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"TPAC's tempting Tastes of Tennessee,” introduced at TPAC in 2006, is as much fun as the results for participating vendors and happy customers.
Returning to her home state in 2006 after two years in Connecticut, Christi Goins gained a new appreciation for Tennessee—and favorite foods she missed while she was living in the Northeast. She was also “coming home” to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, where she had worked in ticketing and customer service for 15 years before she moved and distinguished herself as an employee that President Kathleen O’Brien wanted back the minute she heard the news. Christi accepted Kathleen’s challenge to manage TPAC concessions.
“Coming home from Connecticut, I was really enjoying some of my favorite Tennessee foods, to the point of asking myself, honestly, ‘how much food can I eat in one day?’ I went a bit overboard at first,” laughs the petite executive with an acting background. “At the same time, I was thinking about ways to expand and enhance TPAC concessions. It was one of those moments of epiphany. It all fit together. Why not showcase food and beverages from our own state and city at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center?”
A coffee-lover herself, Christi went to Bongo Java with her idea.
“Fortunately, I talked to someone who was immediately excited about the concept. Bongo Java immediately wanted to get on board, customizing two blends of coffee just for TPAC – ‘Artisan Blend’ and “Dramatic Decaf.’ That spurred me on to look for others. My co-workers at TPAC were excited about the idea and started to suggest local vendors. Tempting Tastes of Tennessee just took off,” she said.
Limited only by the amount of space in the TPAC lobbies and the amount of time available to patrons before a performance or during intermission, Christi approached numerous businesses based in Nashville. Joining Bongo Java on the TPAC menu are Beachaven Vineyards and Winery; Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey; Moose Head Kettle Corn; Nashville Toffee Co.; Provence Breads and Café; Sweet 16th a bakery; Tennessee Cheesecake; Tennessee T-Cakes; Wanda’s Brownies; and Yazoo Brewery; St. Cloud's Bakery; Rae's Sandwich Shop; Savory Secret; Savor the Flavor; and Purity Dairy.
Response from customers has been as enthusiastic as participating vendors. TPAC Concession sales are 65% higher than last year.
Christi could not be more proud of her home state and city’s products, often relating stories about the comments she receives from customers (“I’m not sharing. I want my own piece of cake”), vendors (“They loved what they tried at TPAC and came to our location to see what else we have”) and staff (“I can’t resist this food. I no longer fit into my favorite jeans”).
In addition to enjoying the food and beverage around show time, TPAC staff ordered customized baskets as holiday gifts for business associates, family, and friends—another big hit.
“TPAC concessions now reflect the partnerships and many community outreach activities that contribute to TPAC’s success. We’re proud of that. We’ve received overwhelming support and positive response from TPAC staff and volunteers who have made a point to let us know how much they appreciate the new partnerships and enjoy the changes at the café and bars. That means a lot,” she said.
“I have to admit this is the most fattening job I have ever had,” she adds with a smile, “But someone has to do it.”
Center Landing Café, located between TPAC’s two main lobbies, and concession and bar counters on other levels of the facility are open 90 minutes before every performance and during intermission. |
