Articles by Callie Abraham:
Behind the business: ‘a unique experience with every sip’ from Brickhouse
Akera Sellers traveled extensively as a young professional in finance—and during that time, he had his fair share of coffee. He soon became fixated not only on the quality of the coffee beans, but on the freshness in which each cup was served. Exchanging banks for beans, Sellers founded Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee Tea & Co.,… Read more
Learning from the 2020 winners of Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat
The best dining experiences don’t always come served on silver platters or decorated with caviar. Oftentimes, some of the best meals are served out of a window, steaming hot on a paper plate with a disposable spork. And it’s largely these types of establishments that make up Yelp’s America’s Top 100 Places to Eat, which… Read more
Behind the business: Addis NOLA brings good vibes and a taste of Ethiopia to New Orleans
It’s no secret that New Orleans is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, made even more highly sought after by its food scene. Commonly known as “The Big Easy” for its laid-back, easy-going vibe, the city is represented by an energetic nightlife, vibrant music scene, and eclectic cuisine. A melting pot… Read more
The future of retail with expert Bob Negen
The retail industry was facing pressure even before the start of the pandemic as consumers shifted their purchasing behavior to digital-facing platforms. This trend has caught on even more with COVID, and traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores’ margins have taken a big hit. The pandemic has instigated changes to the retail industry that will likely become… Read more
How small retailers can boost sales during the holidays
If you’re a small business owner, December usually brings two things: ample opportunity followed by chaos. Once Thanksgiving ends, you’re suddenly thrust right into the heart of gift-giving season. This can be a particularly chaotic time for retail shop owners, and while shopping malls won’t be as bustling this year, that doesn’t diminish the importance… Read more
Behind the business: Hecky’s celebrates 37 years of hard work, community strength, and Chicago-style barbecue
Nestled in the quaint Chicago suburb of Evanston stands Hecky’s Barbecue. The neighborhood barbecue joint has been humbly rooted at the same street corner since 1983 when it first opened with no more than $100 in the cash register. Named Best Suburban barbecue by Better Magazine, Hecky’s attracts locals for its mastery of southside Chicago-style… Read more
Behind the business: how a Marine Corps veteran discovered his passion for coffee roasting
Specialty coffee roaster and military veteran Luis Arteaga never thought he would own a coffee shop, let alone roast his own beans. Before taking over Calusa Coffee Roasters—a small-batch, specialty coffee roaster and coffee shop in Oakland Park, Florida—Arteaga served in the Marine Corps for six years. While searching for work after returning home, Arteaga… Read more
Behind the business: staying Nashville Strong with Good Wood
As Dave Puncochar was fixing up his old Victorian home, he was intrigued by a niche subculture: the salvaging and repurposing of old wood. This art form takes underappreciated lumber and polishes it up to be used again for furniture, flooring, decorative accents, and more. With a newfound admiration for the unique, weathered touch that… Read more