Taylor Wildman

About me

Hi! My name is Taylor Wildman, I’m 23 years old, and I’m currently majoring in Hospitality Management and minoring in Finance at Penn State University and I’m hoping to graduate in Summer of 2023.

Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for food, so the idea of pursuing a career in restaurants was something that always was an interest to me. I was never the kid who said they wanted to be an astronaut, or a princess, I always knew what I wanted to do, and that mainly comes from both of my parents who have worked in the restaurant industry. Ever since I could remember I’ve always loved different types of cuisines, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel to different countries to experience their culture and foods. I’ve currently been out of the Country 17 times, with plans to travel a lot more post college.

In addition to the restaurant industry I’ve always loved to give back and help others. My mom is on the Board of Directors for a Cancer foundation in Maryland called Blossoms of Hope. Ever since I was 11 I always helped out with the charity events and galas, and this is something that I’m going to continue with once I move after I graduate.

After Graduation

I’m very excited to announce that after I graduate I’m moving down to Nashville, Tennessee to be a restaurant manager at BrickTop’s Restaurant. I’ve always loved Nashville, mainly because Country music is my favorite genre. I’m so excited for what my future has in store for me, and I’m excited to continue to add to this blog.

Hey y’all! If you’ve been following the Nashville hospitality scene, you’ll know that things have been quite a rollercoaster over the past couple of years. But guess what? There’s good news on the horizon! After struggling with staffing shortages for what felt like an eternity, the hospitality and leisure industry in Music City is finally feeling some much-needed relief.

Kristofer Carlson, the General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, has some exciting news, “We are fully staffed overall,” Carlson beamed, and the best part is they’re getting more applications for even better positions than they did before the pandemic. Can you believe it?

Nashville’s rising popularity has played a significant role in this hiring boom. The city’s becoming more and more popular, and as a result, more people want to work in this exciting industry. And you know what’s even better? They’re actually able to fill those positions with new talent, thanks to increased wages and greater shift flexibility. The pandemic caused a shift in the pay scale, leveling the playing field for everyone, and it’s paying off big time.

It’s not just the hotels that are reaping the benefits of this hiring spree; the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association tells us that restaurants and other leisure businesses are getting in on the action too. There’s been a noticeable easing in the job market, with more candidates stepping up to the plate. As we progress through the year, more and more talented individuals are making themselves available to the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there has been a fantastic 31% increase in the number of hospitality and leisure workers in Middle Tennessee from 2020 to 2022. Talk about a remarkable comeback!

But wait, there’s more! Carlson was especially thrilled to share that many folks who had to leave the industry during the pandemic are coming back, ready to jump back into the hospitality game. And why not? As Carlson puts it, hospitality is all about working hard, enjoying the fast-paced environment, and making each day fly by. Those 8-10 hour shifts become a breeze when you love what you do.

But here’s a little something we can all do to support this industry’s resurgence: be clear with what we want from hospitality workers. Yes, we’re all excited about things getting back to normal, and we might be eager for a perfect experience when we visit our favorite hotels and restaurants. But let’s also remember that some of the new hires might still be in the learning process, and a little bit of patience can go a long way in ensuring that everyone has a fantastic time.

So, the next time you’re sipping on your favorite drink at a Nashville spot, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of these talented hospitality professionals who have weathered the storm and come out stronger than ever. Cheers to a brighter future for Nashville’s hospitality industry! 🎉

It’s no secret that Starbucks and Dunkin’ dominate the coffee scene in today’s market, which is understandable considering their products are consistent. However, since the pandemic, consumers have been gravitating more towards family-owned establishments and small businesses, rather than large corporations. That’s not to say that people don’t still go to Starbucks on occasion (trust me, I love Starbucks as much as the next person… just look at the picture!), but people find that smaller shops have more character and life to them.

This begs the question: How do you decide whether to get your morning (or afternoon, in my case) coffee at a small family-owned cafe or at a chain? Well, here are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on an establishment.

Starting with the chains, there’s no denying the convenience they offer. They’re practically everywhere, from bustling city centers to sleepy suburban neighborhoods, making them easily accessible for a quick coffee run on your way to work or during your lunch break. Their extensive menus also cater to various tastes and preferences, featuring a wide range of coffee beverages, teas, and snacks. Plus, their standardized recipes ensure that your favorite drink will taste the same no matter where you go. For many people, the reliability and familiarity of a chain’s offerings provide a sense of comfort and assurance.

On the flip side, some coffee enthusiasts might argue that chain establishments lack the personal touch and individuality that comes with a family-owned restaurant. While the ambiance at chains can be pleasant, it might feel a bit generic compared to the cozy, unique atmosphere often found in family-owned spots. At these establishments, you’ll likely experience a more intimate setting where the baristas or owners know your name and might even remember your usual order, fostering a sense of community and connection. Smaller cafes are also typically cheaper than a chain because they don’t charge for every small customization. My coffee at Starbucks is typically $8, while I could go down the street to one of my favorite cafes and get it for $5.50 – now it’s only a $2.50 difference, but trust me, it adds up!

In the end, you just have to do what’s right for you. And for me? That’s not to choose. I prefer having my cake and eating it too. I find that the food options are often better at family-owned establishments, so if I’m hungry, I’ll go there. If I’m in a rush and on my way to work, I’ll stop at a Starbucks or Dunkin’ and go to the drive-thru. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between convenience and charm, and luckily, we have plenty of great options to satisfy our coffee cravings!

Picture this: hidden doors, secret passwords, and dimly lit rooms filled with the hush-hush chatter of folks sipping on perfectly crafted cocktails. Yep, we’re talking about speakeasies, those clandestine joints that whisk us away to a bygone era of Prohibition when booze was illegal but fun was in full swing. There’s something undeniably captivating about these elusive gems that makes people fall head over heels for them. Maybe it’s the thrill of stepping into the unknown, the feeling that you’re in on a juicy secret that only a select few are privy to. Or perhaps it’s the way they infuse cities with an air of mystique, turning ordinary streets into potential gateways to extraordinary adventures. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: Speakeasies are the bee’s knees, bringing a dash of enigmatic allure to any city fortunate to have them in its midst.

As someone who visits Nashville at least a dozen times a year and is moving there in October, I have visited countless speakeasies, and these are by far my favorite:

HIDDEN BAR: THE NOELLE’S BEST KEPT SECRET:

Hidden Bar has everything you would expect a speakeasy to have: creative cocktails, velvet couches, red lights, and most importantly, a hidden entrance. When you walk into The Noelle hotel, you search for the double mirrors and turn left, walk past the bathrooms until you find the storage closet. The best thing about this entrance is that the speakeasy is soundproof, so until you walk through the door, you don’t know whether you’ll find mops and buckets or one of the elusive bars in Nashville.

 

PUSHING DAISIES: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

What’s better? A speakeasy entrance that’s hidden that you spend forever looking for, or an entrance that’s hidden in plain sight that you walk past multiple times before you realize your mistake. Well, if you said hidden in plain sight, then Pushing Daisies is for you! Located on Broadway, guests walk up to an unnamed door where an unsuspecting bouncer is there to check your ID and stamp your hand. From there, you walk down steps, which makes you feel like you’re walking into a parking garage. From there, the room goes black, and the only light is from underneath the steps. Suddenly, two hostesses open two grand doors, and you enter the bar. The bar is dark, with the majority of the light coming solely from the glowy gold quartz countertop and back wall. Pushing Daisies is known for their extravagant margaritas with over 100 different agaves to choose from. I definitely recommend the Horchata, or La Playa Bonita.