In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss sit down with Kristen Mullins, the owner and head baker of the award-winning Slice Pie Company. From humble beginnings, refining her father's traditional pie recipes to owning a successful business, Kristen shares her journey and the unique challenges she overcame during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As she discusses her experiences of being a pie expert, the future of Slice Pie Company, and her innovative sales strategies, the conversation takes an exciting turn exploring trendy food industry topics such as the growing importance of diversifying roles and the potential decline of sommeliers in mainstream American restaurants.   00:00 Introduction to the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast 00:37 Meet the Hosts: Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss 00:54 Special Guest: Kristen Mullins, Owner of Slice Pie Company 02:01 The Art of Pie Making and the Journey of Slice Pie Company 02:54 Exploring the Neighborhood: Saunders Street, Raleigh 04:56 Upcoming Events: Bubbles and Brisket, Bubbles and Bagels 08:43 The Slice Pie Company: Behind the Name and the Pies 11:03 The Vegan Surprise: Unveiling the Secret of Slice Pie Company's Crust 26:02 Celebrating Pi Day and Slice Pie Company's 10th Anniversary 26:47 Pie Day and Catering 27:24 The Journey to Becoming a Pie Expert 29:07 The Birth of a Passion for Pie Making 31:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Business 33:43 The Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Pie Business 34:57 The Future of Slice Pie Company 37:28 The Art of Pie Making 39:27 The Importance of Entrepreneurship and Education 42:05 The Role of Family in the Business 48:44 The Importance of Wine Knowledge in the Restaurant Industry 56:44 The Future Plans for Slice Pie Company On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here Enjoy Duke's Mayo - It's Got Twang!