If you've worked in the restaurant biz in the past 30 years, odds are good that you saw this friendly face come in the front door.Of all the things we lost in 2020, the one that perhaps didn’t receive enough attention is the institutional knowledge that vanishes when longtime Nashville residents move on or pass on — or when beloved institutions close, or trends change to the point that we forget about what came before. When it comes to the history of local restaurants, the Scene's senior advertising salesman Stevan Steinhart has always been a resource we could lean on to offer perspective from before many of us moved to Nashville, before we began working at the Scene, or heck, before the publication even embraced the alt-weekly gestalt.
Stevan has worked for the Scene since the mid-’80s, back when the newspaper was more of a “Thrifty Nickel” shopping pub that would have ended up in recycling bins if we’d had citywide recycling programs back then. But as far back as that, Stevan was an ace salesman with a particular focus on restaurants. Randy Rayburn still brags that he’s Stevan’s longest-lasting client, but that was several restaurants ago for Randy. And with Stevan’s retirement, that’s a title Randy will hold in perpetuity.
Engaging in more than just a transactional relationship with potential ad clients, Stevan really cared about local restaurants and the industry in general. Often arriving for his initial visit before a restaurateur had taken the first reservation, he always demonstrated interest and offered advice that could help boost the survival chances of a fledgling business. Growing a book of business that led to promotions and many sales recognitions throughout the years, Stevan’s success depended on the survival of his clients, and he was always a tireless advocate for independent restaurants and smaller mom-and-pop operations.
His collection of menus is unmatchable and belongs in the permanent archives of the city to document times of yore, when dinner at Major Wallaby’s was a big deal and the best spot to look for your next ex was the infamous “Vodka Triangle” of Sunset Grill, Faison’s and The Iguana. That was long before The Trace settled on Belcourt Avenue.
Even more important than who he knew or what he knew, Stevan was a consistent lodestar in an industry known for upheaval. When a restaurant was struggling, he knew it before their bankers or suppliers did. If a chef was unhappy with his or her situation, Stevan would lend an ear and offer suggestions. Most of all, he was invested in the ongoing prosperity of Nashville’s dining scene, a true proponent of the “rising tide raises all boats” philosophy.
His retirement is well-deserved after a career of accomplishments, and Stevan always managed to keep up as the business (and the players) changed around him. While we’ll miss seeing him around here on a regular basis, we’re sure he’ll remain a dining fixture with his former clients, because he’s maintained sincere friendly relationships with them, and he always knew the best spots to eat! Save us a spot near the bar, Stevan. Congrats on the next stage of your adventure.
"Scene" - Google News
January 04, 2021 at 08:08PM
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The Scene's 'Restaurant Guy' Is Retiring - Nashville Scene
"Scene" - Google News
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