Autumn Friese was born to be in the hospitality industry. Growing up, she spent her summers working in her mother’s restaurant learning the ins-and-outs of the business.
When she first visited Nashville she fell in love with the people and the Southern culture. So, (despite her self-professed musical inabilities!) she packed her bags and set out on a journey to make Nashville her home. Autumn is now our beloved General Manager at Puckett’s in downtown Nashville–the one located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Church Street.
Below, we asked Autumn a few questions so that y’all can get to love her a little bit more!
Where are you from? I grew up in Northern Michigan enjoying the great outdoors. With four sisters and three brothers, my family was big on camping, snowmobiling, skiing, and boating.
How did you end up in Nashville? I had some close friends who lived in Nashville and I visited them often. I fell in love with Tennessee and decided to give it a whirl!
What did you do before working at Puckett’s? I started out as a server/bartender at Ruby Tuesday and quickly found my calling as a manager. In that time, I also met my husband Adam. We loved the area so much that we decided to buy a house and settle in Murfreesboro.I worked for Ruby Tuesday for about five years, before a friend told me about Puckett’s Grocery.
What was your impression of Puckett’s on your first visit? I stepped inside and immediately felt at home. I loved the concept and the down-home feel. My first impression was that it reminded me of my home- minus the sweet-tea. I already loved the atmosphere, but when I tasted the food, I fell in love.
When did you first start working at Puckett’s? They were opening a location in Nashville and I decided to go for it. I was hired in 2010 when the Nashville location opened its doors. My life quickly changed, I was introduced to all kinds of southern cookin’ that I didn’t know about. What is a corn cake and what do you do with it? I fell in love with everything. My eyes were opened to a whole new world of culinary cuisine.
If you could only order one thing off of the Puckett’s menu for the rest of your life, what would it be? That is such a tough question…probably the fried chicken.
What makes Puckett’s unique from other Nashville restaurants? Puckett’s is very special to me because it reminds me of home, I feel like I am hanging out with my family when I am at work. You get to know the locals, your staff as well as their families. You feel a part of the Puckett family right away.
What is your favorite Puckett’s memory? One of my favorite Puckett’s moments are around the holidays and through all of the hustle and bustle of the city; when you walk into Puckett’s, its like sitting at your own kitchen table, surrounded by friends and family.
Next time you’re at Puckett’s on 5th and Church in Nashville, make sure you say hello to Autumn!