On the heels of earning a spot on the 2014 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies, A. Marshall Family Foods owner Andy Marshall has plans to expand his business once again with the purchase of the ca. 1819 Homestead Manor in Thompson’s Station, Tenn.
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.
“One of the biggest things that sold me on the property is its history and the role the home played during the Civil War.” Marshall said. “We’ve worked closely with The Land Trust for Tennessee in every step of the planning to honor the conservation easement on the property and preserve the historical significance of the home, and we’ll continue to work with them as we move forward with an exciting plan to bring farming operations back to the land.”
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.
“We’re delighted that the Marshalls are utilizing the land in such a productive way while maintaining its historic and greenspaceintegrity,” said Jeanie Nelson, president of the Land Trust for Tennessee. “This open space is preserved for future generations by a permanent conservation easement, and this plan opens it up to public use in a way that celebrates why this place matters.”
Also in the early stages are plans to plant a farmhouse-style restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas and steaks inside the historic home. Marshall 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.
Marshall currently owns and operates three Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant family-owned locations in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties, as well as Puckett’s Boat House, Puckett’s Trolley, Puckett’s Events & Catering and GRAY’S on Main—all based in downtown Franklin, Tenn.
