Taste of Place

In this episode, Trey Malone continues sharing his story and how a home-roasting obsession grew into a pioneering nitro cold brew business. He explains how contract brewing, keg systems, and an early partnership with Intelligentsia helped bring nitro coffee to more people. From makeshift production spaces to building facilities across the country, Trey reveals the challenges of scaling a new idea. He also reflects on the personal risks, key relationships, and support that helped him keep going. For coffee lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs, this is a behind-the-scenes look at turning an unconventional concept into a lasting business.

In this episode, host Trey Malone talks with Jackson restaurateur Derek Emerson about how he built a multi-location restaurant business by reimagining existing spaces rather than starting from scratch. Derek shares how he manages distinct concepts, from barbecue and tacos to fine dining, while keeping a close eye on people, place, and day-to-day operations. He reflects on the challenges of staffing, meeting changing guest expectations, and maintaining consistent hospitality across his restaurants. Along the way, he tells the story behind Walker’s Drive-In and the long-lasting relationships that have made the work worthwhile. It’s a candid conversation about the creativity, persistence, and practical decisions behind building restaurants people return to for generations.

In this episode, host Trey Malone talks with restaurateur Damien Cavicchi about his journey from New Orleans food memories and early restaurant jobs to building a hospitality legacy in Jackson, Mississippi. Damien shares how he and his wife, Mary Sanders, took on Campbell’s Bakery and Hal and Mal’s within months of each other while working to preserve the character of both beloved institutions. He explains the challenges of managing restaurants, bakeries, bars, music venues, and additional revenue streams while maintaining a strong sense of purpose. Most importantly, Damien and Trey reflect on how restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and music venues create the third spaces where communities connect, celebrate, and find a temporary escape.

In this episode, host Trey Malone... talks with Eli Underhill, founder of Circle Hook Distilling in Gulfport, Mississippi, about building an award-winning rum distillery rooted in Gulf Coast ingredients and craftsmanship. Eli shares how his background as a boat captain and commercial fisherman led him into distilling, and why rum remains one of the most underserved categories in the spirits industry. He explains the importance of aging, yeast, fresh cane juice, new American oak, and experimentation in creating distinctive rum. Trey and Eli also discuss Circle Hook’s satsuma rum, seasonal production, realistic pricing, and the competition wins that helped put the brand on the map. Along the way, Eli reveals the story behind his agricole-style rum made with Mississippi cane and the cocktail he keeps coming back to: a satsuma sling. This episode is a flavorful conversation about patience, overlooked opportunities, Mississippi makers, and the soul behind a truly original craft brand.

Host Trey Malone sits down with Jack Coleman, attorney turned distiller and mayor of Rosedale, MS, to talk about how deep Mississippi’s whiskey history runs and how that history became the foundation for Rosedale Distilling Company.

Jack shares the story of Perry Martin, the famous Rosedale bootlegger, plus how he built a modern spirits business around local heritage, historic buildings, and community investment.

We discuss how authenticity drives consumer interest, how a new distillery gets off the ground before its own whiskey is aged, and why Jack believes experience matters as much as the product itself.

In this episode of Taste of Place, Northshore's Trey Malone sits down with Tina Tatum to talk about how specialty coffee is growing in Mississippi through education, hospitality, and a deep respect for flavor. From honey-processed coffee and co-fermentation to barrel aging and customer education, Tina shares how Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee Roasters are helping people discover coffee in a whole new way.

Tina also reflects on her path into coffee, saving a local shop and building a business rooted in relationships, local commerce, and real community impact. It’s a conversation about what it takes to introduce bold new ideas in a place with strong traditions, and why great coffee is always about more than what’s in the cup.

In this episode, host Trey Malone explores the remarkable journey behind a passion for coffee that began in childhood and grew into a thriving career. From early memories in his grandmother’s kitchen to experiments in specialty brewing, cold brew, and nitro coffee, Trey shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path and sparked a lifelong commitment to craft, community, and innovation.

He also reflects on the mentors, risks, and curiosity that helped turn an interest into a mission, building spaces where coffee becomes more than a drink and instead a way to connect people.

Whether you’re a coffee lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone drawn to stories of creative reinvention, this conversation offers practical insights and an inspiring reminder that small beginnings can lead to something much bigger.

In this episode, host Trey Malone sits down with Joe Marrocco to trace a career built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for coffee’s journey from origin to cup. Joe shares how early flavor memories, hands-on roasting experience, and global sourcing work shaped his perspective on what makes coffee meaningful, not just delicious.

The conversation also explores the bigger picture: how transparency, collaboration, and responsible relationships between farmers, roasters, and brands can reshape the industry. From Nicaragua to the Fairwave Coffee Collective, Joe explains why preserving authentic stories and supporting producers matters for the future of coffee and the people behind it.

In this episode of Taste of Place, host Trey Malone sits down with Chand Harlow of Wonderbird Spirits to explore how a Mississippi distillery is redefining what gin can be. From local rice and native botanicals to a rare koji fermentation process, the conversation reveals how Wonderbird is using craft, science, and a strong sense of place to create something truly original.

Chand shares the journey from finance to distilling, the challenges of building an innovative spirits brand in Mississippi, and why terroir matters so deeply in every bottle.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, craft spirits, or stories rooted in local identity, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how passion and persistence can turn an unexpected vision into something exceptional.

In this episode, host Trey Malone, a seasoned coffee industry expert, delves into the science behind cold brew. Discover how factors like grind size and extraction yield influence the smooth, rich flavor with less acidity. Trey reveals the secrets brewers use to craft the perfect cup, whether you’re a casual drinker or a coffee connoisseur.

Explore key insights such as the seven variables of coffee extraction and why cold brew’s higher total dissolved solids mean more caffeine and flavor strength. Trey also shares surprising facts about cold brew’s efficiency and sustainability, making it a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their coffee experience.

In this episode, host Trey Malone dives into the world of coffee innovation with Corey Waldron, the mastermind behind the revolutionary Modbar system. Corey shares his journey from a college dropout roasting coffee in his apartment to creating an espresso experience that transforms how we engage with our favorite drink. Discover how Modbar's soda fountain-inspired design invites customers to participate in the brewing process, breaking industry norms and making coffee shops more engaging and beautiful. Corey reflects on overcoming technical challenges, building partnerships, and the mindset shifts that shaped one of the most celebrated innovations in modern coffee culture. Perfect for industry insiders and coffee enthusiasts, this episode is packed with lessons on pushing boundaries and creating impact.

In this powerful episode, host Trey Malone delves into the extraordinary journey of Arthur Karuletwa, a survivor of Rwanda’s genocide who transformed his life and community through the power of coffee.

Arthur shares how he turned a simple cash crop into a tool for healing and reconciliation, bridging ethnic divides and fostering trust in a nation scarred by trauma. His story is one of resilience, hope and the profound impact of turning adversity into opportunity.

By reimagining the coffee supply chain, Arthur has created a platform for empowerment and social change.

In this episode, Trey sits down with John, a true pioneer who’s punched through barriers in both craft brewing and beverage manufacturing. You’ll discover how one college kid’s accidental brew obsession turned into a career that revolutionized brand-building, product innovation, and team leadership in beer. John shares never-before-told tales of scaling from tiny startup breweries to industry game-changers, plus the high-stakes decisions that saved legendary beers like Dogfish Head’s 120 Minute IPA.

In this episode, host Trey Malone sits down with Propaganda, a celebrated recording artist and spoken word poet, to explore the profound connections between coffee, justice, and art.

Propaganda shares his journey from hip-hop icon to coffee innovator, revealing how his passion for music and poetry led him to create Terraform—a brand that embodies a vision of building a more livable world. Through stories of his travels to Honduras and Ethiopia, Propaganda delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of coffee, highlighting its roots in social justice and sacred work.

Host Trey Malone talks with Zach Erickson from Key City Brewing, who reveals how creativity and craft beer have transformed Vicksburg into a vibrant community hub. Discover the art of blending West Coast bitterness with East Coast smoothness, and how creative beer names like Death on Two Legs turn every sip into a story. This episode is perfect for craft enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, eager to see how passion can spark transformation and community connection.

Join host Trey Malone in this engaging conversation with Viva Lenoir, a wine and whiskey expert, sensory educator, and passionate force behind Le Nez du Vin, Le Nez du Café, and Le Nez du Whisky. We delve deep into the concept of terroir, the artistry of tasting, and how beverages foster human connection across cultures and memories.

Host Trey Malone and guest John Britton of Treehouse Distillery and Brewing explore the intricate world of craft spirits, focusing on the art of distillation, the evolution of IPAs, and the importance of terroir in crafting beverages. They discuss the balance between authenticity and modern techniques in the industry, emphasizing the human connections fostered through shared experiences over drinks. John shares personal anecdotes about his journey in the craft beverage scene, highlighting the significance of community and flavor in creating memorable moments.

In this episode of Taste of Place, host Trey Malone speaks with Conner Reeves and William Paden at Fertile Ground Beer Co. in Jackson, MS about the intricacies of craft beer brewing, focusing on Fertile Ground collaborative efforts, the origin story of the brewery, and the community's enthusiastic adoption of their beers.

They delve into the brewing process, the importance of water chemistry, and the challenges of naming new beers while maintaining high quality. The discussion highlights the brewery's commitment to creating approachable beers that resonate with local tastes and foster connections within the community.

In this episode, host Tret Malone discovers how Austin Hille, a native of the Pacific Northwest, found his passion for specialty coffee in Jackson, Mississippi. Through his startup Beanline, he's revolutionizing access to local roasters and elevating Southern coffee culture—one subscription at a time.

This episode highlights the power of regional craftsmanship, connecting communities through curated coffee experiences, and supporting Southern entrepreneurs shaping the future of specialty coffee.

In this episode, Trey Malone and Harry Fontenoy delve into the world of specialty coffee, exploring its evolution from commodity coffee to the nuanced flavors of the third wave.

Harry, the Vice President of Coffee Strategy and Culture at North Shore Specialty Coffee, shares insights on sourcing micro lots and the importance of building relationships with coffee producers.

The conversation highlights the distinction between commodity and specialty coffee, emphasizing the ethical practices and quality that define the specialty market. They discuss the significance of processing methods, such as washed and natural processes, and how these affect the flavor profiles of the coffee.

The episode also touches on the role of importers and the importance of community in the coffee industry, showcasing how personal connections enhance the coffee experience.