This is how a former football player pairs food and sports
Charlotte resident Wes Bryant has a hunger like no other — and his hunger is not just for food.
As his days playing football at Florida and Wake Forest came to a close, Bryant decided to pursue a career in TV and radio broadcasting. But feeling as if the formal style of local news wasn’t his style, he flipped the script and decided to make an online series based on his two passions in life: sports and food.
His web show, “Wes Got Range,” features a local restaurant from around the Queen City and pairs it with a sports interview with a local athlete, coach, or sports figure. Think of a sports version of Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” minus the food challenge part.
Showcased on YouTube, the shows start with Bryant heading back into the kitchen to see how the chef preps and cooks one of their signature dishes. From Mert’s Heart & Soul’s popular shrimp and grits to Kickstand’s chili and crispy-fried-onions-infused Fender Bender, Bryant has never left with an empty stomach — or lack of satisfaction.
Then while eating a few more dishes from the restaurant, Bryant and his sports guest chat it up about their careers and even favorite restaurants around town.
Mark Price, legendary NBA player and now Charlotte 49ers basketball coach, discussed fixing Hornets’ Michael Kidd Gilchrist’s shooting technique while tasting mussels for the first time from The Press Box in the University area.
Other appearances have been made by Charlotte 49ers WR Austin Duke, Mallard Creek High School coach Mike Palmieri and NASCAR Racehub’s host Adam Alexander.
Look out for upcoming episodes including a tour of the Knights Stadium kitchen to see how they prepare BBQ and talk with legendary Knights and Mariners player Jeff Schafer.
If you are a local restaurant that wants to be featured on “Wes Got Range,” email Bryant at wesbryant72@yahoo.com. And follow him on Twitter @WesBryantLive.
So just like Bryant ends his shows, I’ll say to all the Charlotte foodies and sports fans looking for a new local show to watch…“EAT IT UP!”
Photos: Wes Got Range
Will Johnson is a Digital Content
This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 10:49 PM with the headline "This is how a former football player pairs food and sports."