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Joy feels different when you’re standing in front of 8–10k people, the band hits, and the smell of fried ribs rolls through the crowd. We invited our friend and Acadiana Eats mastermind, Gerald Grunig, to break down what it really takes to throw a food festival that feels effortless while juggling pressure, payroll, and the weight of a whole community’s expectations. From curation and sponsorships to portion strategy and fryer math, Gerald lets us inside the decisions that help restaurants actually make money and keep the vibe alive.

We dig into the economics most diners never see: rising costs, labor headaches, and why a $15 plate is often the only way to survive when the hood system alone can be an $80k bill. Gerald makes the case for smarter pathways—like food trucks and on-site catering—when a triple-net lease could sink you before your first service. And when he visits kitchens for TV or social, he’s not asking for showy dishes; he’s asking for scalable, profitable plates that won’t crush a line on a Saturday.

Mardi Gras connects the dots between food and culture. Gerald walks us through the magic Mr. Weatherall captures on camera, why those viral clips resonate, and how New Orleans and Acadiana traditions diverge. New Orleans brings infrastructure and scale; Acadiana offers a user-friendly path to the barricade, with the caveat that “family friendly” depends on where you stand. We finish with king cake truth: the best cake is often the one that tastes like home. Expect Twins in Lafayette, Miko’s croissant-donut spin, and a pragmatic love for the Rouses grab-and-go—because the music, the people, and a 10-second reheat can turn any slice into a memory.

If you love food festivals, local restaurants, and Mardi Gras stories that feel like you’re there, hit play. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a parade day plan, and leave a review with your top king cake pick—we’ll read a few on the next show.

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This show is co-produced by Carter Simoneaux of AcadianaCasts Network, Chaz H. Roberts of Chaz Roberts Law and Kayli Guidry Bonin of Beau The Agency, and Laith Alferahin.