Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gawley.
Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In my 20’s my whole focus was on the music business. I lived and breathed it. So did my husband. Being married and working together gave us the opportunity to share some amazing travel and adventures. Turns out, my husband Will was learning something on our trips and adventures as well! The food!
We both shared a love of food and moreover the restaurant business. I’d have to say that my husband is an amazing chef!
Like most musicians and chefs…. Super creative but not a whiz kid in the world of finance. In 2008 we opened our first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Luna, Nashville. While critically acclaimed and frequented by some of Nashville’s biggest country stars, Luna only lasted a little over a year. With the economic crash and the downturn of the music industry, it was a tough time but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
In 2010 we founded Charlotte Avenue Pictures. CAP’s whole idea of making music videos, less campy, less literal, and way way more cinematic was our dream. Turns out that was a great idea and it has been wildly successful. I thank God daily for my many Blessings.
So, we’re cruising along in life and a friend of ours who owns a beautiful farm in Hickman County (just a few minutes off The Square in Centerville) started buying buildings on the Square. Lots of buildings, including the Gem (the old county courthouse). It was his “dream” to bring the square back to its hay day when it was thriving and if he could do that again, it would be great for the town, county and make his investment even more profitable.
Knowing our background in hospitality (restaurants and entertainment) and also knowing we’re willing to take ridiculous chances, he recruited us to open something in Centerville. My husband was already thinking about an idea “3 Girls Burgers & Fries” because of course, he said, “3 Girls do it better than 5 Guys”. Funny as that is, William believed that he could create a better burger and fries. And we think he did!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning your own business has many challenges and rewards. We have made it through some tough times and created some beautiful work in music, film, and food. The biggest obstacle so far with Centerville and 3 Girls has been that there isn’t a whole lot going on in the town and we were the first. When we opened in March, there were no restaurants on the square. People were not used to coming out there to eat, However, the town has embraced us and while we hope business increases as the square grows, we have been very happy with the response and our customer base.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
If this question relates to Centerville, I think the prospects are astounding and I think that 3 Girls Burgers & Fries will be remembered as being on the cusp of a rebirth and a renewal of an American small town.
After the tumultuous past year and a half, we’ve had as a Nation, we are so glad to bring high-quality, comfort food made from the freshest ingredients to the good people of Centerville TN, Hickman County, and our many supporters who are just passing through.
Contact Info:
- Email: 3girlsburgersandfries@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3girlsburgers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3-Girls-Burgers-Fries-105395521313963/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/3-girls-burgers-and-fries-centerville?osq=3+girls+burgers
