Jackson, Tennessee — (Feb. 22, 2024) — Brooks Shaw, the third-generation owner of Old Country Store, is now the company’s president, bringing with him a legacy of dedication to the family business. Over the past decade, Brooks has served as the restaurant’s general manager. As he embarks on this new chapter, Brooks shares his vision for the future of Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village.
Q: What is your vision as the new president of Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store?
A: We want Guests at the Old Country Store and the Casey Jones Village to know this is where history is re-lived and passed on. As we go into 2024, we will focus on Dixie Café drive-thru, improving existing operations, more events and preparing for our 60th anniversary in 2025.
Q: How does that vision match up with the vision your dad, Clark Shaw, had?
A: The goal of the visions match: to serve Guests great memories and experiences. There are some places where our vision overlaps, like the Mini Golf, and others where the core concept is there but the strategy changes, like the drive-thru. And there are a lot of plans that are my own design that we’ll be working on too. But everything is driven from a desire to take care of our Guests.
Q: Who are the other members of Old Country Store’s leadership team?
A: Ashley King will serve as our new general manager. She will lead the team, and I’m excited to see what happens. Eden Sowins is the new assistant general manager, and Josh Mumford is the incoming attractions manager, covering the train museum and other venues outside the Old Country Store building. We’re continuing to build a team that supports our mission as a second-chance workplace and a place where team members can grow professionally in roles that showcase their talents and interests.
Ashley King’s career at Old Country Store began in the catering arm of the business.
“I instantly knew that this was a company I wanted to work for and grow with. I applied soon after and took a position as a front line team member in the Dixie Café in June 2018,” she said. King was promoted to Dixie Café leader and also worked as village baker and nighttime kitchen assistant leader. In 2023, King was promoted to assistant general manager and shared her thoughts about her new role.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the food industry and hospitality?
A: The thing I love most about the food and hospitality industry is serving others. I love to see families walk around the store taking pictures, making memories and knowing that our service and hospitality brought happiness to their day. I also love to serve my team in any way that I can. I am truly passionate about being of service.
Q: What are some of your goals/initiatives that you have in mind as you step into your new role as general manager?
A: My most important goal as general manager is to continuously look for ways to improve the Guests’ experience and service when they visit the Old Country Store.
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, located at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, Tennessee, is a multi-faceted destination encompassing the restaurant, Miss Anne’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Miss Juanita’s Gift Shop and the Dixie Café for takeout, dine-in and drive-through service beginning early 2024. The establishment is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. For more information, visit instagram.com/caseyjonesvillage, facebook.com/oldcountrystore, caseyjones.com or call 731-668-1223.