Nashville restaurateur Andy Marshall, owner of the iconic local chain Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant with locations in and around Music City, is proving that great small business minds are leading by example during the hard, uncertain times brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Marshall’s team has set up the “AMH Cares Drive-Thru” in the parking lot of the company’s Americana Taphouse location in Franklin, adapting to the new reality of takeout and delivery-only dining, but with a community-driven twist. In the same week that a record number of Americans filed for unemployment, many of whom work in the hospitality industry, Marshall’s team is offering hot meals to go, as well as grocery items (milk, eggs, fresh produce, and more) in what Marshall describes as a drive-through pantry. Pricing on meals and groceries, taken from surplus food supplies at his area Puckett’s, Deacon’s, and Americana locations, are suggested only.
In a Facebook post, Marshall urged those who needed a hot meal to come by and pay what they can or nothing at all. He offered a special invitation to those temporarily laid off in the hospitality industry. Marshall also pledged that as people pay what they can, he will reinvest those revenues in the new curbside, pay-what-you-can venture. Curbside service and drive-through pantry at Americana Taphouse, located at 94 East Main Street in Franklin, will run each day from 11-7 while supplies last.
Marshall’s actions certainly provide an incredible example for small business owners who turn their eyes to serving the community in times of great crisis. Since his industry is among the hardest-hit by COVID-19, he is showing a level selflessness that leaves us humbled. We are proud to share our Nashville community with businesspeople like Andy Marshall.