant. She discusses her upcoming transition to managing a new bar program at the Hyatt's High Rail in Seaboard Station, her philosophy on using unique ingredients in cocktails, and her competitive spirit shaped by a background in Taekwondo and debate. Additionally, Ingrid talks about her goals to own a bar focused on education and mentorship. The episode concludes with insights into the latest trends in mixology, emphasizing no and low-ABV cocktails and the potential for THC-infused drinks.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod

Support our Sponsors:

Got To Be NC!

Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here

Join Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as they chat with the Mera Brothers, who are opening a new oyster and ceviche restaurant in downtown Raleigh. The trio dives into their journey from a Google search to becoming seasoned oyster farmers, and discuss their plans to vertically integrate their oyster farm with a brick-and-mortar cevicheria. We talk about the challenges and strategies of starting up in the food business, pricing, and the potential of North Carolina's oyster industry.

Expect delicious insights, a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant entrepreneurship, and the promise of affordable, high-quality seafood. All served with a side of vino, cerveza, bourbon, and Shark Week fun!

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod

Support our Sponsors:

Got To Be NC!

Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here

In this sizzling episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss spice things up with Duncan Blount, the owner of Shelby Spice from Shelby, NC. As they chew the fat (and some hot sauce), Duncan shares his rockstar passion for crafting premium hot sauces, comparing them to aged bourbon and fine wine. Amid chatter about banjos and bluegrass, Duncan discusses his use of premium vinegars and local family farm-grown peppers. He reveals his process of creating small-batch, single-pot hot sauces that could light up any meal—and maybe even Drake's next hit song. From discussing vinegar’s bite to reminiscing about grandma’s pepper sauce, this episode is a symphony of humor, heat, and heartfelt craft. Get ready to dance to the beat of hot sauce!

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod

Support our Sponsors:

Got To Be NC!

Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here