Port City Plate Podcast
Discover the food, history, and people of Mobile, Alabama, with the Port City Plate Podcast, presented by Bienville Bites Food Tour! Join host Chris Andrews as he takes you on a delicious journey through one of America’s oldest cities. Chris has hosted thousands of people from all around the world on food tours in Downtown Mobile. Meet the chefs, restaurateurs, historians, and locals that he has met along the way.
Mobile's melting pot of history and culture makes its food scene is one of the most unique in the United States. Discover the iconic restaurants of Mobile, hidden gems, and stories that define Mobile's food scene.
Whether you’re a local looking for the best new place to eat, a visitor looking for the iconic dishes of Mobile, or just looking for an entertaining listen, tune in to the Port City Plate Podcast. Get ready to be connected to the city of Mobile, Alabama, where every dish tells a story.
Port City Plate Podcast
From Romania to Mobile: The Story of Mediterranean Sandwich Co. w/ Vlad Moldoveanu
This episode of the Port City Plate Podcast is sponsored by Jawsfest! The Jazz Art Writers South Festival is coming to the campus of the University of South Alabama this spring. Find out more in this episode and how to get your tickets!
In this episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Vlad Moldoveanu, the visionary behind Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Vlad's story is a testament to hard work, innovation, and leadership, showcasing how his culinary passion transformed a late night sandwich shop in Downtown Mobile into a thriving restaurant business now expanding across the state.
From humble beginnings in Romania to finding his footing in the culinary world during a work and travel program in the United States, Vlad's early experiences laid the foundation for his future success. His dedication and work ethic were evident as he climbed the ranks from dishwasher to cook, honing his skills and nurturing his love for cooking.
The inception of Mediterranean Sandwich Co. stemmed from a pivotal moment in Bucharest, where Vlad drew inspiration from a late-night shawarma experience. Recognizing the potential for a similar concept in Downtown Mobile, Vlad seized the opportunity to create a unique niche in the Downtown Mobile market at the time.
One of the highlights of our conversation is the story behind the iconic Redneck Gyro, a game-changing sandwich that revitalized the business and propelled it to new heights. Through some creativity, Vlad crafted a sandwich that resonated with the community, cementing Mediterranean Sandwich Co. in the hearts of Mobilians.
Furthermore, Vlad's leadership philosophy shines through as he emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering his team. He attributes much of the company's success to his dedicated staff, embodying the belief that strong leadership begins with taking care of those around you.
As Vlad reflects on the journey of Mediterranean Sandwich Co., he shares insights into future expansion plans and menu developments, underscoring his commitment to growth and innovation. With seven locations and a vision for continued expansion, Vlad's entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive the company forward, solidifying Mediterranean Sandwich Co. as a culinary staple in Mobile.
Local Restaurants mentioned in this episode:
Mediterranean Sandwich Co.
Heroes Sports Bar and Grille
Royal Scam
The Original Oyster House
Jerusalem Cafe
7 Spice
Food Pak
Southwood Kitchen
Noble South
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