As one our Puckett’s Boat House managers, we can always count on Stacy to light up a room. She’s the one in the middle of all the PBH Corn Hole Tournament action, rootin’ on the underdogs one minute, then chatting up our on-stage musician the next. She’s also the one you can thank for coming up with Ladies Day every Wednesday!

Turns out, Stacy’s full of good ideas. Another one of our favorites ideas she’s had is to relocate to Franklin, Tenn. from Colorado about three years ago, with her husband and two boys. Her second spark of genius was to begin waitressing at Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant.

She worked for Puckett’s in downtown Franklin for nearly two years, and you can bet she made some friends there! After gaining some experience managing another family-owned eatery in Cool Springs, Stacy joined our family again this past February—this time helping run Puckett’s Boat House!

Below, we get to know Stacy a little bit better so that YOU can get to love her a little bit more—and show you just why we consider her our “Renaissance Woman.”

Why do you like living in Franklin? There’s no question that this is truly one of the friendliest places I’ve ever lived (and I’ve lived in Oregon, Montana and California!) or visited. It must be the hospitality—I don’t think I’ve ever known strangers to go out of their way like they do for you here. We’ve (my family) been able to make really good friends, and quickly.

What did you do before moving to Franklin? My husband and I owned double-sided coffee shops in Colorado.

What do you like about the Puckett’s family of restaurants? What I really love about Puckett’s is that they have a family environment at every one of their restaurants. It’s a real community. You get to know the customers as friends, and I love that about Franklin specifically.

What about the Boat House specifically? I love the heart behind this particular business, and the heart in the community involvement. It’s a very comfortable place to be. My hope is that our friends feel a connection with us here, and that they began to feel that it’s an extension of their own kitchen.

I also am proud of the food. It’s a lot of real, made from scratch cooking. It’s very rooted in the South, and authentic to this part of America.

Do you like to cook? I love to cook. I was going to go to culinary school way back when—I was accepted and everything!—and I’ve always been in love with cooking. I’m genuinely inspired when I come to work because of that.

What’s your favorite dish to make for your family? An oriental-stuffed flank stank, with a Parmesan-parsley rice. My family knows I want to spoil you if I cook that!

What’s your favorite dish at the Boat House? The Sanibel Salmon, for sure.

What do you do in your free time? I’m a writer. I just finished writing my first book! It’s about how the Lord has healed my heart. It’s written to have a companion journal in hopes the reader will discover what God has in store for their hearts. I hope it’s a springboard for others to write about their journey. I’m looking into self-publishing now!

I also write music, I really love doing that. I co-wrote a song, and I just learned that NSAI is taking it to their monthly publisher lunch! It’s called “You Buzz Me.” It’s a really fun song.

Wow! Anything else? Well, I paint and play the piano too. I’m also really passionate about gardening.

…..see what we mean? Next time you’re in Puckett’s Boat House, make sure to give Stacy a shout. She’s sure to inspire you!

Here’s why it’s especially cool:

George, one of country music’s living legends, is turning 61 come May 18—but before he does, the “King of Country” is hoping to nab one last milestone as he embarks on his final U.S. tour. Have y’all seen the “Sixty for Sixty” social media marketing campaign for Strait’s latest single, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” designed to make the tune his sixtieth #1 hit? Well, it’s comin’ to Puckett’s 5th & Church in a couple days!

On May 11 the #60for60 campaign will take front and center in downtown Nashville. One week before Strait leaves his 60^th year—and the campaign ends—we’ll have O’Donnell and Dillon on stage.

Dillon has co-written 80 published Strait songs, including “Ocean Front Property” and “Living for the Night”, along with a slew of others. O’Donnell, a Puckett’s on-stage regular, co-wrote Strait’s current single “Give It All We Got Tonight.”  Together the pair has helped take Strait to the top of the charts 59 times: Strait has more #1’s than any other artist in history!

“We’re honored to call Phil and Dean friends of Puckett’s, and know how fortunate we are to be in Middle Tennessee and have this kind of talent on our stage,” Claire Crowell (our director of operations!) said. “Guys like them really represent what we’re all about. I believe this is the reason we’re unique: because you can’t separate the music from the food at Puckett’s.”

The show will begin at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $12 cover. To make a reservation, go here before they’re all gone!

Who: Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant

What: Phil O’Donnell and Dean Dillon

When: Saturday, May 11; 8:30 p.m.

Where: Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant
500 Church Street, Nashville, TN

Cost: $12

About Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant

With locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville and downtown Columbia, the Puckett’s roots go way back to the 1950s, and a little grocery store Williamson County. Ever since then, we’ve been focused on providing friends new and old with great food and Southern hospitality. When it comes down to it, Puckett’s is a community kitchen, with live pickin’ performances just a few feet from your table. Authentic comfort food—barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood, the home-cooked sides, even a few upscale dishes—is what Puckett’s aims for you to remember. For more information, go to www.puckettsgrocery.com.

“When I think about Spanish influences in my cooking, Chorizo is one of my favorite flavors. In many restaurants I worked in, Chorizo con Huevos was a staple among the guys in the kitchen, and we would fix it every Sunday before the restaurant opened. So it was essential to put Chorizo on the burger for May. This burger is ‘muy bueno!’ if I do say so myself! We allow you to enjoy Cinco de Mayo all month long!”- Puckett’s Brand Chef, Keith West

 CINCO DE MAYO

Burger Bun (grilled)

1 Tbl Mayo

1 Lettuce Leaf

2 Sliced Tomatoes

2 Red Onion Rings

1 Puckett Burger

2 oz Crumbled Chorizo

1 Tbl Crumbled Feta

½ Tbl Cilantro Leaves

1 Lime Wedge

Burger Bun

[Serve with a side of chips & pico de gallo!]

Burger of the Month
Each month, Puckett’s chef Keith West creates a “Burger of the Month” to serve to our friends. It’s always quirky, it’s always carefully crafted and it always makes us lick our chops. We’re going to start sharing some of those exclusive recipes with you!

 

On Thursday, May 2, Homestead Manor will commemorate 150 years since the skirmish with its grand re-opening as an event venue site from 6-9 p.m….. and Puckett’s Trolley is going to be on site to celebrate with these guys!

Y’all are all excited to celebrate the ca. 1816 historic landmark—a property that was as a ground-zero site for 6,000 Civil War soldiers—which will now serve as a private venue for community and corporate events, weddings and more. The open house event will showcase the versatility of Homestead Manor, as well as give everyone a first look at the newly renovated (fabulous, as Ms. Dolly Parton would say!) space.

The evening will include guest speakers who will educate partygoers on the manor’s heritage, and a special re-enactment of historical events pertaining to the location. In addition to music, entertainment and other activities, Pour Taste, Java Breeze, Puckett’s Trolley and Lipman Bros. will offer complimentary food and refreshments. Beer, wine and additional food will be available for purchase at a suggested $1 donation. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County.

Today Homestead Manor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the property has a conservation easement through The Land Trust of Tennessee.

It is managed by Puckett’s Events, an events company owned by Andy and Jan Marshall of our Puckett’s family of restaurants (that’s us!). Hope to see y’all there.

For more information, please contact Event Coordinator Jill Begin at jill@puckettsevents.com.

Who: Puckett’s Events

What: Grand re-opening of Homestead Manor

When: Thursday, May 2; 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Homestead Manor
4683 Columbia Pike, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

Cost: Free

The 2SteelGirls are taking our stage at 15 Public Square to give our local audience a first listen at their debut single “Train Wreck”–the very same song that they’ll be belting out come May 10 when this mother-daughter duo appears on the “Today Show.”  That’s right, our Columbia friends get to hear the track even before Hoda and Kathy Lee bend their ears!

(As seen on: you may have caught Allison and Krystal Steel of Columbia on Nashville’s Channel 4, using their God-given talent to secure a spot on NBC’s “The Voice” last season. Or, you may have recognized their voices on Blake Shelton’s Christmas album. Either way, you gotta agree that this is going to be one rockin’ Friday night!)

In order to haul their band and equipment up to the Big Apple to perform on the morning show, the pair has to muster the money to get there. At Puckett’s, we’re charging a $10 cover to get these women to NYC! Support your hometown, and help ‘em out. We’re all booked up for the show, but if you call (931) 490-4550 we’ll put you on our waiting list!

Do you have an idea of how the 2SteelGirls can raise money to get to the Today Show? Email them here.

Check out 2SteelGirls’ blind audition on “The Voice” here:

On Tuesday, April 23, three culinary students from Nashville will compete in “The Cutting Edge Tour,” hosted by Food Network star and celebrity chef, Maneet Chauhan! This will be part of her nation-wide book tour this spring.  At each stop across the country, local students will be competing for the title “America’s Top Teen Chef.”

The public is invited to come cheer on Nashville’s students at the judging portion of the competition on April 23 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.  The competition will be held at Glencliff High School (160 Antioch Pike; Nashville, TN 37211).

Glencliff’s culinary team recently took second place at the Tennessee ProStart Championship on March 9, held by the Tennessee Hospitality Education Foundation, and we’re excited to see this new talent cropping up!

As a member of the Tennessee Hospitality Association and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, we encourage y’all to support these students and help spread the word of the event! Want more information? Check out WSMV’s article here!

Glencliff High School’s 2nd Place Dessert (TN ProStart Championship)

Our crew has concocted the perfect recipe to tantalize your taste buds for the warmer months ahead. This one’s sure to be a crowd pleaser y’all!

SHRIMP BURGER RECIPE:

1 slice wheat bread (1  1/2 cup crumbs)

1 pound shrimp

3 Tbl. Mayo

2 Tbl. Thin sliced green onion

2 Tbl. Minced fresh parsley

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

Pinch of cayenne

2 tsp. Old Bay

1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine ingredients together and form into a patty. Cook to preference. [yields 4 burgers]

Enjoy ya’ll!

How we conceived the April’s “Burger of the Month”:
“So many people come to Puckett’s for the burger. And it is the South, so it made sense to fry it! Our next task was how to top it.The burger itself just screamed southern comfort food. Now, I’m a huge fan of bacon and onion jam.  So I thought, ‘why not make an onion jam using Southern Comfort liquor?’ To compliment the crispy fried burger I wanted to add pimento cheese on top. To cut the richness of the pimento cheese I added some sweet ‘n’ tangy chow chow. Because in the south we put chow chow on everything, right?!” -Puckett’s Brand Chef, Keith West

Once you taste all these flavors in the same bite, you can see why this burger is  Chef Keith’s favorite one yet! Below, Keith shares onion jam recipe that really gives this dish a kick. Enjoy y’all!

Onion Jam Recipe:

1 Red Onion Diced

2 TBL Bacon Grease (sub Olive Oil)

2 oz. Southern Comfort

1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp Salt

1/2 Cup Water

½ Tbl Corn Starch

1 Tbl Cold Water

Sautee Red Onions in bacon grease. Sweat onions down until they are dark and caramelized. De-glaze the pan with Southern Comfort. Add in red wine vinegar, sugar and brown sugar. Once dissolved, add water and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. Combine the corn starch and cold water in separate bowl. Slowly stir into mixture until a jelly like thickness. Cook on low 10 more minutes to allow corn starch to cook out. Serve hot or cold.

Burger of the Month
Each month, Puckett’s chef Keith West creates a “Burger of the Month” to serve to our friends. It’s always quirky, it’s always carefully crafted and it always makes us lick our chops. We’re going to start sharing some of those exclusive recipes with you!

Through your appetites, our Columbia guests will support Columbia Central High School’s Project Graduation on Tuesday, April 2; aMuse’um on Tuesday, April 9; Maury County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) on Tuesday, April 16; Hope House on Tuesday, April 23; and Maury County Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday, April 30.

This is the first philanthropic effort from Puckett’s in Columbia, which opened last week on March 27, 2013. Our Owner, Andy Marshall, says that the five Tuesdays coincide with our mission to focus on community.

“We’re supporting these five organizations because we connect with their individual visions, and we believe our customers do too. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for both the Puckett’s family and our guests to become more familiar with what each does for the community,” he says. “From the moment we announced our plans to open in Columbia, we’ve felt a humbling amount of local support. It’s just a small indicator of the kind of heart Maury County has. We hope to show our appreciation through these kind of events.”

We kicked off our Columbia operations with a neon sign-lighting ceremony on March 23, and a grand opening event on March 27 that included live music and a ribbon cutting with the Maury County Chamber of Commerce. This marks the third family-owned location in three different counties for the Marshall family.

We’re open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, go to www.puckettsgrocery.com/columbia or call 931-490-4550.

About Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant

With locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville and downtown Columbia, the Puckett’s roots go way back to the 1950s, and a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. Ever since then, we’ve been focused on providing friends new and old with great food and Southern hospitality.

When it comes down to it, Puckett’s is a community kitchen, with live pickin’ performances just a few feet from your table. Authentic comfort food—barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood, the home-cooked sides, even a few upscale dishes—is what Puckett’s aims for you to remember. For more information, go to www.puckettsgrocery.com.

Owner Andy Marshall said the concept for a Puckett’s on Columbia’s Main Street has been several years in the making, and that the grand opening will be a pivotal moment for the family.

“We have labored over finding the right location so that we could plug into the Columbia community, and this feels like a monumental day for us,” he said. “We’re excited to become a part of another thriving downtown scene whose star really seems be on the rise.”

Marshall, who owned several independent grocery stores before purchasing Puckett’s, said that he and his team have worked to maintain its original “mom and pop,” Southern vibe. Though it expanded into a restaurant and live entertainment venue several years ago, Puckett’s is known at both its downtown Franklin and downtown Nashville locations for home-cooked meals in a fun, familiar setting.

“We’ve tailored our dining experience and our live music towards our Puckett’s origins because we still wanted to maintain that feeling of sitting in your own kitchen,” he said. “This Columbia location will uphold the tradition of quality food that’s tied to our Tennessee roots, and a gathering spot for friends and family members to catch up or hear the results from a recent songwriting session.”

The former factory and warehouse building measures more than 26,000 square feet, and includes a second-floor event space that exceeds 8,000 square feet. In addition to a first-floor dining room with two private areas, Puckett’s will launch a creamery later this year that will serve homemade chocolate and vanilla ice cream in fresh-baked waffle cones.

To transform the three-story interior, the Marshall family worked with local builder Joe Whidby to craft hand-hewn tables and added the floor to ceiling grocery shelves that are becoming a Puckett’s hallmark. Williamson County “picker” William Powell helped to bring nostalgic elements, including old signs, photographs and memorabilia that celebrate Maury County’s history.

The location kicked off its operations with a sneak peek and neon sign-lighting ceremony on March 23. The grand opening event on Wednesday will include a ribbon cutting with the Maury County Chamber of Commerce at 10:45 a.m.

Puckett’s will host musicians on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. For more information about the restaurant, go to www.puckettsgrocery.com.

More about Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant:

With locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville and downtown Columbia, the Puckett’s roots go way back to the 1950s, and a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. Ever since then, we’ve been focused on providing friends new and old with great food and Southern hospitality.

When it comes down to it, Puckett’s is a community kitchen, with live pickin’ performances just a few feet from your table. Authentic comfort food—barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood, the home-cooked sides, even a few upscale dishes—is what Puckett’s aims for you to remember. For more information, go to www.puckettsgrocery.com.