When you lose an influential person in Nashville that affected so many people, it’s like you lose a family member. Plenty felt that way when news began to spread of the passing of Dr. Yusef Harris in Nashville.
“Yusef, thank you for letting me sell my books in your store. For helping me read about things I never was able to know if my parents didn’t tell me or show me. Because the elementary, middle or high schools I went to made sure I would never know about the value of my people. Thank you for being, in the words of what Thaxton Abshalom Waters said, ‘A cornerstone of our community.’ You will sorely be missed.” – Eric Brown, Author and Nashville native
“I started working with him four years ago while I was the Marketing Director at RH Boyd Publishing Company. The thing I remember most about him was that he loved the Nashville community and was extremely dedicated to educating everyone in it on every level (mind, body, and spirit). He believed that unity and strength were obtained through knowledge and for 35 years he and his store were a beacon for that cause.” – Catherine Tyler, Marketing Account Director (Industrial Strength Marketing)
“His legacy will live on forever as one of Nashville’s great leaders. Dr. Yusef Harris passion for his community and culture will never be forgotten.” – Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones, Chief Brand Curator of MOJO Marketing PR
As you can tell with the words said, Dr. Yusef Harris was a special man. His store, Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore, has been around for years and was a staple in Nashville. As Eric stated above, he had books in there that invested in Black people and helped spread knowledge. Dr. Harris was very heavily invested in the Nashville community and more specifically, North Nashville.
With him passing away, you could feel the collective sigh across the city. He not only had knowledge in his store but he was very giving of his time to try and further educate those who were willing to take it all in. He was truly a pillar of the community in Nashville and his presence will sorely be missed.
Even though he is no longer here with us, Dr. Yusef Harris’ impression on Nashville will never be forgotten. From the knowledge he passed on, the spirit he lived with and the mission he set out to do, his spirit is embedded not only in this city but in the people that he touched throughout his illustrious life. Gone but never forgotten, Dr. Yusef Harris.
While investing in your health and wellness can sound like an overwhelming goal, doctors say that there are easy, tangible resolutions you can make to feel your best and better protect your health.
“A new year is the perfect time to consider your personal goals, and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year,” says American Medical Association (AMA) President Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. “Small lifestyle changes today can have a lasting effect in improving your health.”
Not sure where to start? Consider these resolutions from the AMA:
1. Make sure your family is up-to-date on their vaccines, including the annual influenza vaccine for everyone age six months or older and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age five and older. Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines should speak with their physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.
2. Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a simple online 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
3. Be more physically active. Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.
4. Know your blood pressure numbers. Take the time to visit ManageYourBP.org to better understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure — also known as hypertension — under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
5. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Also, reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead.
6. If your health care professional determines that you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem and antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.
7. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans — up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.
8. Talk with your doctor about tobacco and nicotine use and quit. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
9. If you are taking prescription opioids, follow your doctor’s instructions, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication.
10. Manage stress. A good diet and daily exercise are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental health but don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or mental health professional when you need it.
If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA also encourages you to visit healthcare.gov to sign up for coverage. You may benefit from recent changes that improve access and affordability. The deadline to enroll for 2022 coverage is Jan. 15, 2022. More health resources and tips can be found by visiting ama-assn.org.
For a happy, healthy 2022 and beyond, consider making these 10 doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions today.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2022) – Metro Social Services will open an extreme cold weather shelter Wednesday, January 5, 2022. This shelter will remain open until Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 9:00 am.
The Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will open Wednesday night in anticipation of extreme cold in Metro Nashville Davidson County.
Metro’s Extreme Cold Weather Shelter will be set up at the 3230 Brick Church Pike, Nashville, TN 37207. A Transportation “Hub and Spoke” plan is in place for outreach workers to drop off individuals at designated locations in West, East, North, and South Nashville, to catch free vans to WeGo Central.
Community partners will also receive instructions on after-hours overflow shelter drop-off procedures. People going to the shelter will ride free from WeGo Central on WeGo Public Transit line 23B between the hours of 7 pm-11 pm on nights when the Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is open. Seasonal cold weather-activated passes are available from outreach partners.
Metro overflow shelter is accessible for men, women, couples, and people with pets. Standard hours of operation upon activation are 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Shelter Details:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – Saturday, January 8, 2022
It has been a whirlwind of a season for the Tennessee Titans, complete with inexplicable losses, key players going down, and wins that no one expected them to get. Yet, here we are with the Titans clinching another AFC South division crown after their 34-3 home win against the Miami Dolphins. On top of that division crown, with a win against the Houston Texans this upcoming Sunday, Tennessee can clinch the number one seed in the AFC.
Like usual though, no one is taking them seriously when it comes to being a viable Super Bowl contender. People are mentioning the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, and even mentioning the Buffalo Bills but when it comes to the Titans, not many are giving them a shot, but one analyst sees them as a viable candidate.
“In a year where the unusual is more the norm, the grittiness of this team truly makes them viable.”
Charles Davis, a color analyst for the NFL on CBS, is quite familiar with the Titans, as he has covered them a few times. The grittiness he speaks of has been evident this year as they have been hit with many obstacles, with the biggest one being the injury to running back Derrick Henry, over the season. In fact, they have had the most active players used on a roster in NFL history because of the injuries they have suffered, but here they stand at 11-5 on the season. That is a testament to the coaching staff and also the ability of this team to find ways to win, whether it be with defense, running the football, or playing error-free football. With the losses they incurred all season, it would have been easy for them to give up, but they did not and built a resolve that is undeniably infectious throughout the entire team. But the grittiness was not all Davis pointed out about the Titans.
“Don’t underestimate their talent. Grit is a great additive, but they have playmakers on offense and defense and if you add Derrick Henry back in the mix, they are definitely viable.”
The Titans always get mistaken for being Derrick Henry and the Titans just like many remember Gladys Knight but not the Pips. But honestly, there is much more to this team than Derrick Henry. Not to say that Henry isn’t very important to the Titans, but there are other pieces that factor in like wide receiver AJ Brown. The Titans went 1-3 without Brown this season and 10-2 with him on the field. Add in the defensive playmakers in outside linebacker Bud Dupree and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard and the Titans definitely have enough people to cause headaches for any team left standing.
The Titans have the grit and the talent to make some things happen and with Derrick Henry reportedly ramping up to come back and play after breaking his foot two months ago, Tennessee is a very dangerous team in the NFL’s second season. With the improved defense, playmakers, and Derrick Henry coming back, the Titans are every bit of a threat to win the AFC and make the Super Bowl, if not win it all.
Sticking to a schedule is good for health, wellness, and productivity, and the start of a new year is the perfect time to form great habits. Resolve to adhere to a daily routine with the following tips and tricks:
• Write it down: The act of writing things down can help reinforce priorities. Keep a list of short- and long-term goals, events, and meetings. Be sure to check items off your list as you complete them. Doing so can help you stay motivated.
• Get a good watch: Keep yourself accountable with a good watch. The line-up of Edifice watches by Casio are not only stylish, but they also contain must-have productivity features, such as multiple alarms, as well as countdown timers displaying the remaining time until the alarm beeps. They also connect with your smartphone and offer cool, sync-up features that help you keep your essentials organized, such as a “phone finder.” If you prefer a sportier timepiece, Pro Trek watches offer similar alarm features, along with step counters and sensor technology like altimeters, compasses, and more, all of which are great for hikes, fishing expeditions, and other outdoor activities.
• Keep it consistent: Keep both bedtime and the time you awake consistent day-to-day. Doing so can mean better quality slumber so you will be more alert, energized, and ready to tackle tasks. Consistent meal times can also be beneficial, helping you maintain your energy throughout the day, manage metabolism and avoid hunger.
• Don’t overdo it: It can be tempting to try to schedule more tasks and to-dos into your day than is actually realistic. Doing so however can leave you feeling constantly stressed, and always in catch-up mode. Be sure your schedule offers you sufficient time to actually complete tasks and travel between appointments.
• Practice self-care: Downtime is essential. Whatever self-care looks like to you, be sure to build it into your schedule, whether that means relaxing with a good book, getting together with friends, or working out.
Make 2022 the year you finally create and maintain a well-balanced schedule. With wearable tech and smart habits, you’ll be more inclined to stick with the program.
Resolving to green up your act in the New Year? Here are just a few tweaks you can make right at home to substantially reduce your environmental footprint.
Make Appliance Upgrades
Home appliances are improving all the time, with many newer models designed specifically with efficiency in mind. If your home appliances, such as your washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and HVAC system, are on the older side, it may be time to replace one or more of these items. Over time, you’ll offset the upfront cost with reduced energy bills. Plus, you’ll be helping protect the climate. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated products, which have met strict EPA standards.
Optimize Heating and Cooling
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offers the following energy-saving tips to help you keep your home comfort system running at peak performance:
• Change your air filters monthly, or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Add weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors to improve your home’s insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics, basements, and crawlspaces waste energy and can also lead to moisture imbalance.
• Install a programmable thermostat to help regulate temperatures.
• Don’t keep clutter near your HVACR units, and don’t store anything next to them that could impede ventilation. Likewise, keep vents and returns free of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them, or obstruct airflow.
• Dry air feels cooler than moist air. A simple humidifier may make your home feel five degrees warmer.
• Even the most efficient system can suffer if it’s not properly maintained. For optimum comfort and sustainability, make sure all your HVACR installation, maintenance, and other work are performed by a NATE-certified technician. NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry. Better installation and service means your equipment will run at peak efficiency. Visit natex.org for additional HVACR energy-savings tips and resources, and to find a NATE-certified technician in your area.
Reduce Food Waste
American food production uses 10% of the nation’s total energy budget, 50% of its land, and 80% of its freshwater, according to FoodRescue.net. Unfortunately, up to 40% of all food ends up in landfills. Label food items in your pantry and fridge and organize them by date to help ensure you consume the food before it spoils. If you see that you’ve prepared too much of a certain item, freeze it. Of course, many foods produce unavoidable scraps. Use them to create stock or compost them. Composting will reduce your home’s contribution to landfills while enriching your garden. Bonus: it’s also a great way to reduce yardwork waste.
Make an Impact Today
Want a quick project you can complete in an afternoon? Swap out incandescent lightbulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. According to the EPA, residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR-rated products — use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
This year, consider making Earth-friendly New Year’s resolutions. A few tweaks can reduce your household’s impact on the planet.
It’s already the time of year to reassess where the past 12 months took you and decide what you want to improve, change or start doing in 2022. Coming up with meaningful resolutions can be hard. To help simplify this process and get started toward becoming a better you, here are five things to consider working into your daily schedule in the new year:
1. Cut screen time for better sleep. Multiple studies show if you stop using screens an hour or two before bedtime, you’ll likely have a more restful night’s sleep. Unplugging also allows you to relax and decompress after a busy day. Your energy levels will rise, your brain and body will thank you, and it will be easier to start fresh in the morning.
2. Add more fresh foods to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, so why not kick off 2022 with a resolution to eat more of them? Try a new kind of lettuce. Eat berries with your oatmeal. Take an apple to the office. Be realistic about how much you can eat in a week. Don’t overstock your refrigerator, but definitely add more fresh produce to your shopping cart.
3. Allow your favorite spaces to bloom. Adding a flowering plant to your favorite room, such as an easy-care Just Add Ice Orchid, inexpensively brightens your décor. Research shows that having plants boosts mood, productivity and well-being. Plants, including orchids, also remove toxins from the air. Orchids are particularly good at eliminating xylene, a chemical that causes nose and throat irritation and potential neurological issues.
4. Walk it off. Walking daily for even 15 minutes burns extra calories and improves your mood. Longer walks, such as vigorous hikes, build physical and mental endurance and strengthen cardiovascular health. If you’re crunched for time, take that short walk or even a couple of short ones throughout the day if your schedule allows it. The benefits are worth it. Don’t forget to bring your favorite walking buddy with you!
5. Sing in the shower, the car, or the kitchen. Research has shown that people feel happier after actively singing than they do when simply listening to music. If joining a choir isn’t your thing, never fear. Breaking into song in the car, shower, or while you’re cooking can provide the same kind of lift. It doesn’t matter where you sing, it just matters that you do. Harmonizing with friends makes it even more fun.
As you read this list, you might be inspired to come up with a few other encouraging ways to become your best self in 2022. Go for it. Kick-off this new year with better focus, renewed enthusiasm, and a fresh approach to the days and weeks ahead of you!
Every business needs to generate profit, which is mostly done through the sale of products and services. However, some companies struggle to close deals and achieve growth. To avoid this, it’s imperative that you learn to manage your sales team and maintain a steady profit. If you are looking for ways to boost your bottom line, you might want to consider these 7 proven strategies to improve sales performance.
What is sales performance?
Businesses set goals for themselves all the time, and naturally, some of those goals will be related to sales and achieving results that increase the company’s profitability. Sales performance is the ability of your sales team to achieve the goals your company has set. The timeframe when you can assess your sales goal can be monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
When it comes to which goals you should set for the sales team, most small business owners who constantly try to overcome cash flow problems choose to look at profit. However, that’s not the only way to measure sales performance. You can also look at indicators like the number of generated leads, time spent per client, or the return on invested resources.
Here are 7 proven strategies to improve sales performance:
1. Monitor external factors
When facing poor sales performance, it is easy to immediately point the finger of blame at your sales team. After all, they are the ones responsible for closing sales. However, it is vitally important to figure out what caused the drop in sales in the first place.
Of course, it can be directly tied to the individual performance of your sales team members. That doesn’t mean you should forgo a thorough financial analysis and look at external factors like:
Poor economy. Sometimes the global or national economy is in a state which can influence the sales of your company.
Competition. If you are facing stiff competition that is trying to undermine you, then the sales performance isn’t only a reflection of your internal sales teams.
Have a positive mindset and believe that you can close the sale. (Photo by: Cytonn Photography)
2. A positive outlook
Although we have acknowledged external factors that could lead to poor sales performance, you also need to be realistic that having a positive mindset can hugely influence a sale. One of the most important strategies to improve sales performance is having everyone on your team approach every sale with a positive outlook. If you think that you won’t be able to close a sale with a client – you are just setting yourself up to fail.
3. Use sales management software
In the digital age, there are numerous software tools to choose from that can be used to measure and improve sales performance. Sales management software can enable faster communication between teams. This can be incredibly valuable when your company is operating under a hybrid work model. If your employees aren’t in the same office, digital tools can speed up communication and be used to host team meetings.
Sharing information can also be automated, and this can allow sales agents to have immediate access to everything pertaining to a client without needing to wait for confirmation from other colleagues. While the right software can be of great help to your sales team, you also need to ensure that everyone is comfortable using the tools you have decided to implement. Your team is only as strong as the weakest link, and you need to have everyone commit to using the digital tools in order to make your whole system effective. Software tools can also be used to measure sales performance and pinpoint possible chokepoints as areas for future improvement.
Obviously, if you set unrealistic goals, you will constantly be receiving inadequate results. However, that doesn’t mean you should just set the bar low and accept that your business isn’t doing well. The best strategy to improve sales performance is to set realistic goals and then try to surpass them. This approach can be incredibly motivational to your team. People love exceeding expectations, and it feels great to deliver more than the official goal.
5. Cultivate a positive company culture
Imagine a scenario where your sales team fears for their jobs, and instead of adopting strategies to improve sales performance, they are busy undermining other coworkers to make themselves look better. The most important thing any business owner should strive to do is create a supportive environment and cultivate a company culture that champions teamwork.
Try to define core values that reflect your company culture. Schedule team meetings and focus them on improving productivity. Let team members share the challenges they have been facing, as well as advice for overcoming them. This will foster an atmosphere of camaraderie and teamwork, which will inevitably result in a better bottom line for your company.
6. Respond to customer feedback
Connect with your customer base and show them that you care. It’s crucial that you react to negative feedback constructively. Prove to customers that their opinions matter and that you are listening and working hard to improve on those fronts. If you offer exceptional services and a great customer experience, your customers will be more than willing to recommend you to others. The importance of connecting to your local community is just one lesson we’ve learned from female business owners who managed to beat the odds even amid the pandemic. Positive word of mouth can go a long way to establish trust within your community, and it can elevate your company in the eyes of your customers.
Treat your customers with respect, and they will recommend you to their friends and family. (Photo by: Kindel Media from Pexels)
7. Have a referral program
Once you have built up trust with your customers, you can leverage that to boost sales. Implement a referral program to reward customers for their loyalty to your brand. This can take the form of rewards, discounts on future purchases, or specialized offers for VIP customers. Besides rewarding customers, this method is a proven strategy to improve sales performance by generating new leads. You will have an easy time converting those leads to customers since they received a referral from someone who was happy doing business with you.
In conclusion
If you decide to implement these 7 proven strategies to improve sales performance, you can expect to see a significant boost in your bottom line. Keep in mind that you need to track the appropriate performance indicators for your chosen strategies and goals. However, with a bit of careful planning, it will be easy to achieve your business goals and motivate your staff.
Meta description: If your company is struggling with poor sales numbers you should check out these 7 proven strategies to improve sales performance and increase your profit.
Author bio:
James Harper (Courtesy Photo)
James Harper is an Outreach Specialist working for Convert More, and his job regularly requires him to bridge the gap between the Marketing and Sales departments. James welcomes the challenge since working with both teams lets him get a better understanding of what goes into the sales process.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., – December 27, 2021 – Leading financial wellness and workforce training company, BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC, announces today it has been named to the Forbes Next 1000 list in December 2021. This new national initiative by Forbes celebrates self-funded entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to build and run a business today. BC Holdings of Tennessee was selected to the Forbes Next 1000 for the company’s innovative financial education platform and proven track record with hundreds of customers including the Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, CVS, Meharry Medical College, and New York University.
“We’re incredibly honored to be named to the Forbes Next 1000,” says Saundra B. Curry, co-founder, BC Holdings of Tennessee. “Our mission is to improve the financial wellbeing of others through education and empowerment to build intergenerational wealth. This worldwide recognition validates our financial education model and impact on changing lives.”
BC Holdings of Tennessee was founded in 2001 by former licensed investment advisor, Saundra B. Curry and her entrepreneur husband Sidney T. Curry, who recognized a gap in the financial planning resources available for average people compared to the affluent. They realized the road to financial stability and security was education. “Financial literacy knowledge is the new currency and we meet our clients where they are,” says Sidney T. Curry, co-founder, BC Holdings of Tennessee. “With the launch of our new financial learning management system, we’re able to reach a global audience with the tools they need to build a solid financial framework for themselves.”
BC Holdings of Tennessee launched its comprehensive financial learning management system, Destination: Financial Wellness (DFW), in November 2020. The online portal includes 23 interactive learning modules with more than 230 mini-lessons such as wealth management planning, goal setting, net worth, debt reduction, credit analysis, retirement planning, and investment education. DFW is a web-based platform and accessible through any device including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Participants in DFW also receive access to ongoing educational events and services including a Master Class Facebook Live, monthly FinTip financial newsletter, and email financial coaching.
To learn more about DFW and BC Holdings of Tennessee’s online workforce training, contact Hanna Miller at info@bcholdingsllc.com or 615-826-7861.
The Black Influencers of Libation Association (BILA) is a coalition that allows space for black influencers to network and support each other as they make their mark in the beer, wine, and spirits industries. Each influencer in BILA has its own niche in its market. Whether it is providing education about beer brands, hosting events, or even providing recipes for the perfect cocktail; there is an influencer that has a space for you.
Members of BILA have worked together to develop the inaugural 2021 BILA Awards. This award list consists of several categories that we feel are vital when it comes to supporting businesses in the beer, wine, and spirits industry. Voting members of the 2021 BILA Awards are Shani Glapion (@theblackbeerexperience), Kramer Deans (@thebeerdedbrotha), James Jenkins (@drinkswithjenks), and Justin Singleton (@brewncircles). Support these influencers by following them on Instagram and check out the projects they are working on.
Each award has comments written by one of our influencers with their choice of favorite beer. We hope you enjoy our choices and please visit each brewery when you can.
The Safest Place to Have a Beer: Jackalope Brewing Co.
Jackalope cares! They care about their patrons and the community. You can tell by the intentionality in which they give back to their community and make the extra effort to ensure their customers feel welcomed. From participating in the Black is Beautiful and Brave Noise initiatives, Jackalope is making a statement by supporting marginalized communities. Their open support lets their patrons know where they stand and with whom they stand. What really took the cake is their participation in the Safe Bar initiative where they now have coasters that allow individuals to check if their beer has been tampered with by a drug. Not only are they looking out for their customers, but they’ve also encouraged their neighboring establishments to participate. Jackalope is a company that walks the walk and they have delicious beer to boot! – Shani, The Black Beer Experience
Shani’s Beer Pick: Fennario IPA
Brewery with the Best Food: Various Artist Brewing Company
If you missed Pat’s delicious food, then you’ve missed the gem of the brewing community. Various Artists cranked out some great homemade food to go along with their tasty beers. My first introduction to Various Artists was the Nashville Scene Burger Week. I had an IPA and a burger and became hooked. Their scrumptious food was always served with a smile, and you could tell love was put into it! In a community where it seems like pizza or food trucks reign supreme, it was a delight to enjoy a well-thought-out and likely themed meal that was made in-house. Nashville lost a gem in many ways with their closing. – Shani, The Black Beer Experience
Shani’s Beer Pick: Pretty Fly for a West Coast IPA
Best Social Media Presence: Black Abbey Brewing Company
There’s no doubt that if there’s something going on at Black Abbey, their social media will tell the story and most likely in a hilarious way. From shotgunning beers to funny skits introducing their new releases, the team at Black Abbey knows how to grab your attention. They don’t just post, they also interact with their followers. You’ll find a like on your post, a shared story, a replied comment or a combination that lets you know they see and value your interactions. While their social media may get you to the brewery, their beers will keep you coming back. And if you’re wondering where you can grab a Black Abbey brew and grab a bite, check out their IG. They’re always around town drinking and eating! – Shani, The Black Beer Experience
Shani’s Beer Pick: Chronicles Festbier
Best Hidden Gem: Living Waters Brewing Company
Everyone knows and loves Living Waters but it’s rarely in conversations. This brewery is tucked in East Nashville on a busy street but is still rather inconspicuous. They bang out some awesome stouts, juicy IPAs, and other various styles. Their options are limited but they’re done well. The space is great for working, having conversations with friends, or just having a beer. Because it doubles as a coffee shop, it doesn’t give the same feeling like a traditional brewery, there’s this sleek vibe that promotes a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a brewery that you want people to be more aware of, but also want to ensure they respect the vibe Living Waters has going on. – Shani, The Black Beer Experience
Shani’s Beer Pick: Gulfoss IPA
The Brewery with the Best Playlist:
Bearded Iris (Germantown)
Or as I like to refer to the OG location, is a place where you will definitely forget that you are in a brewery. One moment you may feel like you are in Cali rolling in a ‘64 playing Snoop, in New York with FERG, and then all of a sudden at your uncle’s cookout listening to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. If you can’t stay at the brewery to vibe out with a beer, you can take home a 4 or 6 pack from their brewery and listen to their playlists on Spotify (beardediris111). – Justin, BrewNCircles
Most Pet-Friendly Brewery:
Tailgate Brewery (Headquarters)
Having a beer with friends is great! Having a beer with your dog in a place that loves your dog is even greater!!! That is why you have to go to the Tailgate Brewery (Headquarters) location. They have a large outdoor space for you to enjoy the scenery and a place for your pup to stretch out and get loved on by everyone. They also have a Mutt Club with great incentives for your hairy friend! A $30 annual membership gets your pup a bandana, spent grain treat for every visit, $2 off pup cups from their ice cream shop, and monthly meetups! $10 from each membership is donated to the Nashville Humane Association. – Justin, BrewNCircles
Justin’s Beer Pick: Lime Lager (Seasonal)
Most Diverse Beer Staff:
Jackalope
What do you see behind the bar and in the brewery when you walk into a brewery? If you said white men then you’ve obviously been in a brewery! It hits differently when you walk into Jackalope Brewery. When you walk into this brewery, more often than not you are greeted by women bartending. One of their primary objectives is finding the perfect beverage for you. If you look in the production area where the beer is made, you will find women and Black people working. You don’t see this often, but it is refreshing just like your beer from their draft list. Jackalope has employees from Black men to women working in important roles and not the ones that are traditionally used to check off the “diversity” box. – Kramer, The Beerded Brotha
Kramer’s Beer Pick: Abominable Snowman Stout
Best Collaboration Beer:
Rollout Stout by Bearded Iris, The Beerded Brotha, Slim and Husky, and The Work of Rosa
Bringing communities together is the foundation of craft beer. That’s why it is so important to create collaborations with influencers, businesses, and organizations in your area to bring in a section of a community that might have never experienced your space. Bearded Iris nailed it with their Cinnamon Roll Imperial Stout that was brewed for the black beer festival, Barrel and Flow. The Beerded Brotha came up with the idea to participate in Barrel and Flow to promote Nashville breweries to start getting into the community. Bearded Iris showed out with this beer by recruiting Slim and Husky’s who then recruited Super Money Kids for the social aspect. The Work of Rosa really came through with the can art which matched the beer’s flavor profile! This is a great example of a collaboration that is made with the community in mind. – Kramer, The Beerded Brotha
Kramer’s Beer Pick: Rollout, Mood Ring
Most Family-Friendly Brewery:
East Nashville Beer Works
Mom and dad want to go have a beer or several at a brewery but they don’t feel comfortable bringing their child there. Don’t worry, head to ENBW and hang out on their patio that has everything from heated lamps to a whole playground for the little ones to run around so you can easily supervise with a beer in hand! When you walk into ENBW you immediately feel the family comfort from the slide for the children to the well-made brews for the moms and dads to sit back and enjoy a great brew. They also have pizza so you can have a party there for the babies and adults. The employees make you feel like you are part of the family there and greet you as soon as you walk in the door and are very open to educating people about their beer and helping you make a well-informed decision to quench your thirst! – Kramer, The Beerded Brotha
Kramer’s Beer Pick: This is Spinal Stout, P.O.G Days of Summer
Best Brewery for Date Night:
Bearded Iris – Sylvan Supply
I never want to wear a suit and listen to a DJ set so badly until I walk into the Bearded Iris Sylvan Supply location! The speakeasy vibe with Run the Jewels playing in the background is the type of remixed sophistication I need on my date nights! The seating is perfect for intimate conversations while listening to some great music and drinking even better beer! The winter date night experience is amplified with the arrival of Black Dynasty Ramen in their kitchen. Now you can be warm, happy, and buzzed! This space is perfect for a casual or semi-casual couple to enjoy a nice evening. The low-key romantic ambiance with the courtyard and mural outside makes it perfect for pictures to capture the memories of the night. It’s a great place to start or end your evening, but either way, you are setting up a nice evening. – Kramer, The Beerded Brotha
Kramer’s Beer Pick: V. Latte (seasonal), Triple Homestyle
Honorable Mentions
Best Rotation of Beer on Tap
Best brewery/bottle shop/taproom that always keeps good beer on tap throughout the year:
Craft Brewed 2502 8th Ave South Nashville, TN
Best “Black is Beautiful” in the Middle Tennessee Area
The brewery that made the best rendition of the Black is Beautiful beer created by Weathered Souls Brewing:
Living Waters Brewing 1056 E Trinity Ln #101, Nashville, TN
Best Variety of Spirits
The distillery has a variety of spirits with a longstanding tradition:
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN
New Kid on the Block
Up and coming distillery that is gaining a lot of traction in the spirit world:
Guidance Whiskey Nashville, TN
Best Brewery to Collaborate
The brewery has established great partnerships with influencers, businesses and other entities within the local community:
Harding House Brewing Co. 904 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN
Best Brewery Vibes
The brewery has the best indoor and outdoor aesthetics from decor to the layout of the brewery:
Monday Night Preservation Co. 1308 Adams St. Nashville, TN
One Time for the Ladies!!!
Celebrating the ladies that are holding it down in the Beer/Wine/Alcohol Industry:
Jennifer Starks & Robin Davis Homegrown Taproom & Kitchen 2720 Lebanon Rd, Nashville, TN
Best Legacy
We can all agree that a lot of spirits come from humble beginnings, but with legacy comes long-lasting influence and in Tennessee, you can’t make Tennessee whiskey without one key part…Lincoln County Process.
Nearest Green Distillery Shelbyville, TN
Best Distillery Tour
The distillery that provides the best overall tour experience.
Nearest Green Distillery Shelbyville, TN
Best Distillery Off the Beaten Path
Nashville has a number of distilleries in town, but this great experience can be outside of Davidson County.
Short Mountain Distillery Woodbury, TN
Best New Brewery
A brewery that has been open in Nashville for less than 2 years.
Crazy Gnome Brewery 948 Main St. Nashville, TN
Best Merchandise
Brewery with the best swag to buy and wear!
Bearded Iris 101 Van Buren St. and 4101 Charlotte Ave. Suite 40 Nashville, TN
Best Whiskey Bar
The bar has an array of whiskey and spirits for you to choose from on a daily basis.
The Patterson House 1711 Division Street, Nashville, TN
Best Patio or Beer Garden
Members of The Black Beer Experience voted for the brewery with the best patio/beer garden.
East Nashville Beer Works 320 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN
Best Wall Mural
Best mural outside or inside the brewery.
Bearded Iris (Sylvan Supply) 4101 Charlotte Ave Suite 40, Nashville, TN
Best Store with a Variety of Spirits
A store that has a variety of spirits and wine with staffing that is knowledgeable of the product they sell.
CorkDorks-Midtown 1610 Church Street, Nashville, TN
Best Cigar & Spirit Combo
The best location in town to grab a good drink and a good stogie!
