Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Lincoln.
Hi Nick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Post-college, I started my career in manufacturing. I stayed in that field for nearly 10 years. During that time, I traveled often, and through those trips, I found a love for food, wine, and, more so, wine. I left manufacturing life to pursue hospitality by opening a new restaurant called Urban Wren in March 2020. We received great feedback from our guests about the food, the atmosphere, the beverage selections, and our service. During that time, we received several accolades as a restaurant and personal achievements for our team members. In 2022 we were contacted by Craig Brown of Greenville Drive about taking over a restaurant space that had been very recently closed. We jumped on the opportunity to take what we had done at Urban Wren and develop that into a more casual, family-friendly environment. With the opening of this concept, we have 2 contrasting yet complimenting restaurants here in the West End of Downtown Greenville that offer services for every occasion.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many challenges. But our greatest challenge from the start was opening 8 days before the Covid restrictions. Despite that, when we opened 2 months later, we received countless 5-star reviews daily. Since then, there have always been challenges that we have overcome with time and attention. Changes in staff, menu changes, cost increases, and adding a completely separate restaurant concept. Our goal through all the changes has always been never to let it affect the guest experience. Overall we have done a great job in that.
We’ve been impressed with Urban Wren and The Bellwether, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Both businesses are full-service restaurants. While there is a crossover, they both serve different audiences. Our goal with our restaurants is to be a step above. The pillars that make a great restaurant are consistently great food, beverage, atmosphere, and service. We strive to accomplish this in both concepts as a fine dining restaurant and in a casual, family-friendly environment.
By title, I am the Executive Director, but that only means I am the one to hold everyone to our standards of excellence. We have a great leadership team who all want to see the best in themselves. I am there to support that. I may act as a sommelier, a general manager, an expediter, a host, or a server assistant on the floor during service. It’s my job to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible to the best of my ability. Behind the scenes, I monitor the financials, study sales and guest counts, work on our marketing strategies, assist in HR matters where I can, and try to find the best way to make our restaurants better than the day before.
I am known for working with people well. We have created a great culture at Urban Wren, which I am very proud of. Several people have been with us since we opened or shortly after that. I am easy to work for and right there many nights with the rest of the team, clearing and cleaning tables. I was recently humbled to get a message from someone that said, “Thanks for embodying that nothing is beneath you,” as stated in a post by Bobby Stuckey. For me, that was the best compliment I could receive.
I am proud of the brand we’ve built at Urban Wren. For me, that brand means quality. With The Bellwether only recently opening, I am working to create that same brand there, as well as a new sandwich shop to the side of The Bellwether called The Walkabout opening in a couple of weeks.
What we offer:
- Urban Wren
Upscale Casual/Fine Dining Full-Service Restaurant. Our food is all scratch-made, and we feature many items grown and harvested by our Executive Chef, Taylor Montgomery, on his farm. We have an extensive wine list that shows a sense of place. Our bartending team also creates our craft cocktails. Urban Wren also has an event space on the second floor. We hold business dinners, rehearsal dinners, and more. Our event space can hold anywhere from 20 guests to 200+, depending on the event. - The Bellwether
Casual/Family Friendly Public House. We offer traditional pub food with our twists of flavor. Our food is scratch-made down to our bread and soft-serve ice cream dessert. We have a wide selection of beer on either draft or by the can. We also offer a variety of craft cocktails and wine. - The Walkabout
A grab-and-go sandwich shop with soups and salads focusing on international cuisines. We will have both hot and cold sandwiches. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Open M-F for Lunch.
Contact Info:
- Website: bellwethergvl.com
- Other: urbanwren.com
Image Credits
Andrew Cebulka
