South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce Fork & Hammer, a new, half-hour reality documentary series that follows married restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown as they take on the challenge of turning a 120-year-old former church into Charlotte’s next landmark dining destination.
Fork & Hammer will premiere locally on Oct. 16 at 8:30 p.m. on ETV and will be distributed nationally through American Public Television (APT). Viewers outside South Carolina are encouraged to check local public television listings for air dates and times in their area.
With a mix of culinary innovation, architectural vision and personal resilience, Fork & Hammer invites viewers inside the high-stakes world of independent restaurants. The 10-episode series traces Jeff and Jamie’s journey as they balance creative pressure, growing expectations, 230 employees and raising three children - all while transforming historic buildings into award-winning dining experiences.
Set against the backdrop of Charlotte, North Carolina, each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jeff and Jamie’s creative hustle and personal grit. The show follows the couple as they take on their sixth and most challenging project to date - opening Leluia Hall, a steak and surf restaurant concept located in a refurbished church building. From collapsing ceilings and tight construction deadlines, to international flavor hunts, Fork & Hammer explores the beauty and chaos of building something extraordinary.
Fork & Hammer includes ten episodes:
- Episode 101: “It Started with a Crêpe” – A crumbling church, big dreams, and a crêpe in Paris spark Jeff and Jamie’s next chapter.
- Episode 102: “4 Years in the Making” – Born in chaos, see how Supperland rose from a backyard dream and two chefs with one passion.
- Episode 103: “Summer Soirée” – The Summer Soirée brings top chefs together for a celebration of the summer harvest.
- Episode 104: “Cocina Española” – In Spain, the family seeks bold flavors in food and wine, from Rioja to San Sebastian.
- Episode 105: “Fried Chicken Around the World” – The Haberdish team hosts, “Fried Chicken Around the World.” Who knew that was possible?
- Episode 106: “Pairings” – A celebration of pairings: food and drink, identical twins and couples on the team.
- Episode 107: “History on the Move” – Jeff and Jamie try and save a 1903 historic landmark by literally moving it up the street.
- Episode 108: “Second Helpings” – A restaurant closes, another opens and lessons are passed from family to family.
- Episode 109: “A Building from Scratch…sort of” – Just as Leluia Hall nears opening, unexpected news hits that rocks the restaurant group.
- Episode 110: “Hallelujah! Leluia Hall” – Leluia Hall readies to open with joy, pressure, media buzz and a team stretched to the limit.
Fork & Hammer was produced by SCETV in coordination with Susie Films with production funding provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Trust20, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Biltmore Estate Winery.
In addition to its broadcast, Fork & Hammer will be available for streaming on SCETV.org, PBS.org, the PBS app and the SCETV app. Viewers can also follow the journey on Instagram by following both the SCETV and Fork & Hammer pages for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
QUOTES
"Fork & Hammer is a vivid, emotionally resonant series that captures the entrepreneurial spirit through the lens of family and food. It’s the kind of storytelling that connects with viewers on many levels— visually rich, character-driven and grounded in real-life challenges. We are honored to support and share this meaningful work." –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Fork & Hammer stands out for its authenticity and heart. Jeff and Jamie are doing more than just opening restaurants— they’re building community, restoring history and navigating the realities of modern entrepreneurship. This series offers viewers an unfiltered look at the sacrifices and triumphs behind the scenes.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
“I’ve always found small businesses more compelling than big corporations. They are scrappier, more personal, more reflective of real life. And no business is more visual or volatile than a restaurant. Fork & Hammer offers an unfiltered look at a couple who have built multiple award-winning restaurants - each very distinct - and are now taking on their sixth and seventh. The stakes are high, the pressure is real, and the access is unprecedented. It’s been a privilege to document their journey, and we can’t wait for audiences to see what we’ve discovered.” –Fork & Hammer Executive Producer Scott Galloway
“This journey hasn’t been without challenges - being entrepreneurs in one of the riskiest industries out there. But on Fork & Hammer, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse into our world and we hope it brings insights, joy, and a spark of encouragement to anyone chasing big dreams. We’re beyond grateful to public television and our sponsors for making this possible. Whether folks tune in for the food, the stories, or the behind-the-scenes business grit—there’s room for all. For us a full table is always the most delightful.“ –Fork & Hammer Hosts Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel
FAST FACTS
- SCETV announces half-hour reality documentary series Fork & Hammer that follows married restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown.
- The 10-episode series traces Jeff and Jamie’s journey as they transform historic buildings into award-winning dining experiences.
- Fork & Hammer will be distributed nationally by American Public Television and will premiere locally on ETV in October.
- Production funding is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Biltmore Estate Winery, Trust20 and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
SCETV announces new "Fork & Hammer" series, spotlighting restaurant life, family and grit (PDF)
