I think it would be fair to say that despite having nearly 4 full months to go in 2020 we’d all agree that the year to date has been surreal. I think we’d also agree that when the world essentially shut down around St. Patrick’s Day, we had no idea where we’d be September 1st.
I feel like I have aged about 60 years in these last 6 months, but I am glad to report that I am still standin’. Yeah yeah yeah.
We spent a lot of the last year trying to figure out what our 10th season of television would look like in this market. Those of you who watch our show regularly already know what the show will look like going forward. There will be a few changes. For the most part, we believe they are all going to be for the better.
The big news came a couple of weeks ago from our friends at WTOC-TV. After a short chat with management at the station, it was decided that Eat It and Like It would be extended for another two years.
“Ratings are good. People are watching and we think your show is as relevant now as it has ever been.” Is what I was told.
That was all I needed to hear. We are so incredibly thankful for the opportunity. Two things that come gift wrapped along with the extension
*Beginning September 26th, Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco will air Saturday afternoons at noon, instead of Saturday nights at 11:30pm. We love the new time slot and believe there will be a lot more casual passer-by eyeballs mid-day versus midnight. The reality is, most of us record our favorite TV shows anyway. This is an on-demand world. Our stats show you are doing the same with us.
*Beginning in (likely) October, I will have a regular segment on WTOC’s “Morning Break” show with Cyreia Sandlin, Ken Griner and Tim Guidera. No, I won’t be live in studio, but I will be live from somewhere talking about good eats in the area. The plan is for me to join them every two weeks.
Not only are we crazy excited about these moves going forward, but I can tell you that we are not at all taking them lightly.
We’ve been using every opportunity we can to tell you that your favorite restaurant is likely hurting right now. That remains true as you read this.
More exposure means more opportunity to help the little guys that can’t afford to advertise. The hard working people in the Food and Beverage industry who are desperately trying to survive this year. No one has done more of that than us over the last 10 years. We are doing all that we can to help and we will certainly do more. I’m very much looking forward to it.
If you are a regular around here, then you know I will never pass on an opportunity to show our appreciation for your support. My name is on the door, but I most certainly don’t do this all alone. Not a chance.
I can say with confidence that Eat It and Like It is not only not going anywhere any time soon, but we are probably in a stronger position today than we have been at any point in our decade-plus journey.
Considering what the rest of 2020 has looked like so far? Yeah, I will take it. So set your DVR, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. And lets get to some eating.
See you on TV,
Jesse
