How a Sandwich Passion Launched a Food Network Career with @jeffmaurosandwichkingdom ​

#podcast #foodnetwork #pizza #italianfoodOn this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Chicago’s own Jeff Mauro—the Food Network Star Season 7 winner, Emmy-nominated host of Sandwich King, and longtime co-host of The Kitchen—to dive deep into his journey from catering and comedy to TV stardom and building Mauro Provisions. Jeff opens up about growing up in a big Italian-American family, the hustle it took to break into Food Network, and what it really means to run restaurants like a true business. From the lessons learned through failure and the importance of strong business partners, to creating Mauro Provisions and shipping Chicago staples like Italian beef, giardiniera, and craft rubs nationwide, Jeff shares raw insights into entrepreneurship, food, and family. If you’re a fan of Food Network, sandwiches, Chicago food culture, or simply want to hear an inspiring behind-the-scenes story of passion, discipline, and perseverance, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a few heartfelt moments you won’t forget.00:00 – Sandwich King Origins & Chicago Roots5:55 – Pizza, Johnny’s Beef & Growing Up Italian19:35 – From Taste of Chicago to Food Network Star27:12 – Jeff Mauro’s Path to Becoming a Chef36:24 – Reaction to Guy Fieri being on Joe Rogan’s Podcast40:18 – Inside Food Network Star45:31 – Life After Winning Food Network Star51:29 – Why TV Chefs Still Have Lasting Power59:40 – Behind the Scenes of The Kitchen1:06:06 – The Rise & Fall of Pork and Mindy’s1:14:47 – Why Partnerships Matter in Restaurants1:16:25 – Jeff Mauro Explains Mauro Provisions1:29:03 – Closing ThoughtsFollow Jeff Mauro on Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmauro/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJeffMauro \YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffmaurosandwichkingdom/videos Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffreymauro?lang=en X: https://x.com/JeffMauro Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-mauro-03092b7b/ Mauro Provisions: https://mauroprovisions.com/ Podcast: https://comeonover.com/ Follow Us on SocialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true     Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/