Community Highlights: Meet Todd Hedrick of Vinyl Tap

Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Hedrick. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have loved music, particularly vinyl, all my life, even when everyone was buying cassettes or CDs. I worked in corporate jobs and was miserable but my life’s dream was to own a record store. When vinyl started making a comeback, with the help of my parents/partners, I was able to finally realize that dream. I always thought when I was browsing record stores if I could have a cocktail or a beer the experience would be immensely better, so that’s what we did, Vinyl Tap is a combination record store, full bar, and event venue. We have customers who come just for the neighborhood bar, some who come just for the records, and a whole lot that come for both. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We had no retail or start-up experience whatsoever but we found local experts – particularly a lawyer who specialized in small business and virtually led us through the entire process step by step. There’s so much more involved in the startup and maintaining of a business when alcohol of any kind is involved and she was instrumental in getting all that done for us. The adage says when you’re remodeling or building a new business, it will take twice as long and cost twice as much and I can say from experience that is very true. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are the only combination full bar/ vinyl record store in Nashville. We’re located in East Nashville, where I grew up, and are proud to be known as a ‘neighborhood’ bar. The fact that you can shop for records while enjoying a beverage, sit on the patio with your friends, come hear amazing local artists and DJs sets us apart from anywhere else in town, we are truly unique. We have a small menu for sandwiches and snacking, a 24-tap craft beer bar that is constantly changing, and a bartender that is a master of mixology. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
If you put your mind to it, you can do it. We had no experience, just a dream, and just started educating ourselves. My we wrote a business plan first and then just jumped in. Don’t expect to make money the first year or maybe even the second, be sure you have a nest egg to fall back on. If you do make money right off the bat, pat yourselves on the back! Expect everything to cost twice as much as you figured and for there to be many, MANY things happen that you had no idea about. Just roll with it. 

Pricing:

• $8 craft beer
• $8-10 cocktails
• $5 – $200 vinyl

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.vinyltapnashville.com
• Instagram: @vinyltapnashville
• Facebook: @vinyltapnashville
• Twitter: @vinyltapnash