Nashville Restaurant Radio

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.

Recorded Live at the GFS Food ShowIn this special episode, we took Nashville Restaurant Radio on the road to the GFS Food Show, capturing the voices, stories, and energy of food professionals from across the region. From chefs and owners to tech innovators and vendor partners, the conversations all carried a common thread: this business is tough, but the passion runs deep.Featured Guests:Nick Florek – Head of Back of House (backofhouse.io), sharing how their platform connects restaurants with the best technology partners.Jennifer Hanson – Owner of The Restaurant on 79, talking about growth and building resilience in today’s climate.Camden Dotson – Line Cook at The Bear & Butcher (Lexington), giving perspective from the back of the line on what keeps young cooks motivated.Brian Baxter, Gabe Howard & Nick Rodgers – The leadership team at Prime & Pint (Columbia, TN), reflecting on small-town hospitality, creative cooking, and the realities of opening and running a new concept together.Bill Laviolette – Owner of Shotgun Willie’s BBQ (Nashville), speaking on community, grit, and staying true to your brand.Darryl Dinning – Owner of Pastiche Catering (Nashville), discussing the unique challenges and rewards of catering.Woods Murphy – GM of Le Peep Belle Meade, on what it takes to run a neighborhood staple.James Pope – Owner of Mo Better BBQ & Fish, sharing his entrepreneurial journey.Sterling & Derrick Dowdy – Father-and-son duo behind Archer’s in Hardin, on legacy, family, and food.Brett Michel – GM of Gordon Food Service, reflecting on the role of vendors and why shows like this matter.Together, these conversations paint a raw and inspiring picture of the restaurant world in 2025: costs are rising, the grind is real, but the excitement of being in the room with peers, products, and possibilities is what keeps everyone moving forward.

For the first time in five years, I sat down with my friend Bill Laviolette—this time inside his brand-new Shotgun Willie's location in East Nashville. This episode marks the first-ever recording in the space, and it couldn’t have been more fitting as we dug into the real challenges of opening, owning, and operating a restaurant in today’s Nashville.Bill shares candid insights on:The realities of building and moving into a new restaurant space in East NashvilleStaffing in a hyper-competitive labor market, and how he’s building a strong team cultureManaging skyrocketing food and beverage costs while keeping prices approachableHow to balance being a neighborhood spot while attracting a broader audienceThe role of community support, vendor partnerships, and hospitality “grit” in keeping the doors openThis isn’t just a conversation about one restaurant—it’s a snapshot of what it really takes to run a business in Nashville right now. Bill’s honesty and experience make this an essential listen for anyone connected to the hospitality industry.

In this episode, we dive into the story and mission of the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance (NARA). Built by restaurant people, for restaurant people, NARA is a community-driven initiative designed to unite independent restaurants across Middle Tennessee.We explore how NARA helps operators secure better deals on goods and services by leveraging group purchasing power, while holding vendors accountable through a code of conduct that emphasizes fairness, value, and long-term relationships. Beyond cost savings, NARA is about collaboration—giving restaurants a platform to connect, share resources, and strengthen the hospitality ecosystem as a whole.Whether you’re a restaurant owner, vendor partner, or hospitality professional, this conversation unpacks the “why” behind NARA and how the alliance is working to make every guest a repeat guest while supporting the broader Nashville food community.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Kevin Finch, Executive Director of Big Table, and Becky Kinder, City Director for Big Table. Big Table is a nonprofit that exists to care for those who care for us—the people working in restaurants and hospitality.Together, we dive into: • What sets Big Table apart from other restaurant and hospitality-focused charities. • The role of faith and values in their mission and how it is only an option, not a requirement. • The Big Table dinners—what they look like, why they matter, and the impact they’ve had on hospitality workers across the country.This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, community, and supporting the people who keep the hospitality world moving.If you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or someone who wants to better understand how to care for those working in our industry, you won’t want to miss this one.👉 Learn more about Big Table at www.bigtable.com

Guests: • Jacob Steiner – Brand Ambassador, Robert Mondavi Winery • Jessika Hickman – Field Sales Manager, Constellation Brands • Jennifer Alexander – Key Account Manager (On-Premise), Lippman Brothers⸻Episode OverviewIn this episode, we sit down for an impromptu but lively conversation with three people shaping the way wine is experienced and sold in Nashville and beyond. From Napa Valley to Broadway, we dig into the history, trends, and future of wine in America.Jacob shares his journey from Southern California surf kid to Napa Valley sommelier, his climb through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and what it’s like to represent one of the most iconic names in American wine. Jessika brings her insight on how trends are shifting in Nashville’s dining scene—where tequila, mocktails, and even THC drinks are competing for space alongside wine lists. Jennifer, with her deep background in sales and relationships, rounds out the discussion with a boots-on-the-ground perspective from one of Tennessee’s leading distributors.⸻Key Topics We Discuss • The Robert Mondavi Legacy: How Robert Mondavi helped put Napa Valley—and American wines—on the global map. • Jacob’s Wine Journey: From hosting at King’s Fish House to Napa Valley, Montana, and beyond, plus his pursuit of the Master Sommelier certification. • Wine Education: The difference between WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers, and what it really takes to blind taste at the advanced level. • Shifting Consumer Trends: • Sauvignon Blanc’s surge in popularity (California, New Zealand, and Napa styles). • Portuguese wines as an approachable entry to European reds. • Why Pinot Noir still rules and Merlot is making a comeback. • The Nashville Angle: • How over-saturation of restaurants is reshaping the market. • Why more guests are choosing mocktails, THC seltzers, and low/no-ABV options. • The tension between “what’s new” and what has stood the test of time. • Mondavi’s Future: Sustainability, organic certification, cutting-edge winemaking technology, and the brand’s recommitment to its Napa Valley estate.⸻Memorable Moments • Jacob explaining the Court of Master Sommeliers exam process and what it’s like to be grilled on every wine region in the world. • The group laughing about the impact of “Sideways”—how one line in a movie crushed Merlot’s reputation for decades. • A candid discussion about the post-pandemic relationship with alcohol, mocktails, and how restaurants adapt. • Jennifer reflecting on her liquor store roots and how being a “chameleon” in relationships has fueled her success. • Jacob’s final takeaway: “Wine doesn’t have to be fancy all the time. Drink it with friends, enjoy it, and have fun.”⸻Why You Should ListenIf you love wine, hospitality, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how brands, distributors, and restaurants work together to shape what’s in your glass, this episode is for you. It’s equal parts education, storytelling, and a reminder that wine is about connection—not pretension.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Ryan Reisdorf—founder of Placemat—joins us to explore how healthy, at-home dining and hospitality can foster community well-being. A former nursing student turned entrepreneur, Ryan shares the journey that led him to launch Placemat out of a passion for health and connection.Episode Highlights • From Nursing School to Meal PlatformRyan began studying nursing and metabolic disease at Belmont University in 2017 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 9. These experiences deeply shaped his desire to improve community health through food and hospitality.  • The Birth of PlacematFounded in August 2017, Placemat grew from Ryan’s idea that sharing thoughtfully prepared, wholesome meals in people’s homes could make health more accessible and enjoyable.  • Core Mission and ImpactPlacemat delivers feel-good, healthy meals with world-class hospitality—effectively blending nutrition, convenience, and community.   • Growth Beyond NashvilleWhat began in Nashville has expanded to serve thousands across more than 24 states, showcasing the platform’s scalability and reach. Key Takeaways 1. Personal health challenges can be powerful catalysts for social innovation. 2. Hospitality and wellness can create meaningful community impact. 3. Entrepreneurial passion paired with personal experience fosters authenticity and resilience.Call to ActionExplore more about Placemat and Ryan’s vision at notcatering.com or follow his journey via Instagram @eatplacemat

Hey y’all, welcome back to Nashville Restaurant Radio — I’m your host, Brandon Styll, and today I have the honor of sitting down with one of the most fascinating and talented chefs in our city — Jake Howell, chef and partner at Peninsula Restaurant here in Nashville, and the 2025 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southeast.This is a marathon of an episode — just over two hours — and honestly, I could’ve kept going.Jake is a true creative force. Before he ever stepped into a professional kitchen, he was a painter in Seattle — crafting visual art while cooking on the side just to pay the bills. But somewhere along the way, cooking became the canvas. And despite his success, Jake told me himself — he’s still working to perfect his craft.In this conversation, we dive into the mind of an artist turned chef, exploring his approach to food, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his thoughtful — and sometimes unconventional — philosophy on leadership. Jake opens up about his journey, what inspires him, and where he loves to eat in Nashville.The second half of the episode really settles into a rhythm — two people connecting over the things that matter most in this industry: creativity, passion, and people.I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed being part of it.⸻🗓️ Quick reminder before we get started: The NARA Connect event is happening Wednesday, August 14th from 3 to 6pm at the Music City Center. This is the official launch of the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance, and it’s totally free to attend. If you’re a restaurant owner, chef, or GM — come hang with us, meet some amazing vendor partners, and connect with others in the industry.🔗 Register now at www.naranashville.com and follow us on Instagram @naranashville.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Tyler Lechtanski, the creative force behind Jambox, one of Nashville’s most talked-about sandwich shops. From his roots in fine dining to launching a concept rooted in nostalgia and bold flavor, Tyler shares the journey that led him to create a neighborhood favorite that’s redefining what a sandwich shop can be.We dive into:Tyler’s culinary background, including his time as GM at J. Alexander’sThe origin story of Jambox and how the brand was born from passion and purposeBuilding a concept that blends chef-driven technique with approachable comfort foodWhy Jambox is more than “just a sandwich shop” — and how it’s cultivating a strong local followingChallenges and lessons learned in launching a fast-casual brand in NashvilleTyler’s vision for growth, community, and what’s next for JamboxWhether you’re a restaurateur, chef, or sandwich lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and insights into what it takes to build something unique in Nashville’s ever-growing food scene.📍 Learn more or plan your visit: https://www.eatjambox.com📸 Follow them on Instagram: @eatjambox

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Vaccaro, CEO of Liquor Lab, a hands-on, interactive cocktail experience with locations in Nashville and Louisville.Aaron shares the story behind Liquor Lab’s unique concept — part mixology class, part social event — and how it’s become a go-to destination for team building, date nights, and unforgettable group experiences. We talk about what makes the Liquor Lab model so successful, how his background in hospitality and brand building shaped the company, and what’s next as they grow across the region.In this episode:🍸 How Liquor Lab blends education with entertainment🚀 The journey from concept to multi-city brand🧠 Lessons in leadership, hospitality, and innovation🌟 Why community and culture are key to their growthWhether you’re a restaurant owner, cocktail enthusiast, or just love hearing inspiring hospitality stories — you’re going to enjoy this one.Learn more or book your experience at: https://liquorlab.com

In this lively episode, we sit down with Janell and Mike Bass, the husband-and-wife duo behind PonyBoy Slings, the ready-to-drink bourbon cocktail that’s quickly taking the market by storm.We kick things off by learning how they met, the proposal story (yes, it’s a good one), and whatever Bumble is—because, apparently, your host needed a quick dating app tutorial.From there, we dive into their backgrounds in bartending, acting, and stand-up comedy, and how these experiences shaped their approach to building a beverage brand that feels fun, approachable, and community-driven.You’ll also find out:🥃 What exactly a “sling” is (and why you’ll want to order one)🍑 The flavors they’re currently producing 🏷️ The “why” behind the brand, their distribution through Best Brands, and what it’s like to launch a beverage business in Tennessee✨ How their love for hospitality shows up in their business todayIf you love founder stories, bourbon, or simply enjoy a good entrepreneurial journey, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe craving a PonyBoy Sling for your next drink.Where to find PonyBoy Slings:Distributed by Best Brands throughout TennesseeAvailable in bars, restaurants, and select retailersdrinkponyboy.com

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Mark Waldo, the founder of Waldo’s Chicken & Beer — one of the fastest-growing chicken concepts in the Southeast.Mark shares the story behind Waldo’s: from opening the first location in Germantown, to now expanding into multiple states with a clear mission — great chicken, cold beer, and genuine hospitality. We talk about what makes Waldo’s different in a crowded fast-casual space, how Mark approaches culture and growth, and the power of keeping things simple.Highlights from the conversation include:The origin story of Waldo’s and how Mark identified a gap in the market How their beer program supports the brand's laid-back personalityScaling with purpose: the challenges of growing while protecting company cultureAdvice for operators looking to expand while staying true to their coreMark’s insight into operations, leadership, and hospitality is full of wisdom for anyone in the industry — whether you’re running a neighborhood spot or dreaming up the next big concept.You’ll also hear some great stories from the early days and learn what’s next for the Waldo’s team.

This special bonus episode is a little different. Today, we’re sharing an episode from another podcast — Shut Up and Thrive! — where our very own Brandon Styll was the guest.Over the past year, Brandon has experienced profound personal loss. Within a single month, he lost his cousin Blake, his grandmother, and his beloved cat, Mr. Business. While he hasn’t talked much about this journey on Nashville Restaurant Radio, the emotional weight of this season has undoubtedly influenced the way he’s shown up — both on the mic and in life.In a previous episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, co-hosted with transformational coach Debra Sunderland, Brandon opened up about how the grief was overwhelming and affecting him daily. That conversation became a catalyst — one that led to him booking a trip to California to face the pain head-on, visit the crash site of his cousin’s plane, and begin truly processing the loss.This episode is the full story — a raw, honest reflection on the past year and what healing has looked like so far. If you’ve noticed some ups and downs with Brandon lately, this might help explain a bit of what’s been going on beneath the surface.Loss is something we all face, and sharing stories like this helps remind us that none of us are alone.We hope you’ll give this one a listen — and if you enjoy it, check out more episodes of Shut Up and Thrive! on Spotify with Debra Sunderland.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Men’s Health Month — and we’re diving deep into both.Today’s guest is Dr. Joe Pazona, board-certified urologist and founder of Pazona MD, who joins us to talk about something we all need more of: preventative health.From prostate health and prostate cancer screenings to erectile dysfunction, GLP-1 medications for weight loss, hormone optimization, and the importance of regular checkups — we cover it all in this candid, eye-opening conversation designed to help you or the men in your life live longer, healthier lives.We kick things off with a powerful conversation about women’s mental health, joined by my amazing wife Jennifer Styll, who opens up about her own experience navigating perimenopause.This episode is for everyone. If you care about your body, your brain, or someone else's — give it a listen. It just might save a life.🎧 Listen. Learn. Share it with someone you love.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matthew Clements, Partner at Robins Insurance Agency, and a trusted expert in hospitality-focused risk management. Before we dive into our conversation, I take a moment to share some background on the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance (NARA) — a growing community of local restaurant owners working together to leverage collective buying power, improve vendor relationships, and support each other through shared resources.NARA exists to help independent restaurants save money, streamline operations, and build stronger connections throughout the industry — and Matthew has played a key role in that mission by helping our members better understand their insurance needs and protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.In this episode, Matthew breaks down:How he is able to save you money for solid, customized insurance.What makes Robins Insurance different — and why working with someone who knows restaurants mattersIf you own or manage a restaurant and want to be more confident about your coverage, this episode is full of real talk and valuable insights that could save you thousands.💼 Learn more about Robins Insurance Agency: www.robinsins.comLearn more about NARA and how to join: www.naranashville.comFollow us on Instagram: @nashville_restaurant_radio

In this powerful and practical episode, we sit down with Kristine Mylls, founder of Mylls Hospitality Marketing, right after her return from the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Kristine brings the heat with her Top 10 actionable tips restaurant operators can implement today to improve their marketing efforts. From current trends to the rise of hospitality influencers, we cover it all—with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way.🔑 Topics Covered:10 things you can do right now to improve your restaurant marketingHottest trends in the hospitality spaceHow influencers are changing the gameBranding tips that drive guest engagementDigital presence pitfalls to avoidTons of fun banter between Kristine and me, Brandon StyllAt the top of this episode, I reflect on the tragic passing of Chris “Speedy” Krantz—a loss that’s been felt deeply across our community. I also share some of my personal journey with alcoholism and the ongoing importance of mental health, especially for men in this industry.Fellas, asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength. If you're struggling, please know you're not alone. Below are a few resources that may help:National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.orgSAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Giving Kitchen – Emergency assistance and mental health resources for food service workers: givingkitchen.orgHeadsUpGuys – Mental health support for men: headsupguys.orgBetterHelp – Online therapy: betterhelp.comLet’s keep talking about it. Let’s take care of each other.👉 Listen now on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone in the industry who might need this episode.📲 Follow us on Instagram: @nashville_restaurant_radio

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Ken Pelletier, Co-Founder of Calexo, to break down the newly signed legislation HB 1376, recently approved by Governor Bill Lee.Ken brings clarity to what this bill actually means for the Tennessee hospitality and beverage industry, especially for restaurants and bars looking to serve hemp-derived THC beverages.We cover:✅ What’s changing under HB 1376📅 When the new regulations go into effect📋 What you need to do as a responsible operator⚖️ How this bill impacts compliance, licensing, and enforcement moving forwardIf you’re a restaurant or bar owner in Tennessee—or just curious about the future of THC beverages in our state—this is a must-listen episode.👉 Follow Ken and the Calexo team at @drinkcalexo🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and stay ahead of the curve!

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, host Brandon Styll sits down with Vince Lanni, a multifaceted leader in Nashville's hospitality scene. Vince wears many hats: he's the General Manager at Greenery Co., a fresh, fast-casual restaurant in Hillsboro Village known for its locally sourced salads, bowls, and seasonal dishes . He's also the founder of Serve Up Strategies, a consultancy dedicated to helping bars and restaurants streamline operations, reduce waste, and boost profitability .Beyond his operational roles, Vince is the voice behind the Talking Chocolates podcast, where he delves into topics ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to, of course, chocolate.In our conversation, Vince shares insights on:The importance of mindset in hospitality leadershipStrategies for creating efficient and profitable restaurant operationsThe inspiration behind Greenery Co.'s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredientsBalancing multiple roles in the dynamic world of food serviceWhether you're a restaurant owner, manager, or just passionate about the culinary industry, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building and sustaining successful food service ventures.

We’re thrilled to welcome Leesa Leclaire, President & CEO of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association (GNHA), to the podcast today!In this episode, Leesa breaks down the important work the GNHA is doing to support and advocate for local restaurants and hospitality businesses. We dive into the current state of the industry in Nashville, the challenges operators are facing, and the exciting ways GNHA is stepping up to make a difference.From workforce development to legislative advocacy, Leesa is leading impactful initiatives that are shaping the future of hospitality in our city — and we were honored to have her join us in studio for this conversation.If you care about the restaurant and hospitality community in Nashville, you don’t want to miss this one.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.📲 Follow us on Instagram @nashville_restaurant_radio for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

This special episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio was recorded live at Team Hidi 2025, Giving Kitchen’s annual fundraiser hosted at iconic Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. The energy was electric, the cause was powerful, and the stories were unforgettable.We set up our mobile studio and spent the evening speaking with passionate supporters of Giving Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance to food service workers. Our mission? To learn what drives these individuals to support the cause — and what Giving Kitchen means to them personally.In this episode, you’ll hear from:Megan McCarthy – Chef & Culinary ConnectorJim and Kelly Chasteen – Founders of ASW DistilleryJulie Wade – Head of Marketing at Taziki’s Mediterranean CaféEmma Backham – Event Manager for Tito’s Vodka (GA)Anita Hsu – Owner of Lazy BettyPhil Handley – Owner of Dash HospitalityWendy Gajadharsingh – Food influencer known as @thebubblytalkCourtney May – Senior Marketing Manager at Empire Distributors AtlantaAnd a heartwarming conversation with three generations of one family who volunteered together at the eventThis episode is a celebration of generosity, community, and the restaurant industry’s enduring spirit. Tune in and be inspired by the people who show up, give back, and lift others in times of need.