Chef “Panini Pete” Blohme has spent over 40 years building up his reputation as one of the most beloved chefs in the South. He opened his first venue, Panini Pete’s Café, in The Fairhope French Quarter in 2006. It only took a few years for it to become a local favorite. Panini Pete’s was voted the top sandwich shop in Alabama, and has been featured on Diners Drive-ins & Dives, the “Best Of” Diners Drive-ins & Dives, Guy’s Big Bite, Guys Grocery Games & Guest judge on Food Truck Wars with Tyler Florence! Pete has also performed in over 25 live Food Shows while touring with the Guy Fieri Road Show.
Chef Blohme owns & operates 4 Panini Pete concepts throughout Alabama and devotes the rest of his time to supporting US military members and other philanthropic causes. He is a proud member of The Messlords, a group of passionate chefs that travel around the world, cooking and entertaining American troops.
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In 2017, “Panini Pete” launched a non-profit with his friend, Chef Robert Kabakoff. The PR Foundation, whose tagline is ‘Doing Very Special Things for Very Special People’, honors military veterans, people with special needs and no-kill animal shelters. They’re now accepting donations for the Johnny and Krystal Home Sweet Home Project, too.
He's also a key member of the FBIC chef team, working alongside his friends Chef Brian Duffy, Chef Kevin Des Chenes, Chef Monti Carlo, Chef Russ Zito, Chef Kayla Robison, Chef Jennifer Behm-Lazzarni, Chef Chad Rosenthal, and Chef Matt Varga.
Chef Blohme spoke with Bar & Restaurant ahead of the Nightclub & Bar Show to remember some of his favorite moments at the Food & Beverage Center Innovation Center (FBIC) over the years, plus a few words of wisdom for new attendees.
What’s your favorite part about FBIC?
Not only do we have a blast, but it’s a quality show. As an owner-operator of several brands, I always find new ideas and products to use. For instance, all of the furniture in my last concept came from a company I met at the show.
If the other chefs had to describe you in three words, what would they be?
Wise, old, fart.
What’s your “role” in the group?
Pretty much the Dad chaperone.
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Do you guys have any secret competitions going on against each other back there?
Constantly and several pranks. The best "Chef Russ voice " impression competition is fierce!
Favorite FBIC memory?
Hitting the Double Down saloon and it hitting back!
What’s one thing you want people to learn when they visit the FBIC?
Network and hit some seminars, too! Learning, gathering information, and inspiration are year-round activities. NETWORK people!
What are you most looking forward to at Nightclub & Bar Show this year?
Getting drunk with the other chefs and marrying each other at the drive thru wedding window…again!
You can find Chef Pete “Panini Pete” Blohme at the Food & Beverage Innovation Tuesday June 29 – Wednesday June 30 during Nightclub & Bar Show 2021. Catch his live cooking demonstration on Tuesday from 2:45pm – 3:30pm, and his conference session “What’s Next in Culinary Trends with Award-Winning Chefs” on Wednesday from 1:00pm – 1:50pm.
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