Good news arrives today for folks who wondered what they were going to do without Nick Guidry’s food. Guidry and his wife Audra closed East Nashville’s beloved Pelican & Pig and Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop last month. But now, in an exclusive, the Scene can report that Franklin-based A. Marshall Hospitality — the team behind Puckett's Restaurant, Deacon's New South and Scout's Pub — has hired Guidry as its new culinary director.
Guidry, known for being a master at live-fire cooking, has been a fixture in the Nashville culinary scene since 2012. His new role at A. Marshall will allow him to continue that influence, as well as open up new opportunities for him outside of the kitchen.
Audra and Nick Guidry will cease operations at the East Nashville food and beverage businesses on March 14
The Guidrys shuttered Pelican & Pig in part because rising property taxes and other expenses are making it tough for small businesses to thrive. It was a difficult decision, but in addition to the finances, Guidry says he had been approaching burnout. The responsibilities of being an entrepreneur who runs the business, handles accounting, cooks in the kitchen and more takes a toll. He says his new role is energizing him.
“I knew I didn’t want to be on the line every night," he says. "At a certain age, your knees start hurting. But I knew I wanted to stay associated with restaurants and hospitality.”
Guidry heard that Claire Crowell, president of A. Marshall, was looking for a menu consultant. The two didn't know each other well, but Guidry was a Puckett’s fan. The two got on the phone, and quickly Guidry was convinced he wanted more. He relished the idea of working for another family-owned restaurant business and felt that he and Crowell shared the same values. He told her he’d consult if that’s what she wanted, but that he was interested in being a permanent part of the team.
“I was having very consistent conversations across all these people [at A. Marshall] about how the Marshall family are good people, and how they take care of their people, and uplift their people," Guidry says. "There was no question in my mind that I wanted to be a part of this. I want to do whatever I can do to bring my knowledge base and my capabilities for this company. It just fit exactly what I was looking for.”
In a statement, Crowell agrees. “Witnessing the way Nick has partnered with his wife Audra on the development of multiple restaurant concepts over the last decade, it was clear that joining our family-owned hospitality group would be a natural fit.”
Guidry's new position includes menu creation and recipe development, as well as mentorship for those in the kitchen. The Guidrys are also behind several spots in Lebanon, including Olivia Craft Cocktail & Oyster Bar and Slow Hand Bakeshop.
