When Hospitality Becomes a Mission

When Hospitality Becomes a Mission

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.

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

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.

Summer Wines & Sommelier Secrets

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.

A Seemingly Overzealous Business

Jeff and Jamie sit down with Jess Berresse and Garrett Tichy of Seemingly Overzealous, a local dairy, egg, and gluten-free ice cream shop, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to grow a small business into something bigger, without losing what made it special in the first place. From navigating the complexities of multiple locations to building a thoughtful, sustainable growth plan, Jess and Garrett share the wins, the growing pains, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode also dives into the unique dynamic of working together as a couple: how they divide responsibilities, handle pressure, and stay aligned through constant change. Plus, in a fast-evolving city where trends move quickly and competition is fierce, they open up about the ongoing challenge of staying relevant while staying true to their brand.

Turning Content into Customers: Influencer Marketing for Restaurants

This week, Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown sit down with their own marketing director, Allie Papajohn—the woman behind @eatdrinkclt. What started as a personal passion project back in 2014 has evolved into one of Charlotte’s most trusted food Instagram accounts, giving Allie a unique perspective on both sides of the influencer world. She shares how she built her platform organically, what makes content resonate in 2026, and how she approaches authenticity in a saturated space. The conversation also pulls back the curtain on how she manages influencer partnerships for the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group—what works, what doesn’t, and how restaurants can build meaningful relationships with creators. Whether you’re a restaurateur, content creator, or just curious about the business behind the posts, this episode offers an honest look at the intersection of hospitality, marketing, and modern influence.