Life & Work with Jeremy Smith of The Nations (Nashville)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Smith

Hi Jeremy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In September 2020, John (founder), Nick (founder), and myself (Jeremy-founder) gathered at our family’s farmhouse in central Pennsylvania for a fundraiser organized by me to raise money and awareness for kidney disease. I (Jeremy) was preparing to donate a kidney to my brother Drew, and the event drew a large gathering of friends and family. It was during this gathering that the idea for our restaurant, Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks, was born. Inspired by our shared experience working within the restaurant industry (with a focus on sandwiches), we brainstormed various concepts and aligned on the coveted Philadelphia cheesesteak.

After years of meticulous planning, numerous recipe tests, and overcoming the challenges posed by a global pandemic, our dream materialized. In the heart of Nashville, Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks opened its doors (April 2024), offering some of the most innovative cheesesteaks south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Our team’s diverse backgrounds and expertise were instrumental to getting the restaurant off the ground. John Hoffman is a seasoned restaurateur with a talent for creating inventive dishes. Jeremy Smith is a savvy marketer adept at developing unique concepts, and Nicholas Nathan is a Philadelphia native and music industry veteran who knows how to blend authentic Philadelphia cuisine with the vibrant energy of Nashville.

Together, we infused our passion and love for food and music into every aspect of the restaurant. Every detail, from the quality of the ingredients to the ambiance of the space, was carefully curated to provide an unforgettable experience for every guest.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a challenge. With the massive boom of commerce flooding Nashville, it was extremely challenging to find a space to launch our first concept. It took us almost a year and a half before we were able to find a location that was willing to take a chance to get behind our restaurant.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
John Hoffman
Restaurant Experience:25 years
Areas of Focus: Restaurant Operations, Food and Beverage
About Us: John has spent the last 15 years in the restaurant industry including opening, operating, and growing restaurants(founder ShakeDown BBQ in Pennsylvania, sold in 2014). John’s experience includes being a key part of the team to open Bakersfield in downtown Nashville in 2015 (the chains first restaurant in Nashville)where he served as general manager. Currently, John is the co-owner, with his wife, of Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven, a full-service diner experience where he oversees the operation as President/Managing Member. John’s current and his “corporate” restaurant experience has involved all aspects of restaurant operations. This includes employee/human resources, P&L and budget responsibility, internal controls and regulatory compliance with food and alcohol laws. With this experience, John is now ready to focus on building this multi location new quick service concept across selected Southern states.

Jeremy Smith
Restaurant and Marketing Experience: 15 years
Areas of Focus: Business Strategy and Operations, Marketing
About Us: Jeremy has spent the last 15 years building strong relationships with international brands, media agencies, and technology companies. Currently he oversees the Global growth and development team for a large Ad Tech company based in NYC.
• Has led digital marketing efforts for brands such as Keurig Dr.Pepper, Coca-Cola, Papa Johns, Arby’s, Carl’s Jr, Hershey’s, Amazon, Unilever, Kia Motors, and many more.
• Ex Board Member: Penn State University
• Timebank Mentor: Parsons School of Design
• Person of Excellence Award 2021- American Kidney Fund

Nicholas Nathan
Restaurant and Merchandising Experience: 15 years
Areas of Focus: People operations, Talent Acquisition and Strategy
About Us. : Nicholas is a born native to the northeast region of Philadelphia, where he lived until his early adulthood. Where he has successfully learned, executed, and oversaw the ins and outs of various aspects of the food industry -ranging from
pizzerias and sandwich shops to Italian fine dining. He is now the Merchandise Manager for a country music super star and oversees the operation of the brand and image of the artist for whom he works. However, he has grown to miss the the flavors and culture of his hometown and is now bringing a part of Philly to be shared by all

What do you like and dislike about the city?
We like Nashville for its amazing music and entertainment scene, the fact that our families live here, and the abundant growth opportunities within the restaurant industry. However, there are some downsides, such as the unpredictable weather, rising housing prices, and lack of good public transportation.

Pricing:

• Big Bro Cheesesteaks – 13.50
• Lil Bro Cheesesteak – 9.50
• Breakfast Philly – 10
• Fries – 4
• Wings – 12

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brotherlylovecheesesteaks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherlylovecheesesteaks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brotherly-Love-Cheesesteaks/61551798174237/