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.

This week on Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with restaurateur Sam Diminich, founder of Your Farms Your Table and the visionary behind Restaurant Constance and the newly opened Grey's Diner.

Sam shares how direct partnerships with local farmers became the foundation of his restaurant philosophy, the challenges and rewards of sourcing locally, and how those relationships shape the guest experience. We also discuss his journey of getting into the restaurant business, his inspiring ability to overcome, and the future of independent restaurants.

It's a thoughtful conversation about food, hospitality, community, and building a business with purpose.

This week on Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Todd and Suzie Ford, founders of NoDa Brewing, to discuss the journey from launching one of Charlotte’s pioneering craft breweries to building a multi-brand beverage company that’s successfully navigating disruption.

We explore the early days of taking a chance on Charlotte’s emerging beer scene, the challenges of growing a brand, and how the beverage industry has evolved over the last decade. Todd and Suzie share insights on distribution, taproom economics, changing consumer habits, the rise of THC and alternative beverages, and the launch of their newest brand, Happy Bird.

It’s a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, adaptability, and what it takes to thrive in an industry that’s changing faster than ever.

This week on Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Chayil Johnson, Executive Chef of Community Matters Cafe in Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore how hospitality can be a powerful tool for transformation.

Chayil shares the story behind the cafe, the innovative training programs that help individuals rebuild their lives, and the challenge of balancing a meaningful mission with the realities of running a successful restaurant. We discuss leadership, staffing, food quality, growth, and why Charlotte has been such an important part of the organization’s journey.

It’s an inspiring conversation about community, second chances, and the unique ability of hospitality to create lasting impact.

This week on Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Eric Cacciatore—host of the wildly popular restaurant podcast Restaurant Unstoppable—for a deep dive into the business, culture, and future of hospitality.

Eric shares how growing up around restaurants shaped his passion for the industry, what he’s learned from interviewing hundreds of restaurant owners, operators, and chefs, and the common traits he sees in the people building truly great businesses.

We also get into some of the biggest challenges restaurants are facing right now—from staffing and sustainability to burnout and rising costs—and why Eric believes collaboration, transparency, and stronger community between operators could be the key to helping more restaurants survive and thrive.

It’s an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation for anyone who loves restaurants or works in hospitality.

On this episode of Jeff & Jamie Feed, we sit down with Level 3 Advanced Sommelier Michael Klinger for a conversation that goes far beyond what’s in the glass. We dive into what it really takes to become a somm, the art of showmanship at the table, and some of the most exciting trends happening in the winemaking world right now. Plus, Michael shares his favorite wines for warmer weather and what foods pair best with them. Whether you’re deep into wine culture or simply want to order with more confidence, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and plenty of great recommendations.