illustrated by @drawmatthewdraw

Without the unending support of our communities, these last 2+ (very challenging) months may have broken us. Thanks to you all, and one kickass team working around the clock, we are somehow still here. There are no adequate words to express our gratitude, but we want you to know that we will continue to be here for you, as you all have for us.

Our dining areas will remain closed at this time, but we are still open for take out and delivery. Our goal is for each guest who enjoys Frothy to feel comfortable and confident in their experience.

As a small business, a family, and members of our community, we want to be part of the solution and do our part to provide and sustain jobs during this pandemic. Like you, we want Frothy to survive and thrive, and we want to serve you in the safest way possible.

We are creating our own timeline for opening our dining areas based on the responsibility to provide for the unique needs of our staff, guests and neighborhoods.

We are working diligently to make thoughtful changes to our operations and service in order to begin opening our dining areas in some capacity, but we are just not ready yet. As you can imagine, there are so many adjustments to be made, so please stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for your continued support, your patience, and your kindness to us and to each other. #frothylove

Let us know if you have any questions by emailing frothycares@frothymonkey.com.

Frothy Monkey to reopen in Downtown Nashville with meals, drinks, and groceries for take out and delivery

Opening day is Sunday, May 17th at 7am

After being closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be reopening the Downtown Frothy (235 5th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37219) for take out and delivery *THIS SUNDAY* May 17th at 7am for curbside brunch service. Hours will be 7am – 8pm every day with online ordering. Breakfast will be available until 5pm and dinner starts at 4pm. Beyond regular menu items and to-go drinks, essentials such as groceries and prepared foods will also be available.

“Our priority is to serve Avenue of the Arts and the surrounding neighborhood in the safest way possible, and the residents of downtown are our focus,” said Amber Mauldin, the General Manager of the 5th Ave location. “We hope to take advantage of this slower time to connect with our neighbors.”

Downtown Nashville is one of six Tennessee neighborhoods that Frothy serves. On Sunday, March 15th we quietly opened their much anticipated East Nashville location in Lockeland Springs for take out only in the midst of tornado recovery and pandemic shutdowns. “That was definitely the most unique restaurant opening we’ve ever done,” said Jennifer Sheets co-owner and Creative Director. “But, we were surrounded by need and we were able to provide a resource for meals, coffee, groceries, and a daily dose of happiness for our neighbors.” 

We hope that reopening on Avenue of the Arts will provide the same there as well. We look forward to seeing you!

illustrated by Alicia Binkley of M.I.D. Goods

Here for You Through + Through

Due to the unexpected announcement from Nashville’s Mayor about entering phase one of the plan to reopen the city, we wanted to reaffirm our decision to keep dining areas at all locations closed until we feel it is safe for staff and guests to gather in them. We will remain OPEN for curbside pickup and delivery.

In addition to that, we have several exciting things to announce!
• Beginning today (Friday 05.08) we will be expanding our hours at all open locations (12South, Nations, East, Franklin, and Chattanooga) to 7am – 8pm seven days a week.
• East Nashville now has a full line of beer, wine, and cocktails!
• We are launching our Spring / Summer menu including seasonal drinks
• We will be re-opening our Downtown Nashville location very soon (more on that later)

We will continue to innovate to stay relevant in an effort to employ more staff, and continue to offer the best quality experience possible. As we closely monitor the situation we will be carefully considering factors including the unique needs of our staff, our guests, our operations, and the recommendations of health organizations. Our goal is to invest our resources in sustainable practices as we add staff and begin the process of reopening fully and there is not an exact timeline.

Thank you for your support. We will continue to take every precaution to provide the safest possible service for our guests and work environment for our staff. We hope that you continue to enjoy Frothy Monkey with confidence. Let us know if you have any questions by emailing frothycares@frothymonkey.com.

(“Here for You Through + Through” illustration by our friend, the lovely and talented Alicia Binkley of M.I.D Goods in Nashville, TN)

We’re Open! See our updates  below.

We are offering some limited dining. Online ordering with curbside pickup is still available. Add eggs, milk, bread, and other a la carte essentials to your order!

ORDER FOR PICKUP

A la carte grocery can be added to any online ordering purchase for curbside pickup.

Butcher boxes, produce bundles, and sandwich kits are available for pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders must be placed in advance – more details here. Produce bundles can also now be added to any online food order for curbside pickup.

* We are currently offering *free shipping* on all cases (6 bags) of coffee by using the coupon code FREESHIP. Click here to shop.

Many, many thanks for your support as we try to save as many jobs as possible at this time.

Updates:

// 06.30 Update //

Important update for our Downtown Nashville location:

Sadly, a member of our staff at our Downtown Nashville location has received a positive test for COVID-19. The employee last worked Thursday, June 25th, and started having symptoms Friday the 26th. Results from a Saturday test came back positive Monday, June 29th. No other staff are positive or are having symptoms at this time.

We closed the location upon receiving the news and we will be closed for a professional deep cleaning and staff testing.

The safety of our staff and our guests is top priority. We will let you know when we are ready to reopen the Downtown Nashville location. All other locations are open 7 am – 8 pm as normal.

In this challenging time, we want to be as transparent as possible. We sincerely appreciate your support! #frothylove

// 06.25 A Note About Masks //

It’s up to all of us to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We wear masks for you, please wear masks for us whenever possible.

We reserve the right to refuse service to guests who make our staff or other guests feel unsafe.

Please be kind and treat each other with respect.

// 06.22 Dining Room Update //

All locations now have limited seating with table service. See our safety protocols in the reopening plan update below.

// 06.17  Dining Room Update //

Nations, Chattanooga, Downtown Nashville, Franklin, 12South – Dining Room is OPEN in a limited capacity.
East is still take out only.

See our safety protocols in the reopening plan update below.

// 06.15 Dining Room Update //

Chattanooga, Downtown Nashville, Franklin, 12South – Dining Room is OPEN in a limited capacity.
Nations, East – Take out only

See our safety protocols in the reopening plan update below.

Here’s what we are up to these days:

• We’re open 7am – 8pm every day
• Limited seating with table service at all locations.
• Online ordering and curbside pickup at all locations
• Food + Beer + Wine + Cocktails to go!
• Groceries + Prepared Foods

See you soon! #frothylove #washyerdarnhands

// 06.02 Dining Room Update //

Chattanooga – Dining Room is OPEN in a limited capacity.
12South, Nations, East, Downtown Nashville, Franklin – Take out only
Downtown Nashville / Avenue of the Arts – Dining Room will be opening on Thursday 06.04 in a limited capacity
Franklin – Dining Room will be opening on Tuesday 06.09 in a limited capacity

Online ordering with curbside pickup is available at all locations
See our safety protocols in the reopening plan update below.

// 06.01 Our Reopening Plan + Safety Protocols //

You WOW us every day with your support, and we are grateful. Now that more folks are starting to enter back into public it was clear to us that in order to best serve you, we needed to put more systems and controls in place. Our plan is to slowly open our buildings, so we can roll out changes effectively to provide the safest experience possible. On June 2nd, we’ll start by opening our Chattanooga location, which is already set up to be conducive to distanced flow and seating. We will add our Downtown Nashville location next for dine-in service on Thursday, June 4th, followed by Franklin on Tuesday, June 9th. Once we determine dine-in dates for the remaining locations we will announce them.

We love to be a part of your daily routines. Please bear with us because there are a few changes we have made that may seem unexpected.

After nearly 16 years of counter service, you will now check-in with a friendly masked and sanitized host. They will seat you, and then a server will take your order at your table. This will allow us to limit the number of people in our spaces, the number of guests at each table (no more than 6), and ensure that your table is sanitized and socially distanced before you sit.

Staff is required to be symptom-free before reporting to a shift. We are utilizing CDC guidelines promoting handwashing, facemasks, social distancing, sanitizing, and training staff on health measures. We will be maintaining our already high standards of cleanliness while adding more frequent cleaning practices.

We have made changes in order to manage lines, eliminate paper menus (although they will be available if needed), and cut down on other high touchpoints such as condiment bars. We have also installed contactless payment options (yay Apple Pay!).

Due to the unique features and layout of each location, the flow may vary. But, the general policies, safety changes, and high levels of service will be the same. We will also be keeping some of the products and amenities we have added in the past few months including groceries and prepared foods, as well as online ordering for curbside pickup.

Hours will continue to be 7 am – 8 pm at all locations until further notice. We are looking forward to seeing you soon! As always, please email us at frothycares@frothymonkey.com if you have any questions.

// 05.25 Updates for Nashville, Franklin, Chattanooga //

Without the unending support of our communities, these last 2+ (very challenging) months may have broken us. Thanks to you all, and one kickass team working around the clock, we are somehow still here. There are no adequate words to express our gratitude, but we want you to know that we will continue to be here for you, as you all have for us.

Our dining areas will remain closed at this time, but we are still open for take out and delivery. Our goal is for each guest who enjoys Frothy to feel comfortable and confident in their experience. 

As a small business, a family, and members of our community, we want to be part of the solution and do our part to provide and sustain jobs during this pandemic. Like you, we want Frothy to survive and thrive, and we want to serve you in the safest way possible. 

We are creating our own timeline for opening our dining areas based on the responsibility to provide for the unique needs of our staff, guests and neighborhoods. 

We are working diligently to make thoughtful changes to our operations and service in order to begin opening our dining areas in some capacity, but we are just not ready yet. As you can imagine, there are so many adjustments to be made, so please stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for your continued support, your patience, and your kindness to us and to each other.

Let us know if you have any questions by emailing frothycares@frothymonkey.com.

// 05.17.20 Our Downtown Nashville location is now open //

We’re back in Downtown Nashville for take out!

Our Avenue of the Arts location in Downtown Nashville (235 5th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37219) is now open for curbside brunch and we can’t wait to see you. Hours are 7am – 8pm every day with breakfast until 5pm and dinner starting at 4pm. Order at frothymonkey.com.

– Online Ordering with Curbside Pickup
– Take out + Delivery
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Coffee, Tea, Beer, Wine, Cocktails (to-go!)
– A la Carte Groceries
– Produce Bundles
– Butcher Boxes + Sandwich kits
– Prepared Foods

// 05.08 Updates for Nashville, Franklin, Chattanooga //

Due to the sudden announcement from Nashville’s Mayor about entering phase one of the plan to reopen the city, we wanted to reaffirm our decision to keep dining areas at all locations closed until we feel it is safe for staff and guests to gather in them. We will remain OPEN for curbside pickup and delivery.

In addition to that, we have several exciting things to announce!

• Beginning Friday 05.08 we will be expanding our hours at all open locations (12South, Nations, East, Franklin, and Chattanooga) to 7am – 8pm seven days a week.
• East Nashville now has a full line of beer, wine, and cocktails!
• We are launching our spring / summer menu including seasonal drinks
• We will be re-opening our Downtown Nashville location very soon (more on that later)

We will continue to innovate to stay relevant in an effort to employ more staff, and continue to offer the best quality experience possible. As we closely monitor the situation we will be carefully considering factors including the unique needs of our staff, our guests, our operations, and the recommendations of health organizations. Our goal is to invest our resources in sustainable practices as we add staff and begin the process of reopening fully and there is not an exact timeline.

Thank you for your support. We will continue to take every precaution to provide the safest possible service for our guests and work environment for our staff. We hope that you continue to enjoy Frothy Monkey with confidence. Let us know if you have any questions by emailing frothycares@frothymonkey.com.

HOURS:

Nations + East +12South + Franklin + Chattanooga
Monday – Sunday 7a-8p

Downtown Nashville / Open Monday – Sunday 7a-8p starting Sunday, May 17th

// UPDATE Sunday 5.3.20 //

It goes without saying, that we miss having our buildings and porches full of your smiling faces. This week we will be expanding our hours for takeout and delivery so we can see you curbside a bit more often! This includes opening every day at 7am, later hours on the weekends, and being open 7 days a week in Chattanooga. But alas, please remember that our dining areas in Nashville, Franklin, and Chattanooga remain closed until further notice.

HOURS 05.04 – 05.10

Nations + East / Mon-Sun 7a-8p

12South + Franklin + Chattanooga
Mon-Thurs 7a-5p / Fri-Sun 7a-8p

Downtown Nashville / temporarily closed

// UPDATE Sunday 4.26.20 //

As you know, we are in a time with many unknowns and challenges which are changing day to day. In light of the communication from government officials in the past few days about plans for reopening our cities, we wanted to give you an update on what our plans are for Frothy Monkey. 

We will be carefully considering factors including the unique needs of our staff, our guests, and our operations, while using recommendations from health organizations, as well as the phased plan presented by Nashville’s Mayor, as guidance for our decisions company wide. Our decisions will be data driven, not date driven, which means we do not have an exact timeline for reopening fully.

Our dining areas at all locations will remain closed until further notice until we feel it is safe for staff and guests to gather in them. We will remain open for curbside pickup and delivery, and over the next few weeks begin to expand our hours of operation as well as our menu. We will continue to innovate to stay relevant in an effort to employ more staff, and continue to offer the best quality experience possible. Our goal is to invest our resources in sustainable practices as we add staff and begin the process of reopening fully. 

Thank you for sticking with us through this challenging time! We will continue to take every precaution to provide the safest possible service for our guests and work environment for our staff. We hope that you continue to enjoy Frothy Monkey with confidence. As always, let us know if you have any questions by emailing frothycares@frothymonkey.com.

// UPDATE Monday 4.13.20 //

We realize the times are tough and making as few trips out of the house as possible is essential. That’s why we’ve expanded our grocery offerings to include meat, produce, and other pantry staples. So when you order dinner or a coffee for curbside pickup you can skip a second stop.

A la carte grocery items are available to order for pickup within the hour and can be added to any online ordering purchase. Support our farmers and bakery while stocking up.

Butcher boxes, produce bundles, and sandwich kits are available for pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays (The first available pickup is on 4/17. Orders must be placed in advance – more details here).

Family style meals that serve 4-6 are available by ordering by 3pm a day in advance.

We’re in this together! Be well.

// UPDATE Thursday 4.09.20 //

We are in full swing with online ordering and curbside pickup, delivery (through Postmates and Uber Eats) and lots of sanitizing. Our staff our equip with gloves and face masks and are taking every precaution to provide the safest possible service for you. For now, our Downtown Nashville location is still temporarily closed, and our Chattanooga location will be open Wednesdays – Sundays.

We realize the times are tough and making as few trips out of the house as possible is essential. That’s why starting tomorrow (Friday 4.10.20) we’re expanding our grocery offerings to include meat, produce, and other pantry staples. So when you order dinner or a coffee for curbside pickup you can skip a second stop. We will also be introducing family style meals and more grocery options. Stay tuned for details!

// UPDATE Monday 3.23.20 //

Sunday was an eventful day of updated regulations from state and city authorities (some restrictive and others quite the opposite). We temporarily closed one location to open another, and we are continuing to adapt to all of the change.  We are launching curbside alcohol sales (all locations except for East Nashville- yet) which you can add to your online order along with grocery items. We are paring down our menu in order to be more efficient and offer you breakfast, lunch, and dinner items from open to close.

We will be taking a couple of days off at our Chattanooga location to reboot and prepare to launch delivery. For now, here are our updated hours for Monday, March 23rd:

East Nashville | 7a-8p
Nations | 7a-8p
12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Chattanooga | taking a few days off

Service will be take out only with online ordering and curbside pickup during the hours posted. Our dining rooms are closed will no longer be allowing walk-in ordering. All orders must be placed online or by phone.

Thanks for sticking with us through all of this. Stay well!

// UPDATE Sunday 3.22.20 //

We have some bigger changes to our schedule tomorrow, so bear with us and please read this entire message! We are making the difficult decision to temporarily close our Downtown Nashville location until further notice and shift our focus to opening our new East Nashville location. We believe that this is an opportunity to serve a larger number of neighbors who will need access to food (and COFFEE). Don’t worry, we’re not closing downtown for good, just shifting things around a bit. In light of that, please see our new hours beginning Sunday, March 22nd:

East Nashville | 7a-8p (running a limited menu which can be viewed here)
Nations | 7a-8p
12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Chattanooga | 9a-6p

Take out only with online ordering and curbside pickup available during the hours posted. What can you pickup curbside? Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids meals, wine (by the bottle) essential groceries (milk, bread, eggs). 

// UPDATE Saturday 3.21.20 //

Here are our adjusted hours beginning Friday 03.21.20:

12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Downtown Nashville | 8a-5p
Southside | 9a-4p
Nations | 7a-8p

// UPDATE Friday 3.20.20 //

Here are our adjusted hours beginning Friday 03.20.20:

12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Downtown Nashville | 8a-5p
Southside | 9a-4p
Nations | 7a-8p

// UPDATE Thursday 3.19.20 //

Here are our adjusted hours beginning Thursday 03.19.20:

12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Downtown Nashville | 8a-5p
Southside | 9a-4p (Take out / curbside pickup only)
Nations | 7a-8p

We will continue to encourage to-go orders and a come and go environment or ordering online (curbside pickup available).

Please read this letter from a coalition of restaurant owners, hourly workers and chefs working together to connect Tennessee hospitality workers as a united front to expedite the protection, relief and welfare of and for hospitality workers at a local, state and federal level. Consider taking action on behalf of our hospitality industry HERE.

// UPDATE 3.18.20 //

Our adjusted hours beginning 03.18.20 are:

12th | 7a-5p
Franklin | 8a-4p
Downtown Nashville | 7a-5p
Southside | 9a-4p
Nations | 7–5p

// UPDATE 3.17.20 //

We are closely following the changing recommendations of the CDC as well as local government and health authorities and are making adjustments to operations as needed in order to continue to provide Frothy goodness to our favorite folks.

Beginning 3.17.20 our new hours will be:
12South | 7a-5p
Franklin | 7a-5p
DWTN Nashville | 8a-5p
Chattanooga | 8a-5p
Nations | 8a-5p

We will continue to encourage to-go orders and a come and go environment. Please call 615-600-4756 and choose your neighborhood location to order take out. We are working toward offering online ordering so please stay tuned for that! #frothylove #washyerdarnhands #happystpaddysday

// UPDATE 03.16.20 //
Hello again. The past 2 weeks have been a doozy y’all. We love to keep it light but we have some important updates to communicate. We are closely following the changing recommendations of the CDC as well as local government and health authorities. We will pivot as needed in the coming days and weeks so please check back for updates as we have them. We will try to keep our updates as concise and informative as possible.

Starting Monday 03.16.20 we will begin operating at 50% seating capacity to encourage social distancing, and we will also shorten our hours as follows:

12South | 7a-7p
Franklin | 7a-7p
Downtown Nashville | 8a-8p
Chattanooga | 8a-10p
Nations | 8a-8p

Although our doors are open and we LOVE seeing your faces (virtual high five!), we are encouraging to-go orders and a come and go environment. We are working toward offering online ordering so please stay tuned for that!For now, please call 615-600-4756 and choose your neighborhood location to order. As things change we will post updates here and to our website, and if you have any questions please reach out to frothycares@frothymonkey.com. We appreciate you so much and thank you for your patience and trust as we work through all of the unknowns, we will get through this together! #frothylove #washyerdarnhands #nashvillestrong

//03.14.20 //

Dear Frothy Family,

We know you have questions and we want to assure you that we are monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) closely. We are monitoring expert recommendations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Servsafe, and local health officials. 

In addition to our existing high standards of safety, we are increasing our efforts in the following ways as well as others:

• All staff are washing hands more often.

• Our POS touch screens will be disinfected often and guests will swipe their own credit cards.

• We have increased the frequency with which we clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces, including screens, tables, chairs, bathrooms, and door handles.

• All beverages are available in single use cups if requested. We will still be offering a reusable cup discount but we will not be filling guest’s containers.

• We will discontinue use of hand held menus when possible and use posted menus as well as a QR codes posted for menu access on smartphones. 

• Condiments will be available by request.

• We ask that any guests exhibiting signs of sickness not enter our buildings.

• We follow local government health policy plans as it applies to staff and illness. 

As an added measure, you will find the following sign posted at all of our locations:

As always, we are committed to safe food handling and the cleanliness and best practices for sanitation of our restaurants. We hope you visit us with confidence in the coming days and weeks with this in mind. For now we are open as usual but please check back for updates as things change. Please reach out to frothycares@frothymonkey.com if you have any questions. #frothylove to you all.

Celebrate mom with a bouquet or brunch package available for curbside pickup in Nashville and Franklin!

Want to bring home everything you need for breakfast for the family? Is serving cookies or biscuits fresh out of the oven what you need? Looking for a sweet treat that is ready to eat? If so, we have options for you that include Food, Drinks, and Flowers by @petalsandfields. 

We have a flower only option here! See brunch packages below.

Place your order for a Mother’s Day bouquet or brunch package by Thursday, May 7th at 12pm. Orders will be available to pick up on Saturday 4pm – 7pm and Sunday 7am – noon

Breakfast in bed  $72

Bring home everything you need for breakfast for the family!

• Breakfast Casserole to take home and bake. Choose from: Spinach + Feta / Sausage + Cheddar / French Toast Casserole
• 1 dozen monkey dollar pancakes for the kids (served with syrup)
• Mixed fruit to share
• Flowers (small bouquet from Petals & Fields)
• Mimosas (for 2)

Add ons:

+ Upgrade to a large bouquet from Petals & Fields
+ Bacon or sausage
+ Pitcher of mimosas

This package is also available without mimosas for $60
Each breakfast casserole is 12 ½” x 10”

Baked with Love (cookies or biscuits)  $52

Serve cookies or biscuits fresh out of the oven! No mixing required 😉

• Choice of 1 dozen cookies or 8 biscuits (served frozen to bake at home)
• Bag of whole bean coffee (12South or Brunch)
• Flowers (small bouquet from Petals & Fields)

Add ons:

+ Change your coffee to Bloom Blend whole bean coffee (12oz bag)
+ Upgrade to a large bouquet from Petals & Fields
+ Mimosas

Sweetheart $58

Looking for a sweet treat that is ready to eat?

• 6 assorted cupcakes
• Bag of whole bean coffee (12South or Brunch)
• Flowers (small bouquet from Petals & Fields)

Add ons:

+ Change your coffee to Bloom Blend whole bean coffee (12oz bag)
+ Upgrade to a large bouquet from Petals & Fields
+ Mimosas

How to order a Frothy Monkey Mother’s Day package:

1) Visit frothymonkey.com/mothersday2020 for available options

2) Determine your pickup day (Saturday or Sunday) and location (Nashville or Franklin). Orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7th at noon.

3) Choose your package from our 3 options

4) Choose your upgrades

5) Visit frothymonkey.com/shop/ to submit your order and pay online.

6) Pickup at your predetermined Frothy location on your chosen pickup day (Saturday 4pm – 7pm or Sunday 7am – noon) 

Please email shop@frothymonkey.com with questions.

We’re baking up pies for Easter!
Blueberry + Apple + Buttermilk + Pecan
9″ Pies

HOW TO *PRE-ORDER* A PIE
• Go to frothycheer.com
• Pick a flavor(s)
• Choose your curbside pick up day (Sat or Sun) + location (Nashville or Franklin)
• Pay online
• Let us do the work!

Easter orders are due Thursday, 4/9 by 2pm for pick up on Saturday 4/11 or Sunday 4/12.

Please email pies@frothymonkeybakery.com with questions or special requests.

#frothylove #happyeaster #pie #bakerybyfrothymonkey

Tennessee Action for Hospitality Announces A Fund For Us 

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the recently-formed coalition has founded an assistance fund providing relief to individuals in need

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (April 3, 2020)—Tennessee Action for Hospitality is a state-wide coalition of independent restaurant owners, hourly workers, and chefs that recently formed as a response to the crisis the hospitality industry is facing due to the public health and safety threat of COVID-19. In an effort to support hospitality professionals who plan to continue their career in Tennessee when the crisis is over, Tennessee Action for Hospitality has partnered with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) to create A Fund for Us, a fund that will provide swift relief to those who have lost their job, or seen a dramatic decrease in hours worked. 

Through A Fund for Us, grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to individuals who meet the criteria, as resources are available. CFMT will administer the fund on behalf of the coalition, following a two-part application process: 

1. Qualifying small businesses must meet the following criteria:
   • Based in Tennessee, with an operating business license as of March 1, 2020. 
   • Offers an experience centered upon enjoyment of high quality food and/or beverage, with an emphasis on restaurant service, employing both full-time front- and back-of-house workers. 
   • The owner(s) of the establishment work full-time for their restaurant(s), bar(s), caterer(s), or restaurant group. 
   • The owner(s) of the establishment were instrumental in the creation of their business, and are free from outside control by way of majority ownership–not publicly traded, a franchise, or chain. 
2. Individual employees can then apply for grants, based on the following criteria:
   • Currently or most previously employed by a pre-qualified independent restaurant, caterer, or bar (as defined before). 
   • Someone who plans on re-entering the hospitality industry at the end of this public health crisis.
   • Someone for whom hospitality pay is at least 80% of their income.
   • Someone who had worked for their most recent employer a minimum of six months. 
   • No limit on household members. 
   • Individuals who make under $85,000 annually

While there are many worthwhile funds through national organizations, A Fund for Us sets itself apart by specifically serving individuals from the hospitality sector in the state of Tennessee. 

Restaurants can register by visiting https://cfmt.formstack.com/forms/tnaction4hospitality_business

Consumer donations will open online next week.  Individual applications will open online starting April 13.

The importance placed specifically on employees of independent restaurants and bars is to preserve what cannot be replaced—establishments that create culture—by providing assistance to those professionals who may not qualify for other need-based funds, but who cannot meet their financial obligations by unemployment alone. Anyone who considers themselves a part of the independent hospitality industry is welcome to apply—from caterers and banquet workers to bartenders, servers, restaurant managers, line cooks, dishwashers, and more—and CFMT will choose those who are the best fit for funding based on need. 

Tennessee Action for Hospitality chose to partner with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that it has a state-wide network. CFMT will act as an impartial third party that can administer A Fund for Us fairly and according to the coalition’s criteria. Both qualifying and non-qualifying applicants will receive guidance from the foundation’s Employee Assistance team regarding other available resources. 

“Our friends in the hospitality industry are an integral piece to making Nashville thrive and are woven into the fabric of this community,” says Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We collectively have to do everything we can to help the independent restaurateurs, bartenders, dishwashers, managers, cooks, and servers as they weather this terrible economic storm with us. Together, we are Nashville. Together, we are Tennessee.”

A Fund for Us was initiated through generous contributions from Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery and Cool Springs Wines & Spirits. Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee, a statewide trade association of Tennessee wine and spirits distributors (including Athens Distributing Company, Best Brands Incorporated, Beverage Control Inc, Empire Distributors Inc,  Knoxville Beverage, Lipman Brothers, Triple C Distributing, and West Tennessee Crown Distributing Co.) has pledged to match all consumer donations up to $200,000. Individual donations will be accepted online starting next week. 

“It has been an unprecedented few weeks as our community faces historic challenges,” says Bret Moore, President and CEO of Cool Springs Wine. “Amid the stress and uncertainty, we want to support those in our industry who are profoundly affected by this crisis. We invite our fellow retailers, distributors, and suppliers to join us in this relief effort for workers in the on-premise industry.”

Charlie Nelson, President of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, says, “The hospitality industry represents the cultural heartbeat of Tennessee, comprised of individuals who work tirelessly so we can all enjoy the company of our friends and family over a meal. This community has supported me and my business from day one, and without these amazing individuals, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee are encouraged to see this important fund generate much needed help to our hospitality partners.  Now more than ever we must band together and stand with our local businesses during these difficult times,” says Ryan Haynes, Executive Director of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee. 

Those interested in making a corporate contribution to A Fund for Us should reach out to Marcia Masulla, who leads fundraising for Tennessee Action for Hospitality, or mail checks (payable to TN Action for Hospitality Fund) to the address below:

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

P.O. Box 440225

Nashville, Tennessee 37244

Marcia Masulla: marcia@roarnashville.com

Julia Sullivan, co-owner and chef of Henrietta Red and The Party Line, has been a voice for the coalition since its formation. She says, “Food and beverage service in Tennessee is an important piece of a supply chain that supports not only restaurant professionals, but hundreds of ancillary services from florists, to distillers, to meatpackers.  This is one thing we can do that will help – we can raise funds for ourselves, to help our employees through this, to reopen our businesses so they (and you) have a place to come home to. We can weave a safety net so that next time a tornado hits, next time we close to stop the spread of a disease, next time the planet rears up to make us all sit down, we have a life raft that we built. Together.”

Sean Brock, a James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author and Nashville restaurateur adds, “The hospitality industry and the people that make it so special are suffering more than words can describe. So many people have asked how they can help. Tennessee Action for Hospitality provides a meaningful way to contribute to people who need it the most right now. Our people need help as quickly as possible and a donation will make a big difference in someone’s life.” 

Kahlil Arnold, owner and chef of Nashville’s beloved Arnold’s Country Kitchen has been an advocate for the group since its inception. “When I think of the restaurant business, I think of family.  Not just the families we serve, but the family within the four walls of our restaurant. From the couple who came in to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on one of the last days we had the dining room open to our staff who have been with us for decades, who are still here now trying to keep the restaurant from disappearing. It’s times like these I remember I’m lucky to have three families: my customers, my employees, and those I love at home. I appreciate all of my customers who have reached out and offered support to not just me but everyone in the restaurant community – because of you, we have a fighting chance to keep these families alive.”

On March 18, 2020, Tennessee Action for Hospitality drafted a letter to Governor Bill Lee, stating the importance of providing aid to the restaurant industry, and invited the public to join them by sending their own letter and personal note to Tennessee state legislators through the group’s online form. Two weeks in, the form has been completed more than 3,800 times, with each legislator receiving an individual email per form. While still in progress, a handful of requests from the letter were quickly met or addressed. 

### 

About Tennessee Action for Hospitality:

Tennessee Action for Hospitality is a coalition of independent restaurant owners, hourly workers, and chefs working together to connect Tennessee hospitality workers as a united front to expedite the protection, relief, and welfare of and for hospitality workers at a local, state, and federal level. Tennessee Action for Hospitality supports the national efforts of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. Since its inception, the coalition has used its platform to share up-to-date resources and news for local business owners and workers, as well as helping the community on the ground by organizing free produce markets with the help of Creation Gardens for those in need. For more information, please visit www.tnactionforhospitality.com. To contact the group directly, please email actionforhospitality@gmail.com. 

About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

The Community Foundation exists to promote and facilitate giving in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. It does this by accepting gifts of any size from anyone at any time and by empowering individuals, families, companies, nonprofits, and communities to respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The Community Foundation works with people who have great hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft solutions that reflect their intentions and goals. The Community Foundation has distributed $1 billion in grants since its inception 29 years ago in 1991. For more information, call 615-321-4939.

Every little bit matters when it comes to sustainability, and we’re hoping that you can help us cut down on the use of disposables. This past year we started using sip lids for our cold cups to eliminate the need for a straw, and now we are happy to share that when guests bring a reusable cup into our stores they will receive 15 cents off of their beverage purchase. We have some great reusable cup options available for purchase online or in our stores if you don’t already have one. For those of you who are making the effort to reduce waste we thank you!