Heidi Billotto has spent decades helping shape Charlotte’s culinary scene—and bringing the people behind our food closer together. This week on Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Heidi to talk about her influence on Charlotte’s evolving food community, why supporting local farmers and makers matters, and the magic that happens when chefs know the people growing and producing their ingredients. Plus, we look ahead to the 10th annual NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale this September and the chefs, farmers and local products it celebrates. (Get tickets to the event: www.NCChefShowdown.com)

On this episode of Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Laura White of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) to talk about the intentional work happening behind the scenes to elevate Charlotte on a national stage.

From helping bring the Michelin Guide to the Southeast for the first time, to landing Top Chef Season 23 and supporting Fork & Hammer, the CRVA is betting big on food and hospitality as drivers of tourism and growth. We talk about why culinary matters, where Charlotte is headed, and what it takes to put a city on the map.

In this episode of Jeff & Jamie Feed, we’re taking you behind the scenes of launching Olivelli Deli, our new 82-square-foot walk-up sandwich shop in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. We share why we made the difficult decision to close Reigning Doughnuts, what inspired the new concept, and the realities of opening a business when the doors are open and guests are already lining up.

From unexpectedly high demand and staffing adjustments to designing a menu for an incredibly small space, we discuss the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons we’re learning in real time. We also dive into our approach to housemade bread, imported Italian meats, handcrafted soft serve, and why every ingredient has to earn its place in a kitchen this small.

Whether you’re a restaurant owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about what goes into building a food business, we hope you enjoy a peek at the first few days of bringing a new concept to life.