Behind the Counter with the Food Czar
Behind the Counter with the Food Czar
Latest Episodes
Episode 79 - Love, Hustle & Hospitality: The Story of Dan & Day’s in Montclair
In this episode, I sit down with Dan Campeas and Day Ordonez, the husband-and-wife team behind Dan & Day’s Burgers & Shakes in Upper Montclair and the brand new Farmhouse Fried Chicken.Their story is one of faith, timi...
Episode 78 - Still Cooking, Still Climbing: The Evolution of Ryan DePersio
This episode features Ryan DePersio, a true force in New Jersey’s culinary scene.Born and raised in Nutley, New Jersey, Ryan’s passion for food started early, shaped by family, tradition, and the influence of his mother, a recipe develop...
Episode 77 - From Crazy Idea to Bagel Empire: How Alex Berkowitz of Bagel Nook Changed the Game
This week on Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, I sit down with Alex Berkowitz, the founder and owner of Bagel Nook — the viral bagel concept that completely changed the breakfast game.When Alex opened his doors i...
Episode 76 - All Gas, No Brakes: Gustavo Gutierrez and the Rise of Cubita
In this episode, we sit down with Gustavo (Gus) Gutierrez — the high-energy entrepreneur behind Cubita Cafe and the growing fleet of Cubita Food Trucks.Gus grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey knowing he needed to...
Episode 75 - The Viral Chicken Caesar That Changed Everything at Staci’s Sandwich Joint
This week we sit down with Staci Puleo — the heart and hands behind Staci’s Sandwich Joint — whose journey into the food world is proof that it’s never too late to start something completely new.Just over a year ago, Staci was...
