Bill Laviolette- Owner- Shotgun Willie's BBQ

For the first time in five years, I sat down with my friend Bill Laviolette—this time inside his brand-new Shotgun Willie's location in East Nashville. This episode marks the first-ever recording in the space, and it couldn’t have been more fitting as we dug into the real challenges of opening, owning, and operating a restaurant in today’s Nashville. Bill shares candid insights on: The realities of building and moving into a new restaurant space in East Nashville Staffing in a hyper-competitive labor market, and how he’s building a strong team culture Managing skyrocketing food and beverage costs while keeping prices approachable How to balance being a neighborhood spot while attracting a broader audience The role of community support, vendor partnerships, and hospitality “grit” in keeping the doors open This isn’t just a conversation about one restaurant—it’s a snapshot of what it really takes to run a business in Nashville right now. Bill’s honesty and experience make this an essential listen for anyone connected to the hospitality industry.