On today’s episode, we’re kicking off the new year with an incredible guest—Stephen Faust, Chef and Partner at McGuffin Catering. Stephen takes us behind the scenes of life on film sets, sharing fascinating stories from the culinary world of entertainment. We also dive into his inspiring journey of 28 years of sobriety and discuss the challenges he faced evacuating his home during the California fires.

But that’s not all! In the intro, I’ll catch you up on everything I’ve been up to lately, introduce some exciting new sponsors, and share details about a brand-new alliance I’m forming. This initiative is all about helping you increase profits and strengthen relationships with our amazing partner vendors.

There’s so much to cover today—so grab your coffee, settle in, and stay tuned to Nashville Restaurant Radio!

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we’re thrilled to welcome Ray McBride, CEO of Black Sheep Tequila, a Nashville-based tequila brand that’s making waves in the spirits industry.

Ray brings his high-energy style and passion for tequila as he shares:

• The story behind Black Sheep Tequila and what inspired the brand’s unique name.
• Why their tequila is considered the best in the world, with their Añejo earning double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition three years in a row.
• How Nashville became the perfect home base for their operation.

If you’re a tequila enthusiast, a restaurant professional, or just someone who loves hearing about bold ideas and big wins, this episode is for you.

About Our Guest:
Ray McBride is the visionary leader behind Black Sheep Tequila, a brand that’s redefining premium tequila. With a commitment to quality and an unconventional approach, Ray has helped position Black Sheep as a standout in the industry, earning accolades and growing a loyal following.

Little Bear is an Atlanta restaurant that is a gold certified Farmer Champion by Georgia Organics. Today Jarrett talks about truly being Farm to Table, and why that is important to him. His restaurant is the definition of locally owned and operated, and I personally can't wait to go back to eat there. This episode is also available on Atlanta Restaurant Radio.

On this episode, we host Councilmember at Large Sharon Hurt to discuss her bid to be Nashville's next mayor. We discuss how experiences from her childhood in Memphis and attending TSU shaped her passion for service and love for Nashville, and she delivers us a much needed message of 'hope' for our city's future. Did we just interview the next Mayor of Nashville? Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Claire Crowell joins the podcast for the third time! Her previous visits were to talk about what was available to you as a restaurant worker in early March 2020, and the second was when Puckett's was one of the first restaurants in the nations to reopen after we were allowed to in May 2020 when she was the COO of A. Marshall Hospitality. Today she talks about Hattie Janes's, life on the farm, what makes her Ice cream special, and we talk a lot about Le Dame Nashville, which she is the current President of. 

Caroline is Back! We couldn't be more excited to have Steve Cavendish on the podcast today. Steve has partnered with Demetria Kalodimos the Nashville Banner and today he tells us why. We also talk about the Mayoral race, other media outlets, and more local news. Let us know your thoughts! Watch this whole interview on our YouTube Channel, and remember to like and subscribe to know when we are recording other interviews LIVE!

The boys of the bird are back! In their final installment of their "Pop Up" Podcast, they talk with John and Bascha. John is the Concierge and the Dream hotel and Bascha owns Adagio spa. We want to sent out a special thanks to both Mikey and Brian, and all of their guests for taking over the podcast thsi month, and thank you, the listener for taking time to listen! #Cheers!

Listen in as our panel, yes, including my mom, talk about the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

The boys of the bird are back with a new episode of Hard to Heart. This week they talk with Lincoln and Bunny. Lincoln manages ops at Condado Tacos, and Bunny works for The Mockingbird. They are a sober couple, and we just love how they contribute to that community. This is a super fun and interesting conversation about this industry, and being in a relationship in the industry. Let us know what you think? Brandon

Caroline is under the weather so Sean Porter takes her mic for this Valentines edition of #theroundup. WE are also joined by Andy from Bad luck Burger Club at about the 20 minutes mark. Enjoy!

It's #Popup Podcast time at Nashville Restaurant Radio! We love to offer local Restaurant Owners and hospitality veterans to chance to make their own podcast from time to time. So here is our second Popup, "Hard to Heart".

Mikey and Brian from The Mockingbird have been on the NRR twice, well once was a short-lived show we had called talking shift. They joined our friend's Jessica and Trey from Two Ten Jack. (July 17, 2021- If you wanted to go listen to it). They also joined the show on June 21, 2022 for a solo interview, and we had so much fun, I just thought they would be great hosts, so, they said yes! 

In this first episode, Mikey and Brian welcome Adam and Zach, who own Mystic Picnic in Springfield. They tell their story, and how they ended up in Springfield to open their dream Wine Bar. It wasn't without a bunch of twists and lessons, which they graciously explain in detail. Mikey is a wonderful host, and Brian chimes in with timely comments and questions. So enjoy, and stay tuned the next two Friday's for all new episodes of "Hard to Heart".  - Brandon

PS.. My Favorite part of the interview is when they realize they can swear 

Carey Bringle Joins the show for the 4th time! In this episode, we wanted to discuss the new football stadium, and we did, but that opened the door to so many other conversations. We talked about his first location, and how he lost it. We talked about local politics, and the 40 person City Council, and why it needs to be reduced. Carey is the epidemy of locally owned and operated, and he talks about why that's important, and what you can do to make that happen for yourself. This was a fun conversation, and we heard Carey tell stories we have never heard before, we hope you enjoy this conversation. Cheers

in this episode of #theroundup Caroline and Brandon they discuss reality TV, the NRA and serve safe, and so much more. This is a fun episode where we let you in on what our conversations look like when the mics are off. Let us know what you think on Instagram at @nashville_restaurant_radio

Brandon's Book Club is Back!! We are reading the 15 commitment's of Conscious Leadership with facilitator Debra Sunderland. We are constantly talking about leadership, but what does conscious leadership look like? It's about being intentional, and living above the line. Its about being our most authentic selves, leaving judgement and blame in the rearview mirror. This book has changed my life, and now if your chance to take control of your business and keep it moving forward. We will be doing a LIVE episode on Sept 24, and we would love to have you be a part of it.

Joe Buonavolanto joins the show to talk about his Italian Beef Restaurant Buona Beef (pronounced Bone-a beef) coming to Nashville. Tony Galzin, Co-Owner of Nicky’s Coal Fired, and Caroline’s Husband Co-Hosts the show today as he is an Italian Beef expert! Which was a good thing because Brandon was clueless, but after the interview very excited to try this delicious style of protein!

Chef Andy Little joins us today to discuss multiple topics including Noma announcing their closure, the state of the industry, the role in food media, and we even get to tackle a new segment called  "what's pissing me off". 

Lyle is in charge of the operations for 14 restaurants including Puckett's, Deacon's New South, Americana Taphouse, Scout's pub and Burger Dandy. Today he talks with Caroline and Brandon about how he does it. He talks about workplace culture, technology, and how he keeps it all together to be a Dad for his teo children. The episode starts off with a conversation with Chad Newton from EastSide Banh Mi where he announces the peoples choice for the Banh Mi Project to benefit the Nashville Food Project.

Becca has been sober for over 4 years, and was tired of not feeling comfortable in social settings, so she decided to do something about it. She has created a line of alcohol removed spirits (Gin, Tequila, and Bourbon) that work really well in cocktails. Today she talks with Caroline and Brandon about her story of sobriety, how she created her products, and we touch the non- alcoholic culture. We talk about etiquette, do's and don'ts around serving zero proof cocktails, and so much more!

In our final episode of 2022, and the first episode of 2023 Caroline and Brandon discuss hot topics, such as Arnolds announcing their closure, new restaurants, and reviews. We also jump into advice as to how you should be raising your prices going into the new year. We thank you for all of your support, and are super excited to bring you some amazing content in 2023!

In this episode we discuss our latest book, The Comfort Crisis, by Michael Easter. We are joined by a panel of Esteemed guests that include Steven Smithing, Owner of The Green Hills Grille and Mere Bulles. Stephanie Styll, besides being my sister, she is also the CSO of the Raphah Institute. Justin Maestas, Owner of Shared Spirits, and Matthew Clements from Robins Insurance Agency here in Nashville. Matthew was the one who recommended this book, and it was a game changer for me. IN this episode we discuss the book and what we all took from it, and at the end we rate the book, and if we would recommend it. I gave it 5 stars, would definately recommend it! Next month we will be reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. We would love to have you join us as we discuss this one at the end of January. #cheers

You hear us talk about them all the time, but today, you get to learn a little bit about the people behind the company.  Jason moved his family to Nashville to start Supersource Nashville RIGHT before the pandemic slowed the world down. He kicked it into high gear and found a way to help Restaurant Owners save money, while offering elevated service. He has since bought land, and built his forever house. He also offers up a HUGE special for anyone who wants to use his services and you start before 2023. Kevin Rose was furloughed during the pandemic from his job with Royal Cup. He loved working with Chef's and Restaurant Managers, so when he was offered the Restaurant Specialist role at Koorsen, he jumped at the opportunity. Kevin and his wife are raising twins, and he loves his job working for this fam ily owned company. Stay tuned and let me know if you call any of our sponsors this month, we will enter your name in the hat for free hockey tickets!

Hosts Caroline Galzin and Brandon Styll whip around today's Nashville restaurant news with commentary. Topics include Nashville  Holiday Pop up's, Sean Brock, The Tennessean Top 25 best restaurants, Eater's 2021 articles about hopes for 2022, and much, much, more! This is a bi monthly episode that will be around the first and 15 of each month. New episodes released on Fridays. 

Ann and Lauren (and Ruby) from Netchex join the show to talk about what they do and how they can help your business. We are going to focus a lot on sponsors over the next month as we go into 2023 we want to make sure you are set up for success. Stay tuned for next week as Caroline rejoins me as we will go in depth as to what connecting with our sponsors could earn you in December.. Cheers!

Jen and Marcia join us in studio to talk about The Giving Kitchen. This is one of the most important episodes we can put out there. The Giving Kitchen is here to help Hospitality employees in crisis. Founded after Jen Hidinger lost her husband to cancer. The community in Atlanta came together to support them so much, that she made it her lifelong goal to continue to create that kind of support for everyone in the hospitality community. Listen in as she tells her story, how The Giving kitchen can help you, and what you can do to support this cause. Visit at www.thegivingkitchen.org

Rich Bryant is the captain of the relation-ship at @gotab.inc Today we talk about his job at GoTab, and all the fun stuff. (GoTab is an all in one POS Solution that only one restaurant in Nashville takes advantage of. And they are awesome. #notasponsor) but the real gem of this conversation in at about 53 minutes in where he tells the story of his heart attack earlier this year, and it just goes from there. Wow, this is a powerful episode. Nothing like facing death to give you perspective. Stay tuned Monday as we will release the new @brandon_nrr_bookclub book of the month. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. If you struggle with defensiveness, your team not performing well, profitability, really anything, this book will help put it all together in perspective. I can’t wait to share it with you, and we will have @sunderland.coaching along for the ride to help you understand the concepts better. We will be doing a LIVE show at the end of September, and we would love to have you join us. So stay tuned, and enjoy this episode with Rich Bryant wherever you listen to podcasts.

We love a good pandemic pivot story, and today won't disappoint. This married couple was tired of their banking and insurance jobs, so they decided to start a business "popping up" all over with their Vegan Taco concept. When they learned of the Nashville Farmers Market Incubator program they jumped on the opportunity and continue to serve their tacos at the Farmers Market in Nashville.  Side editorial note, this was Carolines first interview actually recorded, but the third released. The intro and recap were recorded today.

Arnold Myint- (AKA Suzie Wong) Joins the show today to discuss his restaurant on Belmont, The International Market. We also discuss the state of the industry, and why he is so damn busy. He also gets into the behind the scenes with Top Chef, and Next Food Network Star. Arnold was energetic, fun, and not afraid to spill the tea. This episode is enhanced by our new Co-Host Caroline Galzin! (If you missed the formal announcement) The episode is also powered by our friends at Gordon Food Service. 

Ben Joins the show to talk about what his life is like right now, and we welcome Caroline Galzin to the podcast as our new Co-Host. This was a super fun interview with an awesome guy, we are so happy to begin season #6 with a new Co-Host and amazing guest. Brandon

Join some of Nashville's Best as they talk about what made them that way! Intro- Brandon and Chris talk about the BON issue (Brough to you by Southern Health Insurance) at 16:15 Kahlil Arnold- Best Meat and Three, Best Shot (Bubba Back), and Best Steak Dinner under $25 (Brought to you by Gordon Foodservice) at 38:28- What the BON got right and wrong (Brough to you by NetChex) at 51:17- Parker from Fait La Force Brewery- BON Best New Brewery- (Brought to you by SuperSource) at 1:15:20- Carey Bringle, Owner Peg Leg Porker, Bringles Smokin Oasis- Best Ribs, and Best new BBQ (Brought to you by Robins Insurance) at 1:33:47- Andrea Chaires- Owner, The Rosepepper. BON Best Margarita, Best TOGO Cocktail (Brought to you by What Chef's Want) at 1:45:17- Chad Newton- Owner- EastSide Banh Mi- Best Banh Mi- (Brought to you by Koorsen Fire and Security) Final thought brought to you by Poachedjobs.com

Well this episode had it all, alcohol, swearing, storytelling, and even a proposal! (first one in the history of the podcast!) The idea here is that we talk about our weeks and what happened, and the listener calls in too. We did have a couple of call ins, Anne, Ryan's new fiance, and my wife (and Ryan's sister Jennifer) calls in toward the end. I don't even know how to describe this episode except that is was a departure from our normal show. What do you think? This episode is brought to you commercial free by Poachedjobs.com

Alyssa is a New York transplant who has officially made the best pastry I've ever had! (Almond Joy Pastry) We talk about her restaurant, and a lot about the challenges of being a leader in our post pandemic Nashville. This topic is one that I almost feel like we shouldn't talk about, because we have so many things to be grateful for, but it can be lonely being a leader, and we jump into that on a deeper level. I appreciate her willingness to talk about it, and her insights were very helpful. I think anyone who has been a leader in this industry will find this interview compelling. Enjoy!  Brandon This episode is brought to you by Southern Health Insurance. Visit nashvillerestaurantradio.com to learn more about all our sponsors.

Jamie joins the show today to tell his story. We talk about his late start to drinking, why he started drinking, and why it became a problem. A lot of people start drinking because its social and fun, only to realize it becomes a coping mechanism for the hardships they deal with on a daily basis in this industry. We break that down, and we talk about what he did about it once he realized that it wasn't working anymore. This was a fun conversation, that is very introspective, and real. I look forward to joining him at the Ben's Friends meetings on Mondays at 11am at the Oak Steakhouse. Brandon This episode is brought to you commercial free by Koorsen Fire and Security

Hal and Chris join the podcast from Lockeland Table in East Nashville. I’m this episode we discuss White Squirrel Farms, and their relationship with Lockeland Table. I was absolutely blown away at the details that WSF goes into while farming. I have referenced LT veggies several times on the podcast, and this episode brings it home. Brandon

Hunter and Julia are the kind of people who you root for, you want them to win. They met working in a restaurant, the dated, they dreamed, they got married and started a family. They opened a business together, and now expecting baby number two. They are quite literally living the American dream. Listen in as they tell their story in detail, and I promise, you will think twice before pulling into that Starbucks across the street. It was such an honor to have them in studio, I can't wait to catch up with them once baby #2 is here, and see how they are doing. Cheers!

Chad is the first head brewer to join the podcast and we learned a lot. We discuss all the cool events and brews coming up at TennFold. We also discuss the entire beer making process from start to finish. (Ever wonder what a hop is and how it’s used in the brewing process?) Chad is a super kind man, and we were honored to have him in studio. #cheers!

This episode is VERY important if you are a restaurant Owner or Manager!! Abhinav Founded a company called Bikky, based around his mother in laws (who owns a restaurant) need to market and thank the right people for eating at her restaurant. What he created was a solution to identify who your guest is, and what their behaviors will tell you. I would guess 99% of local, independent restaurants do not use this, and would benefit greatly. The problem is, there is SO MUCH DATA, that only chains really take full advantage as they have the staff to take the information and put it to use. I content that this is why chains flourish, and local restaurants close at an alarming rate. Watch as Crystal De Luna-Bogan and Brandon Styll ask the questions that matter to most small restaurant Owners. We always think it's a compliment when the guest says" that was fun, I haven't been asked those questions before" The actual interview with Abhinav starts at the 19 minute mark.

We catch up with Randy Rayburn as he is about to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Midtown Cafe. Randy talks about his experiences over the past 3 years, what he has learned, and how close he came to losing the Midtown Cafe. We celebrate the fact that he has a new book, "Midtown Cafe's 35th Annniversary: Stories, People, Recipes" and we talk about all the cool things they will be doing the entire month of October. It was so much fun having Randy in studio, I hope you love this sneak peak into the world of a legend. Brandon

Katie and Memo join the show to celebrate their victory in our first ever bracket challenge brought to you by Netchex.com. They beat out 63 other Mexican restaurants all over middle Tennessee to earn their crown. We will be celebrating today at Memo's for Mexican Independence day. Listen in to learn what makes them so damn good. 

Jim Taylor is on a mission to make retention the new cool. He is transforming the way you look at labor. IN this episode he talks about how we measure productivity, and how you can get more for less, and he's not talking about more work for the hourly employees. If you have a staffing issue, and you want a new perspective, this episode is for you!

Andrew joins the show today to talk about his awesome Cocktail Bar the Fox Bar and Cocktail Club, and his awesome coffee shop Elegy Coffee. However, we barely talk about either of them. We do talk about 90's grunge, favorite celebrities we have met, and so much more as he is also the drummer for the wildly successful Grammy Award winning duo Dan & Shay. So if you like music and creative people, you are going to love this conversation. 

Chef Tomatz (pronounced Tomash) and I spent some time touring Springer Mountain Farms together, and I had so many questions for him. He runs some of the busiest restaurants and bars in Nashville. I am fascinated in how he makes it all work. Listen in as he tells his story, and he talks about all the things that make the machine go! He is also very inspirational as an immigrant, who has only lived in Nashville for a month. I loved this interview, and we are all lucky to have this amazing Chef in our town. I hope you love this interview with Chef Tomatz! Cheers!- Brandon

Travis Talbott is a restaurant lifer. He grew up in Canada, and now travels the world learning about new trends and helping as many people as possible. In this episode, we talk about the pandemic, and how the industry has changed. I ask him what he has learned, and how the rest of the world is reacting. There is some real good operational knowledge that gets spread through this interview. 

Also, if you reach out to our sponsors this month, you will be entered into a contest to win five $100 gift cards to Nashville Restaurants. Which restaurants? the first 5 that do a demo for either Maintain IQ, or GoTab. Visit Nashvillerestaurantradio.com and visit the sponsors tab to enter.

Akinde and Kala take you to church!They didn’t expect to go this route in today’s episode, but sometimes fellowship over a cocktail is exactly the sort of communion you need. As they get in their feels, we hope you will feel the love too.

Cait Madry was so gracious to come on the show and talk about her journey with sobriety. I am a guy who came to sobriety through the rock bottom, and she has a different approach to her sobriety, and I’m here for it. She doesn’t like to label not drinking, and it’s ok to stop for any reason. There are so many people who don’t know where to start and I think in this conversation, we outline many ways for you to put down the bottle for good. The format for this was a conversation where we interview each other, and I think that exactly what you get. I think you are going to love it! Brandon

Laura shares with Kala exactly what it’s like to be a bartender at the intimate and endearing Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. She talks cocktail and menu creation with her team and what it looks like to be part of this community.

We are proud to introduce Chef Aniello Turko to Nashville! In his first interview since arriving one month ago, he explains what he has been up to, and where he comes from. Chef “Nello” earned a Michelin Star while at Mio in Beijing at Four Seasons. He hopes to do it again here in Nashville with the all new Mimo at Four Seasons. He is super kind, and full of energy! I’m so excited to see what he brings to the table, both literally and figuratively. #ciaoy’all

Kasi is the President, and Dottie is the VP of the Tennesee Association of Farmers Markets. Today they stop by to talk about National Farmers Market week. (this week!) Listen in as they talk about what they do and why it is so important to support your local farmers market. Thier interview starts at around the 45 minute mark.

Founded by Imran Sheikh, Milkshake Concepts is an experiential hospitality group redefining the industry with multifaceted restaurants and nightlife, looking to expand into new untapped markets throughout the South. Impressively growing the brand even amidst the pandemic, they currently operate seven successful locales in Dallas – Stirr, Vidorra, Citizen, Serious Pizza, Dirty Bones, Harper’s, and Skyrocket Burger – and in 2022, the group will introduce three separate concepts to Nashville, leading with Layer Cake (Cherry Lounge within). Early next year, they’ll be opening Vidorra, Harper’s, and The Finch in Nashville as well.

Kala gets into it with longtime bar-mate and friend Brandon Thomason-Maraschiello. What does it take to make a program that stands out? It may surprise you to hear it ain’t the drinks! Brandon, head bartender of Oak Steakhouse, talks about his experience revitalizing the bar program after the many changes our industry has seen over the years.

Jamie and Ben joined the show and on the intro I asked them about their titles.. Oh, you guys own the joint?? Cool... One of the benefits of a good PR company is getting them on the show.. (Thanks Roar!!) I love a good show where I am literally meeting people for the first time on air. I could not be more excited to share this conversation with my two new friends, who are just incredible! We talk about their travels, their restaurant, their philosophy on operations, and their future, which is pretty bright! Stay tuned as you may get to hear more from these two gentlemen in the near future!