Nc F&b Podcast

Chef Bennett Depew, Director of Italian for Sysco of the Carolinas. The discussion covers the rising popularity of Italian cuisine in America, particularly in the Carolinas, and the evolution of Italian cooking from traditional dishes to novel ingredients like 'nduja and Taleggio cheese. Chef Bennett shares insights on how the Italian segment of the restaurant industry uniquely thrived during the pandemic due to the travel-friendly nature of Italian cuisine. They delve into how restaurants can maintain profitability amidst changing trends like gluten-free diets and the use of technology to streamline operations. The conversation also touches on the importance of work-life balance in the restaurant industry, the role of Cisco in supporting local businesses, and the benefits of utilizing technology and local sourcing to improve restaurant operations and menu offerings.   00:00 Welcome to the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast 00:49 Introducing Chef Bennett Depew: A Deep Dive into Italian Cuisine 01:13 The