News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upper Cumberland restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers on New Year’s Eve.
Gainesboro’s Bull and Thistle Pub Owner Diana Mandli said her business typically sees an influx over the holidays. She said since it opened 10 years ago, the Bull and Thistle always try to do something special for the New Year’s holidays, including a themed party, a champagne toast at midnight, and a special menu.
“Chef Ben really pulls out the stops and what we try to do with our menu, because we make everything from scratch, we cook everything to order,” Mandli said. “What we try to do is cover the gamut and try to have something on the menu for everybody with extra special touches. ”
Mandli said this year’s special New Year’s Eve menu will include a shrimp and scallop dish with sparkling champagne risotto and a whole Maine lobster stuffed with a shrimp and crab dressing. Mandli said because both the early dinner and the party will fill up quickly, it is a good idea to make reservations in advance.
Cookeville’s Putnam Room Owner and Chef Chad Combs said they like to create a limited menu and have limited seating. He said they want to make the night as smooth as possible by eliminating variables.
“It’s about making the evening right, and it’s always about making the evening right,” Combs said. “As owners, you know you want to make as much revenue as possible obviously. But especially on holidays like that, your biggest concern is the client’s experience. And we try to do that all the time, but a little more so on a New Year’s Eve.”
Combs said by making the evening more efficient, it also benefits his staff. He said holidays are always a busier time for the service industry, and this can help ease their load.
