That Andy Marshall just NEVER stops moving!
On the heels of earning a spot on the 2014 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies, A. Marshall Family Foods (that’s us y’all) has plans to expand business once again with the purchase of the ca. 1819 Homestead Manor in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. Andy just recently announced to the world his intentions to develop the 50-acre property steeped in local history, with a spring 2015 timeline set for opening!
A little about Homestead history
Homestead Manor was built by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Giddens, who started construction in 1799 on the home that would bear witness to the Civil War Battle of Thompson’s Station on March 5, 1863. Alice Thompson and other women in the community hid in the home’s basement as Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest led his cavalry across the property toward Union lines. Forrest’s famous horse, Roderick, was shot from beneath him during the battle and died not far from the home.
Andy’s plans for Homestead
Andy says he intends to honor the home’s historic significance in his plans with the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, through education, awareness and enjoyment.
He’s laid the groundwork for the construction of a rustic-style event barn to be built on the south side of the 50-acre property—one that will reflect the horse barns that have become a part of the Thompson Station countryside. With plans to break ground on the project in Fall 2014, the barn will have a concert stage, small kitchen and be able to hold large receptions and other occasions.
Other objectives include bringing back the orchard that was originally on the property—which will be open to visitors and guests to pick from—and constructing an interpretive pavilion and walking trails behind the home with historic markers that tell the story of the battle and its significance to Tennessee and American history!
Also in the early stages are plans to plant a “country Italian” restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas and steaks inside the historic home. Andy says he intends to construct an authentic brick oven and Argentina grill off the kitchen, as well as a green house to grow fresh produce and herbs and an aquaponics system coupled with traditional organic farming on the acreage behind the home for a true farm-to-table dining experience. The basement will be transformed into a wine cellar with a chef’s table to host small groups during special occasions.
Diners will use the first and second floors and the second floor balcony, while the third story of the home will be constructed into a bachelors’ suite available to grooms and groomsmen before weddings. A bride and bridesmaid suite will be incorporated into a small guesthouse already located on the property.
Phew! How ’bout them apples? That’s enough excitement for one day… stay tuned for other thrilling details to come (or keep up on Homestead’s Facebook page here)!
