2019 Issue 5 Sep/Oct - Focus Mid-Tenn Magazine
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
A New York<br />
state of mind<br />
Paco also helps to run<br />
the front of the house,<br />
which couldn’t be a<br />
better fit seeing how<br />
he’s extroverted and<br />
relationship-centric. He<br />
knows almost every<br />
customer that frequents their bakery, and<br />
they know him, too. His “New York state of mind” helps<br />
drive a lot of his infectious energy, which is a welcome<br />
feature in downtown Nashville. The area seems to now be<br />
waking up to the flurry of new businesses and residents.<br />
It is Paco’s adventurous spirit that helped him<br />
transition to Nashville. It was a new journey, a new<br />
challenge, a new opportunity.<br />
“Because I’m such a New Yorker,” says Paco, “people<br />
were surprised when I agreed to leave New York City for<br />
Nashville, but I love it when people go after their dreams.<br />
It’s David’s dream to open his own bakery in his hometown,<br />
and I didn’t want to be an obstacle to him achieving that.”<br />
He continues, “Now, it’s wonderful to see his dream<br />
come true.”<br />
Moving to Nashville may not have been the most<br />
tumultuous part of this new business journey however<br />
– it’s the startup. Andrews knew the business climate<br />
was not in his favor, but he also knew that big risks can<br />
come with big rewards.<br />
Flourishing in a Food Renaissance<br />
Timing, however, may have also played a big role in<br />
the bakery’s initial success. Nashville is in the middle of<br />
a food renaissance, though a lot of the movement may<br />
F PROOF<br />
ROOF<br />
OF PROOF<br />
PROOF<br />
ROOF PROOF<br />
PROOF<br />
PROOF PROOF<br />
PROOF<br />
be helmed by big restaurant groups with a lot of capital.<br />
Residents are more willing to try out newer, smaller<br />
places and, dare I say, something with more Instagram<br />
appeal. D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe has a lot of that, even<br />
if Andrews never intended for that in the first place.<br />
There are other factors at play, too, that have<br />
supported Andrews’ vision for his bakery. He notes the<br />
city’s leadership in helping to bring in big businesses<br />
that not only looks to employ local residents, but also<br />
provide more walk-in traffic for downtown businesses.<br />
Andrews also credits a lot of his success to his family,<br />
who have been integral parts of building and operating<br />
the bakery. He also mentions that many local government<br />
officials come by for a drink or pastry, too. In fact, U.S.<br />
Representative Jim Cooper’s office is just a block away.<br />
Andrews and Paco are also members of the Nashville<br />
LGBT Chamber of Commerce and mentions that<br />
some of the members are frequent customers to the<br />
business, and have offered great referrals to the bakery.<br />
But, even with support, the truth remains that you<br />
have to be tethered to your fledgling business. “This is<br />
a 24/7 job,” he says to me. “But the rewards are great,<br />
and the work is worth it. I would recommend to anyone<br />
to wants to start a business to just do it.”<br />
ENJOY THE<br />
SIGHTS AND<br />
SOUNDS OF<br />
MIDTOWN<br />
NASHVILLE<br />
• Residential-style<br />
• <strong>Sep</strong>arate seating area<br />
• Optional fully equipped kitchen<br />
• Chef-inspired complimentary<br />
breakfast<br />
• Just minutes away from<br />
Vanderbilt University<br />
• Walking distance to the vibrant<br />
culture of country music<br />
• H Market and H BAR<br />
HYATT HOUSE NASHVILLE AT VANDERBILT<br />
2100 Hayes St., Nashville, TN 37203 | 800 233 1234<br />
hyatthousenashvilleatvanderbilt.com<br />
Feeling Excluded?<br />
Find a place<br />
with<br />
us<br />
VISIT OUR BOOTH<br />
AT BORO PRIDE<br />
OPEN TABLE<br />
CHRISTIAN CHURCH<br />
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST<br />
WE’RE RAFFLING AN EXQUISITE<br />
HANDMADE RAINBOW AFGHAN<br />
SUNDAY AT 4:30PM<br />
1130 HALEY RD. | MURFREESBORO, TN 37129<br />
SUCCESS<br />
OPENTABLECHRISTIANCHURCH.ORG<br />
/ SEP+OCT <strong>2019</strong> / focusmidtenn.com / Page 11