November 2023 Press Release

Old Country Store Hosts Hospitality Celebration Luncheon

Jackson, Tennessee — (Nov. 2, 2023) — More than 30 regional hospitality business professionals gathered at the Old Country Store on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, to network, learn, and celebrate their successes.

Brooks Shaw, the third-generation owner of Old Country Store, expressed the importance of these gatherings. “It’s crucial for us to share resources and discuss how we can support one another,” he said, noting plans to increase the frequency of such meetups.

President & Chief Executive Officer of HospitalityTN, Sara Beth Urban, emphasized the objective of these sessions. “We aim to unify the industry. We’re keen on expanding our membership in this region and plan to hold these meetings at least quarterly,” Urban explained. “In this industry, it's vital for us to have each other’s backs, sharing both our successes and lessons. True innovation emerges when great minds come together.”

Dorian Wright, Assistant General Manager at Hampton Inn in Jackson since December 2021, found the meeting enlightening. “I wasn’t aware of local businesses like Jackson Restaurant Supply. Collaborating with them could prove beneficial, especially as we offer a daily hot breakfast. Our hotel’s location near the interstate and our pet-friendly status often leads to us being fully booked,” Wright shared.

Sales representative from Jackson Restaurant Supply, Lori Sharp, spoke on the significance of such gatherings. "We aim to inform others about our offerings, particularly our food service equipment," she mentioned, spotlighting their specialized products such as walk-in coolers and stainless fabrication.

Urban also shared HospitalityTN’s vision to bolster its influence, partner with educational establishments, and encourage those interested in the hospitality sector.

About HospitalityTN: A not-for-profit trade association, HospitalityTN represents the interests of Tennessee’s lodging, dining, tourism establishments, and other related businesses in the hospitality & tourism industry. With its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, HTN stands as a prominent voice for the state's hospitality sector.

About Jackson Restaurant Supply: Serving West Tennessee for more than 40 years with top-notch, long-lasting appliances. Jackson Restaurant Supply offers products and installations for various properties including schools, grocery stores, restaurants, churches and beyond. 

Open every day except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is a multi-faceted destination. Located at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, Tennessee, it encompasses the restaurant, Miss Anne’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Miss Juanita’s Gift Shop, and the Dixie Café Takeout or Dine-In. The establishment is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. For more information, visit instagram.com/caseyjonesvillage, facebook.com/oldcountrystore, caseyjones.com or call 731-668-1223.

Photo captions: 

1. President & Chief Executive Officer of HospitalityTN Sara Beth Urban greets regional Guests during the Hospitality Lunch.

2. Old Country Store Third Generation Owner Brooks Shaw pulls names for the prize giveaway. 

3. Guests representing Hampton Inn, Jackson Restaurant Supply and Century Farm Winery.

4. Guests socialize during the Hospitality Lunch.