Podcasts about operation bbq relief

Chef Sherief Shawky's journey is anything but conventional. Raised between Virginia and Egypt, Sherief's path began in a family-owned pizzeria before taking him through some of the industry's most demanding kitchens, working alongside award-winning chefs, opening restaurants, leading culinary teams, and ultimately becoming Corporate Chef and Team Leader for North America at Unox. In this episode, Sherief shares the experiences that shaped him—from learning to leave his ego at the door, navigating burnout, overcoming a serious back injury, and making the difficult decision to step away from restaurant operations at the height of his career. We also discuss mentorship, leadership, mental health in hospitality, his work as an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, and why he believes food remains the universal language that brings people together. Most importantly, this is a conversation about opportunity—recognizing it when it appears and having the courage to say yes. Topics Covered: • Growing up between Egypt and the United States • Working with Chef Sherry Yard and Chef Jamie Lynch • Lessons learned from high-pressure kitchens • Burnout, injury, and career transitions • Leadership and mentoring the next generation • Mental health and The Burnt Chef Project • Life at Unox • Why food is the ultimate connector Plus, Chef Sherief prepares two incredible dishes in the studio, showcasing the creativity, discipline, and culinary perspective that have defined his career. This is Episode 202 of the Walk-In Talk Podcast. BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com  Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. TriMark USA TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners. Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens. CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry. Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters. Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access. TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.  

Episode 201 picks up just days after Walk-In Talk Media celebrated its 200th episode at Tampa Club. What started as a milestone celebration became something much bigger: more than 120 hospitality professionals, chefs, operators, distributors, manufacturers, brand partners, creators, and friends gathered in one room to celebrate the community that has formed around Walk-In Talk Media. Chef Thomas Mandzik joins the show to reflect on the night, the energy in the room, the food, the sponsors, the Tasty Cam moments, and what it meant to see so many industry people show up for one another. From the Walk-In Talk Podcast ice carving and Crab Island Seafood dip display to the nonstop hospitality from Thomas and the Tampa Club team, the evening became a reminder that this industry is built on relationships. As Thomas put it: "Yes, we're competitors… but we're still all fans of each other." The conversation also looks ahead to Thomas's next chapter. This fall, he'll be leaving Tampa Club and heading to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he plans to open an intimate 20-seat restaurant built around his own vision, artistry, faith, and pursuit of a deeply personal dining experience. In studio, Thomas prepares two foie gras-driven dishes: Foie gras with squab, blue corn grits cake, Three Sisters composition, and jus. Bluefin tuna "ravioli" with foie gras mousse, mascarpone, Parmesan, basil emulsion, blood orange gastrique, yuzu aioli, and tomato ginger water. This episode is about celebration, community, gratitude, faith, risk, and the next chapter for one of Walk-In Talk Media's closest chef voices. Episode Takeaways Walk-In Talk Media's Episode 200 celebration became a true hospitality community moment. More than 120 industry professionals gathered at Tampa Club to celebrate the milestone. Chef Thomas Mandzik and the Tampa Club team helped create the culinary energy of the night. The event highlighted the power of relationships across chefs, operators, distributors, manufacturers, and brand partners. Thomas sees the Central Florida hospitality scene as competitive, but also deeply supportive. His move to Corpus Christi is rooted in family, faith, timing, and opportunity. Thomas plans to open an intimate 20-seat restaurant focused on artistry, memory, and elevated dining. The episode features two highly technical foie gras dishes built around squab and bluefin tuna. Hospitality at its best is about creating moments people remember. Episode 201 serves as both a recap of a major milestone and a preview of Thomas's next chapter. BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com  Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. TriMark USA TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners. Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens. CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry. Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters. Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access. TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.    

Almost exactly one year ago, Chef Elijah Rock joined Walk-In Talk Media to discuss the early stages of building Bricks and navigating life as a new restaurant owner. A lot can change in a year. In Episode 200, Elijah returns to reflect on what the last twelve months have taught him about leadership, delegation, fatherhood, burnout, trust, and the reality of restaurant ownership beyond what guests see from the dining room. The conversation explores the pressure that comes with building something meaningful, learning to let go of control, empowering a team, and finding balance in an industry that rarely slows down. Along the way, Elijah shares how becoming a father has changed his perspective, why success often looks different than people imagine, and what it means to build something his daughter can one day be proud of. In the studio, Chef Elijah presents two dishes that reflect both comfort and restraint:

Charlotte-based food journalist Kathleen Purvis shares her backstory in barbecue and food journalism, reveals opinions about the Charlotte food scene, and introduces The Food Section bureau dedicated to the Queen City. Find out how she got into food journalism and what's kept her in the business since her start at 17. Hear her favorite places for food and her ideal barbecue platter. Learn more about TFS : CLT and the publication's ethics-based approach to covering food in the Carolinas. Don't miss the Kathleen Purvis “Eastern vs. Western” beef with Top Chef's barbecue episode and her favorite menu items for Memorial Day and the official start to summer (they might surprise you!). After you meet Kathleen Purvis, revisit our conversation with The Food Section Publisher Hanna Raskin in this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival. Visit CarolinaBBQFest.org to get connected and keep up with the latest Carolina BBQ Festival events supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Stay tuned for details on the fall Pig Pickin' coming soon! Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

Redwood Smoke Shack pitmaster Bob Roberts shares the story of his barbecue business in Hampton Roads, VA. Don't miss his ideal Redwood Smoke Shack barbecue tray order! Listen to this episode to learn what sets Redwood apart from other barbecue restaurants, and what you can expect when you visit one of Redwood Smoke Shack's three locations. Bob talks about educating the public on craft barbecue, introducing future food service workers to the industry, and receiving the news that Redwood Smoke Shack is among the best Texas Barbecue outside of Texas. Find out how much brisket is cooking and how much wood is burning every week in Redwood's newest Suffolk location. Opened in 2025, it operates as a commissary that smokes meat daily and delivers it to Redwood Smoke Shack in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Tune in for Bob's favorite bites from the 2026 Carolina BBQ Festival, his early thoughts about creating a similar event for Hampton Roads, and what he'll do differently at the 2027 festival. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival. Visit CarolinaBBQFest.org to get connected and keep up with the latest Carolina BBQ Festival events supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Stay tuned for details on the fall Pig Pickin' coming soon! Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website! 

Chef Taylor Dillon's path into Mexican cuisine wasn't traditional, and that's exactly what makes this conversation interesting. Born and raised in New Orleans, trained in some of New York's most demanding kitchens including Daniel and Jean-Georges, Taylor eventually found himself completely immersed in the craft, history, and technique behind Mexican food. What started as curiosity turned into obsession, studying nixtamalization, grinding corn from scratch, and building a deeper understanding of a cuisine rooted in generations of tradition. Now, alongside his wife Kayla, he's built Con Amor, a restaurant shaped by passion, discipline, and a genuine respect for the culture behind the food. In this episode, we talk about identity in cooking, earning credibility inside a cuisine that isn't tied to your own heritage, opening a restaurant while building a marriage at the same time, and why some of the best chefs never stop learning. We're also joined by Leigh Wilson, Director of Marketing for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, for another segment of What's Hot Tampa Bay, discussing the evolution of the local food scene and why chefs telling more personal stories through food is resonating now more than ever. This one is about culture, humility, growth, and building something with intention.   Chef Taylor Dillon shares how growing up in New Orleans and training in elite New York kitchens shaped his culinary foundation. Why Mexican cuisine became a personal obsession, and how self-teaching nixtamalization changed his direction as a chef. The importance of respecting culture, technique, and tradition when cooking outside your own heritage. Opening Con Amor alongside his wife Kayla, and balancing marriage with restaurant ownership. Why collaboration and mentorship matter more than competition in today's culinary landscape. Leigh Wilson of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay joins the conversation for another segment of What's Hot Tampa Bay, discussing how the local food scene is evolving through more personal storytelling and chef-driven concepts.   BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com  TriMark USA Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners. Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens. Franki https://www.getfranki.com A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content. CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry. Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters. Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access. TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Bar-B-Q King pitmaster Jordan Smith introduces his family barbecue business in Lincolnton, NC. Around the barbecue pit since he was a child, Jordan continues the operation his father-in-law started, and his father joined as a teenager. Find out how Jordan maintains Bar-B-Q King traditions – like the unique counter service – and why that's an important part of meeting the expectations of a loyal multi-generational following. Beyond the barbecue, Bar-B-Q King's cheeseburgers, onion rings, and hushpuppies are IYKYK top-sellers. Jordan reveals just how many burgers are hand-patted and onions are cut at Bar-B-Q King every week. Find out how Jordan and Bar-B-Q King got involved with Top Chef Carolinas' “barbecue episode.” Don't miss his recap of the Carolina BBQ Festival “Queen City Smoke” experience. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival. Visit CarolinaBBQFest.org to get connected and keep up with the latest Carolina BBQ Festival events supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Stay tuned for details on the fall Pig Pickin' coming soon! Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website!   

What does it look like to keep showing up when your body is working against you? In Episode 195, Ciji Castro returns to the show for one of the most personal conversations we've had. Ciji is currently battling stage four endometriosis, a disease that affects millions of women, yet remains widely misunderstood, especially in high-pressure industries like hospitality. And still, she shows up. Still cooking. Still creating. Still pushing forward. This episode goes beyond the plate. We talk about what endometriosis actually feels like on a daily basis, the gap between what people see and what's really happening, and the emotional and physical toll of navigating a career, motherhood, and life while dealing with chronic pain. Ciji also opens up about advocacy, what it takes to be heard in a system that often dismisses women's health, and the importance of support, especially from those closest to you. Her husband Miguel joins the conversation, offering a real look at what it means to support someone through this kind of fight, not just emotionally, but as an advocate. And through it all, food remains part of the story. Not as an escape, but as a way to connect, to ground, and to bring people together, even in difficult moments. This is a conversation about resilience, awareness, and making space for the stories that don't always get told in this industry. Franki is built around that idea. It connects restaurants with real diners and turns those experiences into user-driven video content that continues to work long after the visit. No upfront cost. No long-term contracts. Just measurable traffic and real visibility. They're also covering your first $250 in-store to get started. It's a different approach and one we're paying attention to. Check it out here: http://frankiapp.com/walkintalk   KEY TAKEAWAYS Endometriosis is widely misunderstood, especially in demanding industries like hospitality Many people in foodservice are dealing with invisible challenges while still performing at a high level Advocacy is critical when navigating chronic illness and healthcare systems Support systems, especially partners and family, play a major role in resilience The hospitality industry often overlooks the human side behind performance Food can still be a grounding force during difficult moments Awareness leads to better understanding, both inside and outside the industry   BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners. Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens. Franki https://www.getfranki.com A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content. CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry. Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters. Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access. TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Swig & Swine Barbecue Founder Anthony DiBernardo shares the story of his South Carolina restaurant, from sleeping on a cot set up by a smoker in 2014 to six locations across the Palmetto State today. The Holy Smokes Founder also explains how he aligned fellow Charleston business, Home Team Barbecue and Aaron Siegel, to create the annual charitable event that provides a visible impact for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston and Hogs for the Cause. Don't miss Anthony's plans for a meat-and-three tribute to his late son. Listen now, and you'll also get his review of the Carolina BBQ Festival and find out which N.C. pitmaster he'd like to add to the Holy Smokes lineup. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival. Visit CarolinaBBQFest.org to get connected and keep up with the latest Carolina BBQ Festival events supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Stay tuned for details on the fall Pig Pickin' coming soon! Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!  

What happens when the person behind the camera starts understanding the plate better than ever before? Episode 194 is a different kind of conversation. No guest rotation. No outside voice. Just Carl Fiadini and John Hernandez, the creative force behind the lens at Walk-In Talk Media. Over the last year, John's role has evolved in a way most people wouldn't expect. He's still behind the camera. But through Walk-In Talk Media's relationship with RAK Porcelain USA, the expectations changed. The opportunity to shoot for a product catalog meant the margin for error disappeared. Every plate had to be right. And that responsibility pushed John deeper into the process, not just capturing dishes, but cooking them, plating them, and refining them before they ever hit the lens. What started as observation turned into execution. Learning from the chefs who come through the studio each week, John began applying those techniques in real time, developing an understanding of structure, balance, and composition that now shows up in every piece of content. This episode breaks down that evolution. How repetition and proximity to talent shaped his growth. What it takes to make food actually translate on camera. And what changes when you go from documenting the work… to owning it. We also touch on what's ahead, including the upcoming Episode 200 event at the Tampa Club, and what this next phase of Walk-In Talk Media looks like. This is a conversation about growth, pressure, and raising the standard Growth comes from proximity to talent and repetition over time Food styling is as critical as photography in visual storytelling Shooting for a product catalog raises the standard across the board Understanding plating improves how food is captured on camera The shift from observer to executor changes everything Small adjustments in structure, balance, and color define the final image Great food content starts before the camera is turned on Pressure creates clarity and elevates the work Collaboration between chefs and creatives drives better outcomes Evolution is required to stay relevant in modern food media   BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners. Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens. Franki https://www.getfranki.com A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content. CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry. Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters. Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access. TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Pork belly burnt ends, pulled pork from whole hogs and shoulders, ribs, brisket fried rice, sausages and … redfish!? The Low & Slow Barbecue Show's Carolina BBQ Festival recap offers a review of the event and all the best bites. Find out how the Queen City Smoke and Barbecue Festival Saturday both evolved and continue to grow. We'll guide you through the “Cool Corner” in the shade into the hot corner with the TMG Pits gang and more than two dozen bites scattered between the two and uptown Charlotte's Victoria Yards. Get Chigger's advice for finding pre-show meat smoking activity and learn how to effectively manage your way through a nearly bottomless barbecue menu in 90-degree heat. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival which sends a big thank you to sponsor partners, pitmasters and everyone who attended the event supporting Operation BBQ Relief while celebrating a diverse blend of barbecue flavors that make up Charlotte and the Carolinas. Stay tuned for details about the upcoming Fall Pig Pickin' and our 2027 barbecue festival coming soon. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!  

What does a real vendor relationship actually look like?   In Episode 193, Mike Lombardi, third-generation seafood distributor behind a 65-year family business, joins Chef Stephen Hicks in studio for a conversation that goes far beyond product and price.   This episode dives into what really drives long-term success in the restaurant industry, trust, accountability, and understanding the pressure on both sides of the line.   From early mornings on the docks to high-pressure moments in the kitchen, Mike shares what it means to stay close to the source, build relationships with fishermen, and guide chefs with real-time market insight. Chef Hicks brings the operator perspective, breaking down how the right partners create confidence, consistency, and the ability to push beyond expectations.   This is a conversation about more than seafood.   It's about legacy, decision-making, and the kind of trust that only gets built over time.  

Live fire legend Jack Arnold is bringing his unique high-energy barbecue experience to the Carolina BBQ Festival and he joins The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to talk about his new Burnt End brand and barbecue backstory. Find out what to expect when you see Jack Arnold on the Black Out BBQ Tour in 2026 and get his advice for firing up the smoker after winter break. Listen to learn how Jack connected with Carolina BBQ Festival to support Operation BBQ Relief. Don't miss Jack Arnold's perfect barbecue plate and get the details on how you can connect with the Carolina BBQ Festival and across the U.S. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

Garren Kirkman takes the Low & Slow Barbecue Show back to Peachland with a talk about what's happening at Jon G's Barbecue. Garren runs through the proteins and sides on the menu and how breakfast fits into the Barbecue Saturday schedule. Hear why part of the Jon G's business plan remains true to its brewery pop-up roots, and how catering supports the full-time employees who stay busy beyond the one-day weekend barbecue party. How are food prices affecting Jon G's? Garren talks about responding to marketplace changes and offers advice for BBQ food truck owners moving to brick-and-mortar. Don't miss his take on the “barbecue beef” over “Best in the South” lists. Listen today to find out who to expect at this year's Jon G's Jubilee and what he's serving for his fifth year at the Carolina BBQ Festival.  This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue.

Union Barbecue Pitmaster Holden Sasser gives the backstory on his Charlotte-area food truck and catering business. Find out what kind of barbecue to expect when he pops up at a breweryor event in the region – and how seasonal meat and produce availability promise unique menus at each stop. Holden reveals new things he's cooking up at Union Barbecue. Plus, he shares his opinion on where food trucks fit into the Charlotte barbecue scene and how that environment has changed since Union Barbecue launched. Learn more about Holden's restaurant roots and hear him explain why he left another career to enter the industry. Chigger professes his love for Big DEBORAH and don't miss Holden's Union Barbecue menu plans for Charlotte BBQ Night on Friday, April 17 at the Carolina BBQ Festival. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards inuptown Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets todayfor the Kickoff, the Festival, and a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

There's a shift happening in the restaurant industry.   It's not just about what's on the plate anymore. That part is expected. The real question now is what actually gets seen, what connects, and what ultimately brings people through the door.   In Episode 191, we bring two perspectives together to unpack that. Chef Nelly Buleje of Timpano joins us in the studio. With a career rooted in large-scale hotel operations and shaped by a wide range of culinary influences, he now leads inside a focused, high-volume restaurant environment. His perspective is grounded in experience, discipline, and a deep connection to hospitality — not just execution.   Also joining the conversation is Leigh Wilson, Marketing Director of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, as we introduce a new recurring segment: What's Hot in Tampa Bay. This segment isn't about hype — it's about awareness. Leigh brings a real-time pulse on what's gaining traction, what people are responding to, and how attention is forming across the market. The conversation also dives into one of the most important dynamics shaping restaurants today — the relationship between food and cameras. From social media to perception to expectation, chefs are navigating a world where visibility plays a major role in success. The plate is still the foundation, but how it's presented, shared, and experienced beyond the table now matters just as much. Aaron Sharpe from Testo North America joins the discussion as well, bringing insight into precision, measurement, and what food safety actually looks like in a professional kitchen. This episode is about understanding the full picture.   The craft. The business. And the reality of operating in a world where attention is part of the equation.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The plate is no longer the finish line — it's the starting point Visibility and perception now play a major role in restaurant success Hospitality remains the foundation, even as the industry evolves Strong operators understand both execution and exposure Attention is earned differently today — and it's constantly shifting   BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.   RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.   Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.   Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandse afood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.   Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.   Franki https://www.getfranki.com A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.   CAUSE PARTNERS The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.   Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.   Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.   TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/   New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/   California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/   Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/   U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About   Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com   ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

 Operation BBQ Relief co-founder and CEO Stan Hays shares an update on the non-profit organization's efforts to provide hot meals in the wake of disaster and support heroes and their loved ones at Camp OBR. Find out about the next mission Operation BBQ Relief is developing to provide culinary skills for first responders and veterans pursuing careers in their life after service. Stan explains how Operation BBQ Relief took emergency food response across international borders using the same network of volunteers and partners that have provided 13 million meals to 42 U.S. states. Don't miss Stan's advice for getting the best barbecue bites at the Carolina BBQ Festival! This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!  

This podcast episode elucidates the intricacies of managing a nonprofit organization, particularly in the context of disaster relief efforts. We engage in a candid discourse regarding the misconceptions surrounding the operational dynamics of such organizations, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a business-like approach to ensure sustainability and efficacy. Our dialogue unveils the challenges we face when soliciting support and the persistent stigma that associates nonprofit work with financial inefficiency. Furthermore, we highlight our recent initiatives aimed at empowering first responders and their families through educational cooking classes, which underscore our commitment to community engagement. Ultimately, we advocate for collective action and empathy, urging listeners to contribute to causes that resonate with their values, thereby fostering a spirit of solidarity and support in times of need.Links referenced in this episode:OBR.orgCompanies mentioned in this episode:Painted Hills Natural BeefOBROperation Barbecue ReliefThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Operation Barbecue Relief (OBR) in providing sustenance to communities affected by disasters. I have the privilege to converse with Stan Hayes, the CEO and co-founder of OBR, who elucidates the logistics and challenges faced by the organization during their deployments. We delve into the intricacies of meal planning, the significance of volunteer engagement, and the partnerships with various food suppliers that bolster OBR's mission. Furthermore, we explore the ongoing development of their camp facilities, which aim to support not only disaster relief efforts but also serve as a haven for first responders and veterans. This dialogue offers an insightful glimpse into how OBR not only addresses immediate food needs but also enriches the lives of those impacted by calamities across the nation.Links referenced in this episode:paintedhillsbeef.comheritagesteel.usoregondungeness.orgbarbecuenationjt.combigpowder.comobr.orgopbbqrelief.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:PepsiCoPainted Hills Natural BeefOperation Barbecue ReliefAmazonWeston KiaHeritage SteelOregon Dungeness CrabSeaboard FoodsPrairie Fresh PorkTysonSmithfieldNational BeefButterballTempur Pedic SealyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Black Powder Smokehouse pitmaster Keith Henning reveals the details about the inaugural Smoke and Ashe 2026 in downtown Asheboro – PLUS his BBQ entrée for the Carolina BBQ Festival. Find out how Smoke and Ashe started, what's on the schedule, and who's joining the Pitmaster Invitational – like Nick Dampf from Dampf Good BBQ and Claire Calvin from East of Texas. “Big Brisket” takes you inside the Black Powder Smokehouse locations in Jamestown and Asheboro and shares his perspective on the Piedmont BBQ scene. Keith reflects on his fourth year at the Carolina BBQ Festival, what keeps him coming back, and how it has influenced the launch of Smoke & Ashe.  This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!   

Title: Go Inside Town Brewing Company with Brandon Stirewalt Copy:  Town Brewing Company Director of Operations Brandon Stirewalt sets the stage for Carolina BBQ Festival's barbecue brunch with a detailed look inside the host site. Hear about the roots of the Charlotte-born brewing company in Wesley Heights and you'll understand how Town Brewing combines locally sourced North Carolina products and community-minded operations to produce award-winning beer and an unrivalled on-site experience. Get Brandon's perspective on where Town Brewing Company fits in the larger Charlotte food and beverage scene, and how growing attention on Queen City's culinary offerings boosts the local beer community. Don't miss the barbecue order from this eighth-generation North Carolinian and what Brandon Stirewalt hopes to enjoy during the Carolina BBQ Festival barbecue brunch. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

Food doesn't just live on the plate anymore. It lives in media. Episode 189 brings together two sides of that reality, how food is created, and how it's seen. Featured guest Alexandria Ebron, Brand Manager for The Zest and Classical WSMR, part of the NPR ecosystem at WUSF and the University of South Florida, shares her path from blogging and Creative Loafing to helping shape food stories across the state. Her perspective lives in the day-to-day of content creation, covering restaurants, building narratives, and understanding what actually connects with an audience. In studio, Chef Jason F. Lynn returns to Walk-In Talk, cooking while navigating a different kind of pressure, building within a system at Del Webb Minneola while still pushing his identity as a chef. From plating decisions to photography angles, Jason speaks to the shift every chef is feeling as food and media become inseparable. This episode continues the conversation around the evolving relationship between chefs, content, and visibility, and what it really takes to stay relevant in today's hospitality industry. Because food doesn't just get served anymore. It gets documented. It gets shared. It gets judged before it's even tasted.

Find out how Savor Charlotte is fanning the flames of the Queen City's thriving culinary scene that's drawing food fans from a 400-mile radius. Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority's Laura White shares the economic impact of Charlotte's food and beverage industry and highlights how Savor Charlotte's fourth year is expanding into new arenas. Don't miss Laura's take on the “perfect barbecue plate” – including her picks from the Charlotte barbecue scene and beyond. Get the scoop on upcoming Top Chef Carolinas episodes around Charlotte, including the barbecue spotlight coming up in April. Find out how Charlotte measures up against other culinary cities in the South and what sets the region apart.  This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!    

Midwood Smokehouse Pitmaster Matt Barry shares his perspective on Charlotte's evolving barbecue scene and where Midwood Smokehouse fits in. Get the scoop on what Matt's cooking up in partnership with Bojangles for the Carolina BBQ Festival's BBQ Brunch, Brisket and Biscuits at Town Brewing Company in Charlotte. Matt also shares updates on Midwood Smokehouse locations – including a new site at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport – and what it takes to maintain oversight for all of them. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of operating a nonprofit organization, particularly in the context of disaster relief. We elucidate the misconceptions that often surround charitable entities, notably the expectation that they should function devoid of financial prudence. The discussion reveals our commitment to supporting local businesses during crises, highlighting the importance of sustaining community ties while fulfilling our mission. Additionally, we explore the necessity of maintaining a viable financial structure within nonprofit operations to ensure ongoing assistance to those in need. Ultimately, we call upon listeners to engage with organizations that resonate with their values, emphasizing the collective effort required to effectuate meaningful change in society.Links referenced in this episode:OBR.orgCompanies mentioned in this episode:Painted Hills Natural BeefOBRThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The principal focus of this podcast episode is the impactful work of Operation Barbecue Relief, as articulated by its CEO, Stan Hayes. We engage in a profound discussion surrounding the organization's logistics and operational strategies in providing hot meals during disasters. Hayes elaborates on the necessity of meticulous planning and resource management to ensure effective responses to emergencies, particularly in the face of natural calamities. We highlight the evolution of their mission, extending beyond immediate disaster relief to encompass support for first responders and military personnel. The episode serves as an insightful exploration of the intersection between culinary expertise and humanitarian aid, underscoring the crucial role that food plays in recovery and comfort during times of crisis.Links referenced in this episode:paintedhillsbeef.combarbecuenationjt.comoregondungeness.orgbigpowder.comheritagesteel.usobr.orgopbbqrelief.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:PepsiCoPainted Hills Natural BeefOperation Barbecue ReliefSeaboard FoodsPrairie Fresh PorkTysonSmithfieldNational BeefButterballTempur SealyTempur Pedic SealyAmazonOregon Dungeness Crab CommissionHeritage SteelThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Who decides which food stories get told? In Episode 188 of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Host, Carl welcomes Dalia Colon, Executive Producer and Host of The Zest, the NPR-affiliated food podcast produced by WUSF on the University of South Florida campus. With more than 300 episodes produced, Dalia has helped shape how Florida's food culture is documented through public media. Her work blends journalism, food history, and storytelling, highlighting the chefs, farmers, traditions, and communities that define the state's culinary identity. In the studio kitchen, Chef Michael Collantes, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Soseki Modern Omakase, prepares two dishes while joining the conversation about the relationship between chefs and media. Collantes previously appeared as a guest on The Zest in 2023, making this episode a full-circle moment as the discussion moves from public radio to the Walk-In Talk studio. Together, the conversation explores editorial responsibility, the pace of modern food media, and the shared discipline between journalism and professional kitchens. Because food isn't just content. It's culture, craft, and the stories that shape the industry.   Be sure to follow our journey to the Ny Restaurant Show as we continue bridging the gap between Food Media in the Food Industry B2B space! We'll be at the Javits Center in NYC from 3/8 - 3/10 at booth 1653! Episode Takeaways Public media brings editorial discipline to food storytelling Platforms like NPR prioritize context, credibility, and cultural documentation over trends. Food journalism helps preserve culinary history Coverage can shape how communities and traditions are remembered. The relationship between chefs and media is evolving As visibility grows, chefs and storytellers must navigate responsibility and representation. Standards matter in both kitchens and journalism Whether producing a Michelin-level dish or a public media story, trust is built through consistency and discipline. Florida's food culture is deeper than headlines Regional voices, traditions, and history play a major role in shaping the state's culinary identity. Brand Partners Metro Foodservice Solutions Professional kitchen infrastructure trusted by chefs around the world. https://www.metro.com RAK Porcelain USA Precision-crafted professional tableware designed for high-performance kitchens. https://www.rakporcelain.com Citrus America Premium citrus products supporting chefs and foodservice professionals across the industry. https://www.citrusamerica.com Crab Island Seafood Chef-driven seafood products bringing Gulf Coast flavors to restaurants nationwide. https://crabislandseafood.com Testo North America Industry-leading food safety and measurement technology trusted in professional kitchens. https://www.testo.com/en-US Cause Partners The Burnt Chef Project Advancing mental health awareness and support within the hospitality industry. https://www.theburntchefproject.com Operation BBQ Relief Providing hot meals and disaster relief to communities in need across the United States. https://operationbbqrelief.org Sustainable Supperclub Community-driven dining events supporting food access and nonprofit initiatives. https://sustainablesupperclub.com Trade Show & Industry Event Partners Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/ New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/ California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/ Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/ U.S. Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com/about Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Food & Drink coverage and cultural journalism across the Tampa Bay region. https://www.cltampa.com About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and trade-facing impact. Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary-style storytelling, and live trade-show coverage across the United States. The platform serves chefs, operators, distributors, brands, and industry organizations by documenting the people and systems that shape the foodservice world. The Walk-In Talk Podcast consistently holds the #1 Food Podcast position on Apple Charts in the U.S. market, has reached millions of downloads, and was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Walk-In Talk Media has also been recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film Festival and Folkestone Film Festival, with projects listed on IMDb. Walk-In Talk Media is the official podcast and media partner for the New York Restaurant Show, California Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the U.S. Culinary Open, and works alongside industry publications like Creative Loafing Tampa Bay to elevate chef voices and food culture. The platform also supports cause-driven organizations including The Burnt Chef Project and Operation BBQ Relief, reinforcing its commitment to the health and sustainability of the hospitality industry.

Leluia Hall Chef Chris Rogienski takes you inside the surf & turf restaurant inside a rehabilitated Dilworth church, then walks you along his culinary journey. Learn how his Charlotte restaurant experiences – from Haberdish and Supperland to Leluia Hall -  season the selections his team serves to guests. Get Chris Rogienski's perspective on the Charlotte food scene and where barbecue fits in. Don't miss the details for his sausage gravy recipe and his opinions on the perfect brunch, as well as the barbecue brunch plans he is cooking up with Mama Jean's BBQ pitmaster Madison Ruckel. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!  

Food is not content. It's memory. It's identity. It's standards. Leigh Wilson, Marketing Director of Creative Loafing in Tampa Bay, grew up in a small Cajun bayou town in South Louisiana where everything happened in the kitchen. The family hunted. They grew their own food. Decisions were made at the table. When you grow up ten minutes from the water, you understand that food is not a trend. It's survival. It's culture. It's truth. Now she helps shape how an entire region talks about restaurants, chefs, and hospitality. What gets covered. What gets promoted. What earns attention. In studio, Chef Michael Collantes, one Michelin star, brings a different level of accountability. Precision. Discipline. Standards that don't bend. When you cook at that level, hype doesn't matter. Execution does. This conversation pulls back the curtain on: • Cajun roots and kitchen culture • The responsibility of food media • The difference between hype and honesty • The turnover and volatility inside hospitality • What Tampa Bay is getting right • What needs to be better It also marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration between Creative Loafing and Walk-In Talk Media, aligning editorial reach with documentary-driven storytelling to elevate the people who truly move the industry forward. This isn't about influencers. It's about standards. It's about substance. Welcome to the conversation. Brand Partners RAK Porcelain USA – Professional tableware partner https://www.rakporcelain.com Metro Foodservice Solutions – Studio workflow and equipment partner https://www.metro.com Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com/ Testo North America https://www.testo.com Cause & Industry Impact Partners The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com/ Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org/ Sustainable Supperclub https://sustainablesupper.org/ Operation Blessing https://www.ob.org/ Endometriosis Foundation of America https://www.endofound.org/ Official Trade Show & Culinary Competition Media Partnerships New York Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.newyorkrestaurantshow.com Florida Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com California Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com Pizza Tomorrow Summit – Official Media Partner https://www.pizzatomorrow.com US Culinary Open – Official Media Partner Held in partnership with The NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and B2B industry insight. Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary storytelling, and live trade show coverage across the United States. The Walk-In Talk Podcast has reached millions of downloads, held the #1 spot in the U.S. Food Podcast category, was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards, and is officially recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film event and the Folkestone Film Festival. Episodes and projects are also listed on IMDb, reinforcing Walk-In Talk Media's positioning as a broadcast-level media company. Walk-In Talk Media operates deeply within the professional hospitality ecosystem — connecting chefs, distributors, manufacturers, operators, and trade show networks. The platform highlights not just the plate, but the infrastructure that makes the plate possible. What sets Walk-In Talk Media apart is access and trust. Industry leaders come to the platform not to promote, but to speak candidly about sourcing, leadership, burnout, culture, distribution, innovation, and purpose. Through strategic brand partnerships, official trade show media relationships, and cause-driven storytelling, Walk-In Talk Media continues to elevate the voices shaping the future of food. Because the most powerful stories in food are still human ones.

South Carolina BBQ Project creator Nathan Spainhour takes you into the signs, symbols, and stories from the Palmetto State's barbecue pits. Find out which 4 barbecue businesses he chose to represent South Carolina barbecue traditions. Learn how Nathan turned an MFA thesis focused on brain connections between place and memory into a visual journey through Southern cuisine traditions and barbecue nostalgia. Don't miss the unique perspective he formed about the state and future of South Carolina's legacy barbecue businesses as a new generation of SC-based barbecue franchises grows a larger footprint. BONUS: Details from the Greenville Barbecue Map, including the barbecue that made the list, how it was selected, and the barbecue place Nathan takes first-time visitors to the South Carolina community he grew up in. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!     

Most people think the restaurant industry starts in the kitchen. It doesn't. It starts with sourcing. With buying decisions. With what shows up at the back door. This week, Carl sits down with Tony Cuba, Buyer for Halpern's Steak and Seafood in Orlando, alongside Chef Cody Tiner, chef-owner of District South. Tony brings nearly 21 years of distribution experience to the table. From packing product on the warehouse floor to working in outside sales and eventually stepping into buying, he understands sourcing from both sides of the equation. Chef Cody Tiner brings 17 years of scratch-kitchen experience, classical training, Southern roots, and a deep commitment to community-driven hospitality. At District South, he leads a young team, breaks down whole fish and steaks in-house, and builds a neighborhood restaurant centered on quality without pretension. Together, this conversation explores: • How food actually moves from warehouse to dish • What buyers look for before product hits the floor • Why trust between distributor and chef is everything • How sourcing decisions shape menus more than people realize • What the next generation of chefs needs to understand about supply chain This is an inside look at the invisible system that supports every great plate. Because without distribution, there is no industry. And without trust, there is no distribution. Key Takeaways • Distribution is not transactional — it's relational • Great buyers understand kitchen pressure • Scratch kitchens depend heavily on sourcing consistency • Pricing, availability, and quality are constant tension points • Mentorship and next-gen leadership matter at every level of the industry • The supply chain shapes creativity more than most people realize Featured Guests Tony Cuba Buyer – Halpern's Steak and Seafood, Orlando Chef Cody Tiner Chef-Owner – District South Partner Mentions & Links RAK Porcelain USA – Professional tableware used in studio https://www.rakporcelain.com Metro Foodservice Solutions – Workflow and kitchen support partner https://www.metro.com Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Sustainable Supperclub https://sustainablesupper.org/ Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org/ The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com/ Citrus America Citrus America: Perfect Juicers for Any Location Official Trade Show & Competition Partners

Chef Chris Coleman takes The Low & Slow Barbecue Show into The Goodyear House, the Built on Hospitality group and the evolving Charlotte food scene. Find out where the Charlotte native's allegiance lies in the East vs. Piedmont N.C. barbecue debate. Get Executive Chef Chris Coleman's culinary backstory and learn how it motivates a farm-to-fork business model in the group that includes The Goodyear House, Chief's Modern Cocktail Parlor, Folia, and Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails. Don't miss the breaking news about the barbecue brunch entree Chris is planning with Matthew Register for Brisket and Biscuits. The Food Network Champ shares the first reveal for his own backyard cookout event in Savor Charlotte.  This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!    

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Chef Ryan Yost joins us in studio after traveling from Western North Carolina to Lakeland for a full production day. Ryan is a chef-manager with Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization providing disaster relief through food, clean water, medical care, and rebuilding efforts. His path has taken him from fine dining kitchens to feeding communities in crisis across the U.S., Jamaica, and Ukraine. In this episode, we explore what it means to cook for people who need food, not just want it. We talk about discipline under pressure, humility in service, and how chef-level technique still matters, even when you are cooking with limited resources in disaster zones. Ryan also steps into the studio kitchen to prepare two dishes, bringing the same respect for ingredients and precision he applies in the field. Because for him, whether it is a donated ingredient or a premium protein, it deserves care. This episode continues Walk-In Talk Media's global storytelling expansion. Recently, Frederic Casagrande conducted his first live fire interview in Dubai with Chef Andrew Dickens, further extending the show's reach into international culinary conversations. From disaster zones to global live-fire stages, the mission remains the same — elevate chefs and the impact they create.  This conversation is about purpose, responsibility, and how chefs can use their craft for something bigger than themselves.

Community Matters Café Executive Chef Chayil Johnson shares his story of culinary service that extends beyond the food menu. Learn how he combines his Creole heritage, traditional African foodway influences, Middle Eastern flavor, and a formal education into one-of-a-kind gumbo for Charlotte Rescue Mission's life skills program.  Chayil explains where Community Matters Café fits into the mission's 180-day addiction recovery program. Working in New Orleans kitchens at 12 and matriculating to Charlotte's Johnson & Wales a decade ago, Chayil is earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation, Charlotte media and industry organizations. Hear how he credits his own hard work and a community of family and global influencers that clearly matter in the food he creates. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit the Low & Slow Barbecue website here!

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, we step off solid ground and into one of the most demanding kitchens you can run. Chef Thomas Parker, Executive Chef with Manthey Hospitality, joins us on location aboard Craft, a fine-dining cocktail and food river cruise operating in Tampa Bay. Running a restaurant on a moving vessel changes everything. Space is limited. Storage is on land. Service is compressed into a two-hour window. Once the boat leaves the dock, there are no second chances. Chef Parker breaks down how discipline, preparation, leadership, and trust replace shortcuts, and how cooking at this level requires a different kind of calm under pressure. We also talk ambition, sustainability, and what it really takes to build Michelin-level consistency in a non-traditional environment. This episode was filmed on board the ship during a full production day, featuring two dishes prepared for camera and photography.

American Barbecue map designer Joseph Veazey compiled barbecue history, people, and places into a one-of-a-kind map that chronicles the evolution of smoked meat traditions in the United States. Find out how Joseph decided which BBQ joints, cities and states to include in the map. Joseph explains his method for researching and crafting his unique map designs. You'll hear his passion for barbecue and learn what's coming next in his barbecue map project, including an illustration specifically focused on North Carolina to complement his Georgia barbecue map. EXCLUSIVE: Don't miss the big reveal of his next project examining certain landmarks in Atlanta. Learn more about Veazey Studio and where you can find Joseph and his artwork out in the world. This episode is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here! 

Meet Mama Jean's BBQ founder Madison Ruckel, who first started live-fire cooking with Home Team BBQ in West Ashley. From that foundation, hear where he assigns credit for his ongoing success (spoiler: the hard work of his wife, Kelli, and some wise business decisions play a big role). Learn what to expect during a visit to his Roanoke, VA, restaurant, which opened last year after 7 years of food truck life in a 1956 Airstream trailer. Get Madison Ruckel's inside tips for making Mama Jean's BBQ collards, what it takes to feed the NFL's Washington Commanders, and how global cooking adventures have influenced his barbecue journey. Don't miss your chance to sample Madison Ruckel's barbecue entrée at Carolina BBQ Festival's Brisket and Biscuits barbecue brunch, March 28. This episode is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here!

Barbecue Brunch is on the Carolina BBQ Festival's Brisket & Biscuits menu at Charlotte's Town Brewing Company. Hear a quick introduction to the barbecue experts and top Charlotte chefs collaborating for a Savor Charlotte barbecue brunch: Matthew Register (Southern Smoke), Chris Coleman (Built on Hospitality/The Goodyear House), Madison Ruckle (Mama Jeans Barbecue & Soulful Sides), Chris Rogienski (Supperland / Leluia Hall), Jake Wood (Lawrence Barbecue) Chayil Johnson (Community Matters Café), Matthew Barry (Midwood Smokehouse), Lewis Donald (Sweet Lew's), and Oscar Johnson (Jimmy Pearls Cheasapeake). Get Carolina BBQ Festival's barbecue brunch details, Carolina barbecue business news, and a few opinions about barbecue wings. This episode is sponsored by Carolina BBQ Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show here!

Walk-In Talk Media kicks off 2026 in-studio with Chef Michael Collantes, chef-owner of Soseki Orlando, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that has earned and retained its star. This conversation goes past accolades and into what it takes to sustain excellence, build teams across multiple concepts, and keep your life intact while doing it. We also introduce a new recurring chapter, Chef Mike officially joins the Walk-In Talk Media family as a recurring collaborator. Later in the episode, you will hear from Frederic Casagrande with The Live Fire Report, expanding WITM coverage of international barbecue and live fire culture. In-studio cook Japanese fluke (hirame) breakdown and two mirrored dishes Kombu-jime cure, crispy potato technique, and a truffle-forward direction "Mottainai" mindset, using bones and trim instead of wasting Key topics What consistency really means when you are being judged in silence Leadership when you scale from one room to multiple restaurants Burnout, rebuilding, and the role of faith, family, and identity Art vs business in hospitality, and why community and storytelling matter Why pressure can build greatness, but cannot destroy the person Notable moments Chef Mike's path from early jobs to Wolfgang Puck to Michelin-level kitchens Soseki as "foundation", and how standards get set and protected Why storytelling and community building are now essential for restaurants Featured segment Frederic Casagrande introduces The Live Fire Report, a WITM segment focused on global live fire, competition culture, and the people shaping it. Connect with Chef Mike Website: MikeCollantes.com Instagram: @ChefMikeCollantes TikTok: @ChefFlipMike Episode takeaways Consistency is a system, not a mood. Great once is easy, great every night is leadership and process. Scaling demands trust. The bigger the operation, the less "hands-on control" matters, and the more people and standards matter. Burnout is real, and rebuilding is possible. The conversation highlights how identity, faith, and family can reframe success. Storytelling is a competitive advantage. Food can be incredible, but community and meaning are what keep people coming back. Pressure can build diamonds, but health is non-negotiable. Excellence is the goal, self-destruction is not. Walk-In Talk Media Brand Partners Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Aussie Select https://aussieselect.com Crab Island Seafood Company https://crabislandseafooddip.com Pass the Honey https://freshhoneycomb.com Citrus America https://citrusamerica.com Walk-In Talk Media Cause & Nonprofit Partners The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org Walk-In Talk Media Industry & Event Partners Restaurant Events LLC https://www.restaurantevents.com U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com

Belonging is not something you arrive at. It is something you build. In this episode of Walk-In Talk Media, Carl Fiadini sits down in studio with Marina Baronas, hospitality leader and author of A New Life, A New Menu: An Almanac of Belonging. Raised across Lithuania, Russia, and Azerbaijan, Marina came to the United States at nineteen without speaking English and built a life through the unseen work of hospitality. Her journey moves through kitchens, dining rooms, leadership, motherhood, burnout, and reinvention, offering an honest look at service as lived experience, not performance. Joining the conversation is Chef Carl Riding, who came up through hotels and kitchens before stepping away from the line to build Crab Island Seafood, a small, independent, chef-driven company producing elevated crab dips. Together, they explore dignity in invisible labor, identity beyond titles, redefining success without leaving hospitality, and why this industry continues to feel like home even after it takes its toll. This episode is for anyone who has carried their roots across borders, worked until they were unseen, or searched for belonging inside the hospitality industry. What to Expect From This Episode Immigration, identity, and finding belonging through hospitality The emotional cost of invisible labor and long-term burnout Front of house and back of house perspectives shaped by hotels and kitchens Redefining success without walking away from the industry Why hospitality continues to feel like home, even after reinvention Brand Partners Crab Island Seafood https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com Trade Show & Event Partners New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com Florida Restaurant Show https://www.flrestaurantshow.com Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com U.S. Culinary Open (NAFEM Show) https://www.usculinaryopen.com Cause Partners We Support The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org

In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are.   Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada.   Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen. This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection.     Brand & Industry Partners • Metro https://www.metro.com • RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa • Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com • Aussie Select https://www.aussieselect.com • Ibis Images Studio https://www.ibisimages.com Official Trade Show & Event Partners • New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com • California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com • Florida Restaurant Show https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com • Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com • U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.org Cause & Community Partners • The Burnt Chef Project (Mental health advocacy in hospitality) https://www.theburntchefproject.com • Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org • Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org • Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com

This week I sit down with Stan Hays CEO of Operation BBQ Relief. Stan and I talk all things OBR and Stan drew the curtains back on what it talks to organize and execute a mission in times of need. https://operationbbqrelief.org/

In this episode, Carl sits down with Stan Hays, co founder and CEO of Operation BBQ Relief, to talk about what it really looks like to feed people on the worst day of their lives. From the recent deployment to Jamaica after a massive hurricane to the emotional weight of serving their thirteen millionth meal, Stan shares the stories behind the numbers, including the moment a simple pulled pork sandwich became a symbol of love, humanity and hope.Joining the conversation in studio is champion pitmaster Tillman Lee Nelson III of Tillmans BBQ. Tillman rolls in with award winning brisket, his Perfect 200 rub and honest talk about the grind of the competition circuit, marriage on the road, barbecue family and why he still watches every face in the room when people take that first bite. Together, Stan and Tillman dig into why barbecue has such a deep emotional pull, how the barbecue community shows up for each other, and what it means to use food as a vehicle for comfort, connection and service.Key takeaways: • What it takes for Operation BBQ Relief to activate in places like Jamaica and why safety, dignity and cultural respect matter as much as the food. • How a pulled pork sandwich, a parking lot and one stranger's gratitude helped Stan find his “why” and changed how he sees the work forever. • Why competitive barbecue is a family sport for Tillman, how his wife Amy became the real secret weapon, and why the barbecue community feels like a second family. • Simple ways listeners can get involved, from volunteering with OBR at OBR.org to supporting the people doing the cooking in their own communities.About Walk-In Talk Podcast and Walk In Talk Media:Walk-In Talk Podcast is hosted by food industry veteran and storyteller Carl Fiadini, shining a light on the flavor, the hustle and the heart of the industry. Walk-In Talk is the official podcast for the New York, California and Florida Restaurant Shows and the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the on-site media partner for the US Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show. Walk In Talk Media is also the North American media platform for The Burnt Chef Project and regularly supports cause driven partners like Operation BBQ Relief and Hogs for the Cause. Recorded at Ibis Images Studios, where food photography comes alive and Carl gets the first bite. Learn more at thewalkintalk.com.Mentioned in this episode:Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lambFully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs. Metro Foodservice Solutions Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.Citrus America Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.

Operation BBQ Relief and Hickory Soup Kitchen partner for Thanksgiving to feed 500 families with smoked turkeys donated by the community. Austin Pearce (HSK) and Scott Jarrett (OBR) share the personal motivations that keep the Hickory region's hunger relief effort going every year. Find out what it means when Operation BBQ Relief, volunteers and community supporters work together to provide a hot meal during times of need. Listen to this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show for the process behind the 3-day cook of 150+ turkeys, including some (not all) of the secrets for using brine and rub to create a perfect, golden turkey. Get all the details for how you can volunteer or donate to support Hickory Soup Kitchen and Operation BBQ Relief disaster recovery and hunger relief missions. Visit The Low & Slow Barbecue website here!

The primary focus of today's discourse revolves around the invaluable contributions of Operation Barbecue Relief, led by Stan Hayes. We delve into the organization's extensive efforts to provide sustenance in the wake of disasters, having distributed approximately 1.6 million meals to affected communities over the past year alone. Furthermore, we explore the forthcoming barbecue festival at the Alana Casino, where Stan and his team will impart knowledge on the intricacies of barbecue vending, thereby enhancing the skills of aspiring vendors. This episode also highlights the importance of engaging volunteers and fostering a sense of community through culinary initiatives. We invite you to join us as we examine these significant developments within the realm of barbecue relief and community service.Links referenced in this episode:oregondungeness.orgpigpowder.compaintedhillsbeef.comheritagesteel.usobr.orgopbbqrelief.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Operation Barbecue Relief Alienate Casino Weber Traeger Weston Kia Painted Hills Heritage Steel Pig Powder Sonny's Barbecue Bob Woodruff Foundation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Chef Abhi Sukul, the esteemed owner of Lajawab Indian Cuisine, embodies the essence of culinary dedication, having transformed his passion for cooking into a thriving endeavor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Kolkata, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture, Chef Abhi's culinary journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he learned that cooking is an art requiring both patience and passion. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into his remarkable odyssey, from navigating the global hospitality landscape with Marriott to overcoming the adversities posed by the pandemic, which initially threatened to derail his ambitions. Chef Abhi's unwavering spirit led him to rebuild, ultimately establishing Lajawab, where he meticulously crafts dishes that not only reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine but also aim to evoke joy in every guest. Join us as we explore the intersection of tradition and innovation through the lens of a chef who ardently believes that every dish should leave a lasting impression, not merely of satisfaction but of sheer delight.Lajawab - Authentic Indian CuisineLajawab Indian Cuisine (@lajawab4u) • Instagram photos and videosTakeaways: Chef Abhi Sukul emphasizes the significance of patience and passion in culinary arts, which he first learned in his mother's kitchen. The chef's journey from Kolkata to global experiences showcases the universality of hospitality in the culinary field. Chef Sukul's dedication to authentic Indian cuisine is reflected in his meticulous preparation of dishes, such as his signature butter chicken and coconut mushroom curry. The story of overcoming adversity during the pandemic illustrates the resilience of entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry. Abhi Sukul's commitment to mentorship in the culinary arts highlights the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations of chefs. The chef's culinary philosophy centers around the joy of cooking and the profound impact that food can have on people's happiness.

In times of need, Operation BBQ Relief is there, bringing the healing power of delicious food to serve communities recovering from disasters. This organization is one of many on the ground in Kerrville, Texas, currently assisting first responders in the recovery effort from last weekend's horrific floods. Leader of Logistics and Transportation for Operation BBQ Relief, Chris Huggins shares his experience working with the organization and characterizes what it's like to be at this site compared to other disasters. Chris also reflects on the weight of emotions felt by many survivors and first responders. To join the relief efforts visit: https://fox.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/36750  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The focal point of today's discourse centers upon the endeavors of Operation Barbecue Relief, as we welcome back Stan Hayes, a figure of considerable import within the barbecue community and a stalwart advocate for disaster relief. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the organization's impressive outreach, which has recently culminated in the provision of nearly 1.6 million meals to communities ravaged by disaster. Furthermore, we explore the upcoming event at Aena Casino, where the organization will impart invaluable knowledge regarding the business of barbecue vending, a topic of great interest to both seasoned and aspiring barbecue enthusiasts. In addition, our dialogue touches upon the significant expansion of Operation Barbecue Relief's initiatives, including its strategic collaborations with various organizations aimed at enhancing support for veterans and first responders. As we navigate these themes, we invite our audience to engage with the mission of Operation Barbecue Relief, highlighting the profound impact of culinary philanthropy in fostering community resilience and solidarity.Links referenced in this episode:heritagesteel.usoregondungeness.orgpigpowder.compaintedhillsbeef.comobr.orgopbbqreliefCompanies mentioned in this episode: Operation Barbecue Relief Heritage Steel Painting Hills Hammer Stahl Sonny's Barbecue Bob Woodruff Foundation Ala na Mentioned in this episode:nullnullThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Operation BBQ Relief Pitmaster and N.C. Area Coordinator Scott Jarrett reveals his barbecue roots, how he got involved with Operation BBQ Relief, and why he keeps volunteering after 12 million barbecue meals served. Find out how to get involved as an Operation BBQ Relief volunteer, learn how to support the organization during the Carolina BBQ Festival and through the website, and hear Scott's perspective on providing relief after Hurricane Helene and California fires.  Visit the Low & Slow Barbecue website here! This episode was made possible by our sponsor Cranford Brothers BBQ in Hickory, NC! Have you been to Cranford Brothers Barbecue yet? Every day Cranford Brothers Barbecue serves the best smoked meats, sides, sandwiches, and craft beer – all produced on-site in downtown Hickory, North Carolina. Visit Cranford Brothers Barbecue today for lunch or dinner and find out everything that's happening at the historic Old Pawn Shop - the home of Cranford Brothers Barbecue, City Walk Brewing Company, and the great new breakfast spot, Main Chick Jammin Biscuits. Be sure to call Cranford Brothers Barbecue to cater your next gameday get-together or special event. Your guests will always remember the best barbecue bites they get from Cranford Brothers Barbecue. Visit CranfordBros.com to learn more or plan your visit today.