In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Charlie Nelson, owner of Belle Meade Bourbon, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bourbon, brand-building, food, and a very real life moment.

Charlie joins us while officially on baby watch, with his wife in pre-labor — making this not just a conversation about building a bourbon brand, but also about stepping into first-time parenthood while running a growing business. It adds a layer of perspective, humility, and humanity that makes this episode especially memorable.

We dive into the story of Belle Meade Bourbon — the craftsmanship, the intention behind the brand, and what it takes to operate in a highly competitive spirits space. Charlie shares insights on building a premium bourbon the right way, staying patient, and playing the long game.

🥃 Topics We Cover:

• The story and philosophy behind Belle Meade Bourbon

• What it really takes to build a spirits brand that lasts

• Navigating entrepreneurship while major life changes are happening

• Reflections on becoming a first-time parent

• Charlie’s favorite places to eat and drink

• Why Shared Spirits makes sense for brands and restaurants

• How bourbon brands think about distribution, discovery, and guest experience

This episode is a great reminder that behind every great brand is a real person — balancing ambition, responsibility, and family — all while trying to build something meaningful.

🎧 Whether you’re a bourbon fan, restaurant owner, brand builder, or future parent, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, I sit down with Stephanie Styll, owner of Killjoy, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about alcohol, behavior, and why more people are choosing to step away from drinking.

Stephanie and I both bring a unique perspective to this conversation — I’ve been alcohol-free for over six years, and Stephanie for five. That lived experience allows us to dig deeper into the why behind shifting drinking habits, beyond trends or challenges like Dry January.

We talk about the science and psychology of drinking, how alcohol affects mood, sleep, anxiety, and performance, and why more people are re-evaluating their relationship with it. We also explore how these changes are showing up in restaurants and bars, and what it means for hospitality operators who want to meet guests where they are.

🧠 Topics We Explore:

• The behavioral and neurological effects of alcohol

• Why more people are choosing to drink less — or not at all

• The connection between alcohol, anxiety, sleep, and mental clarity

• How social norms around drinking are changing

• Why alcohol-free choices aren’t a trend — they’re a shift

• How Killjoy approaches hospitality for all guests, drinkers or not

• What restaurants can learn from changing consumer behavior

This episode isn’t about telling anyone what to do — it’s about understanding ourselves and our guests better, and recognizing that hospitality is evolving alongside culture and health awareness.

🎧 Whether you’re alcohol-free, sober-curious, or simply interested in how guest behavior is changing, this is a meaningful conversation worth hearing.

🎙️ Episode Show Notes

Guests:

• Brad Hopkins — 13-Year NFL Veteran (Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans)

• Brycen Hopkins — NFL Tight End, Super Bowl Champion (Los Angeles Rams)

• Ollie Gabriel — CEO, Aura Holdings Group

Concept: B-Hops
Location: Wedgewood Entertainment District
Opening: Spring (Coming Soon)

In this powerful episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we welcome an unforgettable trio into the studio — father and son NFL standouts Brad and Brycen Hopkins, alongside Ollie Gabriel, CEO of Aura Holdings Group, to talk football, family, legacy, and the launch of their new concept B-Hops.

Brad Hopkins spent 13 seasons in the NFL, anchoring offensive lines for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, including a Super Bowl run that helped define Titans football. His son, Brycen Hopkins, followed in his footsteps — and then reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport by winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.

What makes this episode truly special is the conversation around that moment — the moment when a father watches his son achieve what every player dreams of. We dive into the emotion, pride, humility, and perspective that comes from seeing the game come full circle across generations.

🏈 Key Topics & Highlights:

• Brad Hopkins’ 13-year NFL career with the Oilers and Titans

• Brycen Hopkins’ journey to becoming a Super Bowl Champion

• The unique bond of a father and son who both played in the NFL

• What it means, as a parent, to watch your child reach the summit of their career

• Lessons from football that translate into leadership and business

• The vision behind B-Hops and why it fits perfectly into Nashville’s evolving food & entertainment scene

• Ollie Gabriel’s role as CEO of Aura Holdings and how BHops will elevate the Wedgewood Entertainment District

Ollie Gabriel joins the conversation to share why BHops is going to be something truly special — blending energy, experience, and hospitality at a high level. With Aura Holdings behind the concept, B-Hops is positioned to be a major destination when it opens this spring.

This episode is about more than football or restaurants — it’s about legacy, mentorship, belief, and building something meaningful together.

🎧 Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates powerful human stories, this is an episode you don’t want to miss