#BeAGoodNeighbor Member Spotlight: Thistle Farms and Thistle Farms Café


The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched a new series called Be a Good Neighbor: Eat & Sip, Shop, Stay, Play. This is the second part of the #BeAGoodNeighbor campaign focused on supporting our local businesses. We are launching this series to spotlight businesses who are taking the proper step to safely re-open, build consumer confidence and champion economic recovery.

Today we are featuring Thistle Farms and Thistle Farms Café. Read about how this local small business is opening in a safe and smart way in the interview below with Tara Hamilton, Thistle Farm’s Director of Development & Community Engagement.


Q: Who is/are Thistle Farms and Thistle Farms Cafe and what should we know about you?

A. Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors heal and recovery from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. We do this by providing safe housing, meaningful employment and a life-long sisterhood of support.

The Café at Thistle Farms operates under these guiding principles:

Hospitality

We are called to offer hospitality to every guest, resident, stranger, and old friend. We treat everyone as a blessing and offer something such as tea, handmade products, or a story to take on the road.

Healing

Within this community of healing, we cherish this Café as a sanctuary for love, growth, and relationships. You are welcome to enjoy tea, coffee, and a meal in this space that will nourish the mind, spirit, and body.

Story

The stories of women survivors are powerful. Amidst stories of violence against women is the universal story of hope and transformation. Here, you can hear a story in every cup, feel healing in every sip, and see love in every drop.


Q: What has been the most valuable part about being a member of the Chamber?

A. Thistle Farms enjoys being a member of the Chamber because it is our community. Businesses of all shapes and sizes have helped to build and maintain much of the culture that Nashville experiences. We love being in this community with organizations and businesses to continue to maintain the beauty and hospitality of Nashville.


Q: What is your business doing to reopen safely?
  • Sanitized and thoroughly cleaned the café
  • One Way directional traffic flow
  • Installed hand sanitizer stations at all entrances
  • Took out half of the tables and created a floorplan with tables 6 feet apart
  • Began offering curbside pickup
  • Developed an additional layer of cleaning and sanitizing all high contact surfaces
  • Trained our staff on updated policies and procedures to combat covid-19
  • Implemented masks required for all employees
  • And we have been transparent and proactive when identifying a positive case in staff.

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Q: Do you have any special offers to tell guests?

A. Family Style Meals

Must place order by 11 AM for same day pick-up between 3 PM and 5 PM. Includes choice of entree, side, and chocolate chip toffee cookies. Serves 4.

The Perfect Picnic

Thoughtfully and purposely curated from The Café at Thistle Farms, The Women's Bean Project, and Something Sweet. 2 Mini Chicken Salad Croissants, Pesto Pasta Salad, Thai Chili Cashews, Grapes & Berries, Wedge of Sweetwater Buttermilk Cheddar, 2 Everything Cookies, 4 Mini Cupcakes, Spread Trio

Spring Pea Hummus, Honey Lavender Goat Cheese & Eggplant Tapenade

Served With Fresh Vegetables, House-Made Crackers & Toasted Baguettes

Sunday Summer Showers

Now offering special packages for baby showers and bridal showers. Featuring $300 event space, catering at $25/person, and optional mimosa package.

*We are also offering curbside pick up and delivery through PostMates.


Q. What would you tell a guest who is wanting to come visit?

A. Healing and hospitality are a part of who we are at The Café at Thistle Farms and during these unprecedented times know that you will be greeted with smiles and a warmth that'll make you feel right at home. Your safety and the safety of our employees is of the utmost importance and to that end we are following all of the guidelines laid out for cleaning and sanitizing. Come hungry and leave full.

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ABOUT #BEAGOODNEIGHBOR

In these unprecedented times, we know it is important for us to stand together and support each other. We want everyone to #BeAGoodNeighbor by supporting local businesses. This webpage provides a comprehensive list of Nashville area businesses who are currently still open for business either in a to-go capacity, online capacity, or through modified hours. Let's make a conscious effort to support these businesses through these turbulent times. Use #BeAGoodNeighbor on social media whenever you shop local or order take-out.

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