Resilience Amid Tragedy: Roasted Restaurant's Inspiring Journey to Rebuild and Thrive

In the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, a local eatery called Roasted was making waves with its commitment to serving up more than just delectable cuisine. Ericka Fizer, the restaurant's founder, had a vision to create a space where patrons could not only indulge their taste buds but also find solace and upliftment. However, a tragic incident on Easter Sunday 2022 threatened to derail Roasted's aspirations, leaving Fizer and her team facing unimaginable challenges. This is the story of their resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of the community that has propelled them forward in the face of adversity.

Roasted: Where Food Nourishes the Soul

Cultivating a Mood-Boosting Experience

When Ericka Fizer launched Roasted in 2022, she had a clear mission in mind: to create a dining experience that could "change your mood with food." This philosophy was more than just a catchy slogan; it was a reflection of Fizer's deep-rooted belief that the power of food could transcend the mere satisfaction of hunger. Roasted was designed to be a sanctuary where patrons could indulge in delectable dishes while also finding solace and a sense of community.Fizer's commitment to this vision was evident in the way she and her team approached every aspect of the restaurant's operations. From the carefully curated menu to the warm and inviting ambiance, Roasted was crafted to be a haven where customers could escape the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in a mood-elevating experience. The feedback from patrons was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that they truly felt their spirits lifted after a visit to the establishment.

A Tragic Interruption: The Easter Sunday Shooting

The success and positive energy that had come to define Roasted were shattered on March 31st, 2022, when a shooting occurred during the restaurant's Easter brunch service. The incident claimed the life of one individual and left seven others, including Fizer herself, injured. The trauma of this event was still too fresh for Fizer to discuss in detail, but the impact on her and her team was undeniable."I cannot go back in that building. It's hard for me to go in there now," Fizer shared, her voice laced with the weight of the experience. The shooting had not only disrupted the restaurant's operations but had also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who had poured their passion into creating the Roasted experience.

Adapting and Evolving: Roasted's Resilient Response

Despite the devastating blow, Fizer and her team were determined to forge ahead and find a way to rebuild and reclaim the spirit of Roasted. Recognizing the need for a fresh start, they made the decision to relocate the restaurant's operations to a new location at Midtown Foods, where they could establish a temporary kitchen and continue serving their loyal customers through takeout and delivery orders.The transition was not without its challenges, as Fizer lamented the inability to employ the full complement of her staff at the new location. "That's the sad part, I can't even employ even a quarter of my employees here," she shared. However, the unwavering support of the community and the team's resilience in the face of adversity fueled their determination to push forward.

Embracing a New Chapter: Roasted's Expansion Plans

With the temporary Midtown Foods location up and running, Fizer's focus shifted to the long-term goal of reopening the original Roasted restaurant, but this time, even bigger and better than before. She spoke of the need for change, acknowledging that the tragic events of March 31st had solidified the necessity for a fresh start and a renewed vision for the establishment."If you order through UberEats and DoorDash it just comes to your door. But you most definitely can pick up here, you can order through the kiosk or you can order like through the app of Midtown Foods," Fizer explained, outlining the various avenues through which customers could continue to enjoy Roasted's offerings during the transition.The path forward was not without its challenges, but Fizer's unwavering determination and the community's steadfast support were driving forces that propelled the Roasted team forward. "Every day if I make one cent more, the progress is there. And it's most definitely been progressing every single day," Fizer shared, her voice brimming with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Community's Embrace: A Lifeline for Roasted

Throughout the tumultuous journey, Fizer and her team have been buoyed by the outpouring of support from the Nashville community. "It's been so amazing. Very, very emotional. People are so intentional with letting us know that they are here for us. And that they're waiting on us," Fizer expressed, her gratitude palpable.The community's embrace has been a testament to the impact that Roasted has had on the lives of its patrons. The restaurant's ability to nourish not just the body but also the soul had clearly resonated with the local residents, who were now rallying behind Fizer and her team in their time of need.This unwavering support has been a crucial lifeline, providing the Roasted team with the strength and determination to push forward and reclaim their rightful place in the city's culinary landscape. As they work tirelessly to reopen the original location, the community's continued backing has become a driving force that fuels their resilience and inspires them to create an even more remarkable dining experience.