About the Guest:

Nathan Brand is a seasoned culinary expert and entrepreneur known for his transformative contributions to the restaurant industry. As a former chef and partner at the renowned Timber! restaurant, Nathan has established himself as a figure of innovation in modern dining. Currently, he embarks on a new business venture, launching a retail food and wine shop focusing on charcuterie, cheeses, wines, and gourmet products. His commitment to sourcing quality ingredients and offering unique gastronomic experiences underscores his reputation as a pioneer in the local culinary landscape.

Episode Summary:

Join Colin Johnson as he sits down with Nathan Brand for an engaging discussion about culinary passions, entrepreneurship, and creating a balance between work and family. In this enlightening episode, Nathan returns to the podcast to share insights about his new venture—a retail food and wine store that aims to bring gourmet experiences to Johnson City. Throughout the conversation, Nathan reveals his journey from being a partner at Timber to stepping into the world of retail with a focus on specialized, regional products like Benton's ham, unique cheeses, and natural wines, catering to discerning palates.

In exploring his motivations, Nathan speaks about his new business as a returning guest on the Colin and Carly Group show. He discusses the inspiration behind his concept, touching upon the scarcity of certain high-quality products in Johnson City and his desire to make gourmet flavors accessible to the local community. The episode dives into how Nathan's background as a chef and restaurateur fuels his pursuit of innovation in the food industry. From sourcing premium ingredients to creating a space for culinary exploration, Nathan's new endeavor reflects his passion and expertise in delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Shifting Career Paths: Nathan Brand moves from the restaurant industry to launching a food and wine retail venture.
• Regional Product Focus: The shop will spotlight regional gourmet products such as Benton's ham and North Carolina cheeses.
• Culinary Exploration: Nathan aims to make gourmet products and natural wines accessible and enjoyable for the local community.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: The discussion highlights Nathan's desire to spend more time with family while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams.
• Community Dynamics: Emphasis on the support and camaraderie of the Johnson City community in fostering business success.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I'm always looking at what's available here versus what I am looking for in my life."
2. "I am more interested in American products that just don't get the props that they deserve."
3. "Wine is always so stodgy… I'm really interested in making wine more accessible."
4. "I wanted to spend more time with my kids… that's a huge value for me."
5. "The more restaurants there are in an area, I think the better they all do."

Glean amazing insights on entrepreneurship and culinary expertise by listening to this compelling episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert discussions with the Colin and Carly Group podcast series!