Daily Inspiration: Meet Ryan Franicevic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Franicevic

Hi Ryan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
**Doing It Backwards: My Journey to Building Bar & Stone**

Most business owners follow a traditional path—business school, marketing degrees, and management experience. I did it backwards. I don’t have a business management degree or formal training in marketing. But what I do have is real, hands-on experience in the event industry. I’ve stood in the shoes of both employees and clients, understanding the demands, challenges, and expectations that come with high-end events. That firsthand knowledge is what built Bar & Stone from the ground up.

For years, I worked as a **Senior Event Manager and Coordinator**, orchestrating some of the most complex and high-profile events. I worked alongside planners, venues, and clients, ensuring that every detail was executed flawlessly. Despite my pivotal role in the company, I faced **limited upward mobility, unfair treatment, and lack of proper compensation** for the level of dedication I brought to the table. Eventually, I realized that nothing was going to change—unless I made the change myself.

But how? Before my event management career, I had bartended at various restaurants and bars. I even had a small background in retail management. My experience across multiple facets of the hospitality industry gave me a unique perspective. I understood **what made an event run smoothly, what clients truly valued, and where service gaps existed**. I knew I could do it better. And that’s when Bar & Stone was born.

**A Personalized Approach to Bartending**

Bar & Stone isn’t just about serving drinks. It’s about delivering a **seamless, high-end experience** by planning and coordinating everything related to our services. That means working closely with partners like **Cool Springs Wine & Spirits for alcohol coordination, glassware rental companies for premium presentation, and custom ice providers for details like stamped cubes and spheres.** Every element matters.

Although we strive to be a luxury service, we also **maintain budget-friendly options**, ensuring that exceptional service is accessible to a wide range of clients. Our five main service packages include:

1. **Full Bar Experience** – A top-tier package offering a complete bar setup with a variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes tailored to your event.
2. **Signature Drink Package** – Focused on one or two specialty cocktails curated specifically for your event.
3. **Beer & Wine Package** – A streamlined option providing a selection of beers and wines for a simple yet elegant experience.
4. **Interactive Mixology Package** – A hands-on experience where guests can craft their own cocktails with guidance from our expert bartenders.
5. **Cash Bar Option** – Available for events needing a paid service model, though this involves additional coordination and approvals.

**A Community Effort**

None of this would be possible without the incredible **venues, vendors, and planners in Nashville** who bring events to life. Their collaboration and trust in Bar & Stone have been instrumental in our growth. I also want to express my gratitude to the **colleagues, clients, and friends who encouraged me to take this leap**. Many saw my passion long before I made the decision to start my own business, and their belief in me was the push I needed.

**Client-Centered, Experience-Driven**

At the heart of Bar & Stone is the client. I aim to bring a **personalized approach to every event**, ensuring I’m there whenever possible to manage and oversee operations. We ask the right questions, utilizing detailed **questionnaires and checklists** to walk clients through the planning process. Our goal is to **understand what you need and exceed your expectations**, making every event seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.

I may have done it backwards, but I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey has been built on passion, experience, and a commitment to being the best at what we do. And for that, I’m grateful.

**Ryan Franicevic**
Owner | Bar & Stone

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming Challenges

Starting a new business came with its fair share of challenges. Brand awareness was one of the biggest hurdles, as I had to introduce Bar & Stone to a competitive market and earn the trust of vendors, venues, and event coordinators who were accustomed to working with established names. Additionally, my limited knowledge of business operations made aspects like pricing, marketing, and logistics more difficult. I had to learn quickly how to balance cost efficiency with high-quality service while ensuring profitability and long-term sustainability. Convincing planners and venues to take a chance on a new company required persistence, transparency, and proving that our level of service was unmatched.

However, my greatest challenge has always been myself. I strive for perfection in everything I do, and while that has led to high standards and exceptional service, it also means that things take longer to accomplish. I want every detail to be just right, from the way our cocktails are presented to how smoothly our operations run. This relentless pursuit of excellence can sometimes slow progress, but it also ensures that every event we handle is done with the utmost care and professionalism.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One thing I’ve learned is to always be prepared. Just when I think I’ve seen it all when it comes to different events or scenarios, something new always comes my way. I try to take everything in stride, adapt, and deliver. The reality is that your wedding or event isn’t going to go perfectly smooth, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be amazing. It’s those unpredictable moments that make events unique. Glass is going to break, the weather is unpredictable, and anything can happen—but these moments become part of the memories. Your event isn’t defined by one small mishap. It’s defined by you, your friends, family, colleagues, and the time you all spend together. And that’s what makes a perfect wedding or event.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Dreams.

I’ve always had a goal to better myself, and while I consider myself lucky for the opportunities I’ve had, nothing has ever come without effort. From buying my first car in high school by working in the produce section of a grocery store to building my own business from the ground up—I’ve earned it all through hard work, my own ideas, and my own dreams.

Dreams are what drive us. They’re the promise of what life can be, the connections we build with family, friends, and the people who support us along the way. Life is a delicate balance of everything and in that balance, I’ve found my happiness.

Pricing:

• Dehydrated Limes & Lemons $10 (Local Stores)
• Dehydrated Orange Slices $13 (Local Stores)
• We charge based on the package you pick
• We charge based on the service time
• We charge based on the head count

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Barandstone.us
• Instagram: bar.and.stone
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bar-Stone/61568119091776/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-franicevic-a00a03305
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-and-stone-nashville?osq=Bar+%26+STone
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vdcdZRqmzvzmgXE9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy