Local Teacher to Appear on CNBC's 'Restaurant Startup'

CNBC calls it an “all-out cockfight.”

The battle over chicken involves a local culinary arts teacher, who will be on national television Tuesday during the newest episode of “Restaurant Startup.”

Stephen Latona, an instructor at Montgomery County Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute, will appear on CNBC at 10 p.m. to make a pitch to open his dream restaurant in the Philadelphia area. He’ll be joined by business partner, Mark Bellini.

The two are seeking the show’s support to open their restaurant concept, “Smoke Kitchen.”

They’ll be up against a Texas-based food truck specializing in fried chicken that is seeking investors for a brick-and-mortar location.

According to a preview of the new episode, Latona and Bellini want to open a “take out restaurant serving the best damn rotisserie chicken there is on the planet.”

The chicken will be oak wood fired and served with creative sides and decadent desserts, the pair tells show hosts Joe Bastianich and Tim Love.

Latona and Bellini are seeking the show’s support to “create a chicken empire” with an infusion of $200,000.

They’ll compete against the “Queen of Fried Chicken” — owner of Mrs. P’s Electric Cock, a food truck based in Austin, Tex. Since the Texas weather “can turn on a dime” the food truck’s owner wants investors to help fund a permanent location.

“Restaurant Startup” is similar to “Shark Tank” in that it uses the knowledge of experienced investors to determine the best business venture for the money.

Latona, a graduate of The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, has worked as a chef in restaurants in France, New York City and Philadelphia. He began teaching at the Culinary Arts Institute in 2013.

Tune in to CNBC Tuesday at 10 p.m. to see the local teacher in the spotlight.