Nashville Restaurant Radio

After 25 years as chef and owner of Margot Café in East Nashville, Margo recently closed that chapter with a celebration worthy of the legacy she built. Today, she joins us in studio to talk about what comes next, what it feels like to say goodbye to something that meant so much to so many, and the stories that made Margot one of Nashville’s most beloved restaurants. We also had a couple of specia...

Every restaurant operator knows the feeling: something breaks, a vendor doesn't show up, an invoice looks wrong, and suddenly you're spending hours managing maintenance instead of managing your business. In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Eric Schell and Drew Strohm from OneTap to discuss how they're working to simplify one of the most frustrating parts of...

Live from Tennessee Flavors: Supporting the Future of Hospitality In this special live episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we broadcast from Tennessee Flavors, the annual fundraiser benefiting Nashville State Community College's Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts. The event brings together some of the best chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders in Tennessee, all united behind a co...

What makes an experience unforgettable? In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Bill Miller, CEO of Icon Entertainment, for a conversation that goes far beyond venues, concerts, and business. Bill shares incredible stories from his career, including memorable moments with Johnny Cash, while revealing the philosophy that has guided his life’s work: creating experiences...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Billy Deck, founder of Sunda and host/star of the PBS documentary Food Roots. Billy shares the deeply personal story behind the film, his Filipino-American upbringing, and the journey back to the Philippines that helped him reconnect with family, heritage, grief, identity, and purpose. The conversation moves through hospitality,...

This all-new episode features Austin Smith, COO of Honky Tonk Party Ventures and founder of Party Fowl Hot Chicken. Whatever your opinion is on Nashville’s transportainment industry, Austin pulls back the curtain and explains how it really works. He also opens up about what actually happened with Party Fowl, shares stories from his friendship with Brandon, talks about playing softball with Shaquil...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Josef Gutzmirtl, a longtime Nashville operator with more than three decades in the restaurant business. Josef shares the journey behind building and sustaining beloved neighborhood staples like Boston Commons, Beyond the Edge, and Drifters BBQ through economic shifts, natural disasters, staffing shortages, and the ever-changing...

What does it really take to survive—and actually win—as an independent food business? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Jimenez, owner of Above & Beyond Cakes, to break down the reality of building a bakery from scratch in a competitive market. This isn’t just about cakes—it’s about discipline, standards, and doing the hard things consistently when no one’s watching. We talk about what it ta...

What built Broadway into a global destination—and why does some of that feel at risk today? In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, I sit down with Barrett Hobbs, a multigenerational Nashville operator and founder of Cumberland Hospitality Group, for a candid conversation about the city’s growth, the business engine behind downtown, and the growing disconnect between those driving economic...

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan O’Kelly , Executive Chef of Husk Nashville, to talk about the realities of building a career in high-level kitchens, evolving leadership styles, and what it takes to run one of the most respected restaurants in the country. Bryan shares how he got his start washing dishes in Charleston while in college—and quickly realized the kitchen was where he belonged....

On this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , I sit down with Jason Laiacona, Executive Chef at Miel, for an honest, unfiltered conversation about mental health in the restaurant industry. This isn’t a clinical discussion — it’s two people speaking from experience. We get into the realities of ADHD, substance abuse, and why the hospitality industry seems to attract people wired the way we are. J...

On this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , I sit down with Hunter Briley, owner of Emeraude Bakery, for a conversation that goes far beyond pastries and bread. Hunter is one of the most positive people you’ll meet — and there’s a reason for that. We talk about the journey of building Emeraude Bakery, but quickly get into the deeper story behind it. From a tornado that took everything from him...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , I sit down with Carey Bringle , owner of Peg Leg Porker and a longtime downtown Nashville operator, for a candid conversation about the realities of doing business in a rapidly changing city. Carey doesn’t hold back. We dive straight into the impact of significant property tax increases on small business owners and why he believes the current traject...

This episode felt like a reunion. Caroline Galzin — former co-host of Nashville Restaurant Radio — is back behind the mic along with her husband Tony Galzin, chef and owner of Nicky’s Coal Fired . Since we hadn’t seen each other in a while, the conversation starts with some catching up, a little fantasy football talk (Tony is part of the NRR league), and reflecting on Caroline’s time helping build...

In this episode, Nick Guidry, Owner of the Pelican & Pig announces that he will be closing the doors to their restaurant this Saturday. We wanted to give him a way to tell his story. To talk about the people who made P & P special, and to thank all of the people who made it special for the last 7 years. This is becoming all too common these days, and unfortunately, this probably isn't...

Episode Summary This episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio is what happens when hospitality stops being a business plan and starts being personal. Robin and Jennifer didn’t set out to build a concept — they set out to find their neighborhood pub. After meeting, building a life together in East Nashville, and eventually moving to Donelson, they went looking for the kind of local gathering place eve...

Episode Summary This week on Nashville Restaurant Radio , we bring you a true “lost episode.” Recorded in the middle of December and somehow never released, this conversation with Josh Cook and Ana Aguilar of Tantísimo feels just as relevant now as it did during the holiday rush. We dive into the realities of the holiday season for small, independent restaurants — the pressure, the unpredictabilit...

I wanted to come on a explain some of what's going on in the local restaurant world. Please listen, and go support your favorite local restaurant, then go do it again. Stronger restaurants. Stronger community

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , we sit down with Jessica Hazard, Owner of NY Pie, to unpack what it really takes to grow a local restaurant brand in a competitive market. Jessica walks us through each of NY Pie’s three Nashville locations, sharing how every neighborhood brings its own challenges, opportunities, and lessons. We talk candidly about expansion—what went right, what was...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Charlie Nelson, owner of Belle Meade Bourbon, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bourbon, brand-building, food, and a very real life moment. Charlie joins us while officially on baby watch, with his wife in pre-labor — making this not just a conversation about building a bourbon brand, but also about stepping into first-time...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , I sit down with Stephanie Styll , owner of Killjoy , for an honest and thoughtful conversation about alcohol, behavior, and why more people are choosing to step away from drinking . Stephanie and I both bring a unique perspective to this conversation — I’ve been alcohol-free for over six years , and Stephanie for five . That lived experience allows u...

🎙️ Episode Show Notes Guests: Brad Hopkins — 13-Year NFL Veteran (Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans) Brycen Hopkins — NFL Tight End, Super Bowl Champion (Los Angeles Rams) Ollie Gabriel — CEO, Aura Holdings Group Concept: B-Hops Location: Wedgewood Entertainment District Opening: Spring (Coming Soon) In this powerful episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , we welcome an unforgettable trio into the...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , we sit down with Matt Ramos , owner of Common Ground — and yes, he’s quick to remind us… it’s NOT a coffee shop. Matt takes us through his journey through some of Nashville’s biggest and best restaurants , sharing behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the experiences that ultimately shaped the Common Ground concept. From working alongside t...

Guest: Jessie Tigges — Realtor & Content Creator Instagram: @jessietiggesrealtor In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , we sit down with Jessie Tigges , a successful realtor and content creator who understands the power of influencer marketing and authentic storytelling. Jessie breaks down why influencers are no longer optional for restaurants , but a vital part of modern marketing st...

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio , Brandon sits down with Aubrey O’ Laskey , the powerhouse owner and creative mind behind Perenn Bakery , one of Nashville’s most beloved artisan bakehouses. Aubrey shares her incredible journey — from growing up with a passion for food, to meeting her husband Tyler while attending culinary school, and how their shared dream became the foundation for w...