THE
BULL & THISTLE PUB

To the Bull’s Guests, Friends and Families: The time has come to announce that the Bull & Thistle and its half-block of historic buildings are being purchased by Mr. Marc Stengel and his development company Wasioto Restoration Co. (WRC), a division of his Nashville-based partnership Ridgefield Properties. The Bull will continue operations through December 22, 2024, after which the restaurant will close for a period of time. When it re-opens under ownership of WRC, it will not be the Bull & Thistle. Instead, an exciting new restaurant will open in Gainesboro, heralding the beginning of the next phase of growth for our wonderful town, which is on the move in so many ways! When Loui and I opened the Bull back in 2013, our intention was to create a destination that would attract not only customers, but other entrepreneurs who would see the value of our town and want to live, work and open new businesses in Gainesboro and Jackson County. Eleven years later, it is very evident that through the efforts of so many folks who shared our commitment to a thriving downtown commercial district, that vision is coming true. We have so many incredible businesses on our Square now, and more are coming! We at the Bull are thrilled and honored to have been a part of the exciting and positive changes that have happened, and that continue to happen. I wish Loui were here to see it – he would be so proud. Because we have spent 11 years on the Square – and let’s face it, have fallen deeply in love with Gainesboro and Jackson County – it is bittersweet to announce our closing. Our staff is the best there ever was. And it’s impossible to describe how grateful we are to our wonderful customers, many of whom have become friends and family to all of us. But in order to move forward, change must come. We’ve always known the Bull could be sold only to someone who shared our community’s vision and believed in great things for Gainesboro. And when we met Marc Stengel, we met that person. Mr. Stengel hails from a family of Tennesseans who for seven generations have built, restored and operated some of the most beautiful and iconic properties in the Nashville area. Many of you know that know that WRC is purchasing the old Shamrock Hotel here on the Square, and that plans are underway for renovation of this historic landmark, which will re-open as a functioning boutique hotel. Mr. Stengel plans to renovate the old hotel within our town’s Historic District Guidelines, hoping to open in 2026 on the centennial anniversary of its original construction. The hotel itself will become a focal point and a tremendous boost to Gainesboro, drawing visitors and enticing new businesses to the area. Sufficient accommodations within city limits have long been needed to support our town’s burgeoning downtown commerce – a need that will soon be met in the most incredible style! Mr. Stengel has frequented the Bull since its opening in 2013, and like us, fell in love with Gainesboro. He and his family purchased a home here in Jackson County in January 2021, and spend as much time as possible at their farm. While we are sad to close our doors, we are handing the keys to a friend and neighbor who genuinely values Gainesboro and will bring so many wonderful things to our town. The Bull may close, but its legacy will live on. We are proud to have contributed a chapter to Gainesboro’s long story, and are excited to see what’s in store as the next chapter begins! The one thing left to say for now is: THANK YOU. On behalf of Barry, Ben, our staff and myself, THANK YOU, EVERYONE, for your support, kindness, friendship and fun. We have loved being your Pub, and will enjoy every minute of these last months together. Diana Mandli Owner The Bull & Thistle Pub