Member Spotlight

A. Marshall Hospitality

We sat down with Andy Marshall of A. Marshall Hospitality to learn how he went from buying one grocery store in Leiper’s Fork to building a community brand that strives to make you feel like family.

Tell us a little about yourself.  Where did you grow up?  How long have you lived in the area?

I have lived in Tennessee my whole life. My earlier years were in Memphis, but I mostly grew up in Williamson County and went to Franklin High School. I’ve been here ever since!

What is your business and how/why did you start your business?

A. Marshall Hospitality is an independent restaurant business. It started when I bought Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork in 1998 because I wanted a different career path from the large grocery business I was previously in. Puckett’s was a small country grocery store with a small kitchen, and it grew from there.

Tell us about the events that led up to where your company is now.

As we added more items to the menu at Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork, it changed from a grocery store with food to a restaurant with groceries for sell. We saw an opportunity for the restaurant in Franklin, and so we opened Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant in downtown Franklin in 2004. As that restaurant grew in volume of customers, I saw a potential for this restaurant concept in other markets, but I also realized that Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork is meant for one operator, and decided to sell that first to Rob Robinson in 2008. That gave us the opportunity to open Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant in downtown Nashville in 2010, and then we continued to grow from there over the years that followed as more opportunities presented itself for us to open restaurants in more communities.

What is unique about your business (what sets you apart from the rest)?

Our mission statement is “to make every person we interact with feel like family, and to make every guest a fan.” We really center our core principle around having a servant’s heart, and I believe that’s what sets us apart.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to other business owners?

You can’t do it all by yourself. If I could, then I’d still be getting up at 3:00 AM making biscuits at Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork instead of expanding my business. I’ve learned that coaching and training others has given me an opportunity to grow with the people we work with.

Why did you choose Williamson County to open your business?

I loved the thought of running a business in the town I was raised in, and I wanted to make a difference in the community that has meant so much to me throughout my life.

Why did you choose to be a Williamson, Inc. Member?

We were originally a part of the Franklin Chamber, so the thought of combining the different chambers into Williamson, Inc. was smart and exciting for us to be apart of. I love that it is one voice for the whole county.

In your own words, why is it great to do business in Williamson County, TN?  How has being a part of the overall business community in Williamson County helped you?

Williamson County is a special place to do business because there is a strong sense of community, both with residents and businesses. Being plugged into the community has helped our business grow by the support of other businesses choosing us for both dining and catering. We all love to “keep it local” here, and it is what makes this community so special.

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice (general or specific) can you offer to the readers?

My advice is for current or future entrepreneurs. Running your own business can’t be a hobby. You will have to give it all you have and then give some more, but when it gets traction and takes off, there is not a greater feeling!

How can readers take advantage of your products and services?

Come and see us at any of our locations for a great meal with your family and friends! The Puckett’s restaurants focus on Southern comfort food, hospitality and live music. Puckett’s Boat House has Southern seafood dishes as well as some creole-style fare that are all inspired by the Gulf coast. Homestead Manor is a farm-to-fork restaurant with Southern dishes that has an organic farm on premise, sourcing many vegetables for the restaurant. Scout’s Pub is our modern Southern take on an English pub. Hattie Jane’s Creamery is a small-batch creamery with chef-inspired ice cream and treats with both traditional and unique ice cream flavors that rotate often. Deacon’s New South is a dry-age steak restaurant with refined Southern dishes.

Business contact information (phone, address, website, email, etc.):

Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant in downtown Franklin (615) 794-5527 www.puckettsgro.com

Puckett’s Boat House in downtown Franklin (615) 790-2309 www.puckettsboathouse.com

Homestead Manor in Thompsons Station (615) 538-6113 www.homesteadmanor.com

Scout’s Pub in Franklin (Westhaven community) (615) 721-5993 www.scoutspub.com