After moving to Bloomington from Venezuela in his early 30's, Juan Guerra began working at La Charaeda and Casa Brava as a dishwasher. After long days washing dishes, he would go sell slices of pizza at Rockit's until the wee hours of the morning, sleep for four hours, and go do it all again. He now oversees six restaurants between Marian, Bloomington, and Bedford in his role as Operations Manager and is living proof that hard work pays off. Learn more about his incredible story, and the differences between La Cha and Casa Brava on the latest episode of No Dishes!

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Original theme song by Lew Bruno

Mentioned more than any other restaurant on the podcast, Uptown Cafe has a well deserved reputation as one of the best, most consistent dining experiences in Bloomington. A big reason for that is Executive Chef Adam Noffsinger and Assistant General Manager Vivi Szalavari. After having Michael and Galen Cassady on the podcast back when we were audio only, we're now covering the other key players that make Uptown so special. From Adam's journey traveling the world working in Michelin star restaurants, to Vivi's realization she enjoyed the artistic expression restaurant/bar work allowed her more than what she was doing with her Neuroscience degree, it's safe to say the well of talent is overflowing at one of Bloomington's marquee restaurants.

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Original theme song by Lew Bruno

Born in Afghanistan, and raised in Germany after stops in India and Pakistan, Hamid Ali has had quite the journey that ultimately brought him here to Bloomington. With only $100 in his pocket when he arrived, he has built a successful food truck business over the last eight years through care, passion, and consistency. Doner Kebab is known for their delicious meat, eye-popping presentation, and their homemade falafel. Always set up in Kirkwood, or at Switchyard Park for Food Truck Friday, Hamid is one of the hardest working men in town. As much care as he puts into each kebab, it pales in comparison to how much he cares for each and every guest that visits his truck.

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Original theme song by Lew Bruno

In this presidential episode we have Chris Martin, President of Finney Hospitality Group, which includes The Tap, Social Cantina, Yogis, SmokeWorks, and Kind Car Wash in Columbus. Join us and we discuss their expansion over the years into Lafayette, Mishawaka, Carmel, Downtown Indy, and soon in Nashville, Tennessee. We also dive into Chris’ long resume of opening restaurants all across the country, his time running Scotty’s Brewhouse, balancing the old Yogis brand with something new, and their new initiative to give back with proceeds from sales of their Social Lager. Chris was also the first ever Macris employee, and we spend quite a bit of time reminiscing on the Bloomington of old.

Jeff Mease joined us as the first ever guest on the No Dishes Podcast on September 1st 2020. Almost four years later, gone are the masks and social distancing, Bloomington Brewing Company and Lennies have been sold to new owners, and Jeff continues to plow ahead with One World Enterprises, consisting of Pizza X, Hive, One World Catering, One World Kitchen Share, and Loesch Farm. How does Pizza X get hot, fresh pizza to your door so quickly? What was it like hosting hundreds of visitors from all over the country at the farm for the Eclipse? How is One World Kitchen Share such an integral part of Bloomington Food Truck Friday's success? Watch/listen to find out all this and more!

After serving on City Council for twenty years, 2004-2024, Steve Volan knows a thing or two about legislation that has, and might, affect the Bloomington restaurant industry. Find out about the food truck battle of 2014, how and why our parking works the way it does, and his podcast, the 812 Show, highlighting those working in city government. Why should campuses act more like cities? What was it like owning and running the Cinemat? How did he become one of the internet pioneers in Bloomington with BlueMarble? All this and more on the newest episode of No Dishes!

For over 13 years Muddy Fork Bakery has been supplying the Bloomington community and beyond with their delectable wood-fired baked goods. Owner Eric Shedler joins us with Baker Carlee Villa and they fill us in on all their unique offerings. From world class sourdough to buttery, flaky croissants, Muddy Fork has something for every palate.

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Original theme song by Lew Bruno

What if I told you you could have hearty biscuits & gravy, delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, and mouth watering cuban sandwiches, on house made bread, all without the gluten? It's not a dream, it's Brightside Cafe! Abe Carney and John Moore join us to fill us in on their new gluten free bakery and cafe on the bottom floor of the Fountain Square Mall. Whether you're just trying to cut back on your gluten intake, or are completely unable to have gluten, there's no need to sacrifice taste anymore to accommodate your dietary needs!

Join The Clean Plate Club on Facebook and discuss the latest episodes of the podcast with other fans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/833028944651314

Join our Patreon for exclusive merch, perks, and content: https://www.patreon.com/nodishes

Original theme song by Lew Bruno