By ABIGAIL ALDERDICE, [email protected]
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at Nashville’s newest downtown café, this much is true.
Heavenly Biscuit serves a variety of dishes, from homestyle biscuits and gravy to cinnamon rolls drenched in maple icing.
Located at 165 N. Van Buren St., the café shares a complex with Altruistic beauty salon and At Home With Heartland. It opened June 26. Patrons are able to enjoy a treat outdoors on the patio and deck, and in the cozy atmosphere inside.
Heavenly Biscuit did not begin in Nashville. The original is in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Barbara Shackelford’s best friend owns the café by the same name on the beach. After encouraging her to buy it, Shackelford worked there for three years.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]In bringing the business to Nashville, Shackelford was encouraged in the same way. “When I showed her where and what I wanted to do, she was very excited,” Shackelford said. “That’s how we ended up here.”
Originally from Germany, Shackelford moved to Indianapolis at 11 years old. She would visit Nashville with her grandparents. “I wanted to have a beauty shop here when I was 16. … I did hair for years all over the place. I’ve always either worked in a restaurant or I’ve done hair. I’m really blessed that I get to do what I enjoy.”
Heavenly Biscuit’s opening was delayed a week due the approval of the deck, but Shackelford was not delayed by any means. “We just got in here and I started teaching the girls how to make the cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls.”
They then passed out samples to local businesses and shop owners. “You know my motto has always been, ‘Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise.”
Another motto that Heavenly Biscuit abides by is “Dessert first” — their specialties being their cinnamon roll and pecan rolls.
Patrons are able to build their own biscuits with whatever toppings they choose. Brown County Commissioner Diana Biddle visited one morning and invented what is now known as “The Commish:” Two biscuits with gravy, fried potatoes and eggs all topped with a tomato slice.
“We added it to the point-of-sale system and put it in the display case and sold 11 in the next two hours,” Shackelford said.
“If someone wants something, we try to get it.”
Heavenly Biscuit’s wish is to cater to its customers, offering vegetarian options, delivery service when available, lunch options, and bottomless coffee and iced tea. Locals can take advantage of a 10-percent discount.
Not only can customers enjoy food, but handmade goods also are available for purchase. Cutting boards, trays, drink coasters and much more fill the retail shelves in the café.
Robb Besosa’s Hoosier Barn and Table was the original occupant of the space. “I was looking at the back, where he had remodeled the kitchen, and I was going to do a kind of to-go thing,” Shackelford said. “He said he didn’t really have time to be here, so he said, ‘Why don’t you just take the whole place?’”
The business is a family effort, with Shackelford’s children taking a part in what goes on in the restaurant. Her son, Ezekiel, and his girlfriend, D’Anna Potts, work with the customers and in the kitchen.
Shackelford is ready to cater to the hunger of locals and the tourists and create a welcoming atmosphere. “I want the community to know that I’m dedicated about service, about the food,” she said.
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165 N. Van Buren St.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 pm.
Phone: 812-720-3440
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