Bristol’s Sweet Connection with Hard Rock International
There’s a delightful slice of Bristol making waves all the way down in Davie, Florida, where Hard Rock International is headquartered. That’s right! The charming city of Bristol is being recognized on a nationwide scale, thanks to the sweet success of Karen Hester, the proud owner of Cranberry Lane and Southern Churn, both located in downtown Bristol.
A Fudge Partnership That’s Bigger Than Expected
Hester has been whisking up batches of her delicious fudge for Hard Rock locations across the country. You can practically hear the excitement in her voice when she says, “We’ve appreciated how they have supported our business.” This partnership has been nothing short of transformative, allowing her to grow the fudge operation from a humble, single kettle to two bustling production kitchens.
“It’s a great impact on my small business,” Hester adds, radiating pride. The influx of orders has also led to the hiring of a dedicated chef and additional staff members to help with the extensive packaging. Just recently, they tackled a massive order of 500 packages of fudge. “That’s a lot of fudge!” she chuckles.
Sweet Treats Now at Hard Rock
But that’s not all! Hester’s delightful fudge and other tasty treats have found a second home inside the casino’s Rock Shop. “When we get support like that for someone, it’s huge,” she notes. The ripple effect of such partnerships can truly be life-changing for small businesses. “It makes all the difference in the world for sure.”
Hard Rock’s Commitment to Community
Over at Hard Rock, Allie Evangelista, the president, is echoing the importance of supporting local businesses. “We want people to come visit Hard Rock Bristol, experience our region, not just what Hard Rock has to offer all over the world,” she enthusiastically states. The vision is clear: Hard Rock isn’t merely a global brand but a company grounded in its community ties.
Room for More Collaborations
What’s even more exciting is the promise of future partnerships. Evangelista explains, “We’re boosting other organizations, other businesses, and we’ve been doing that even before we opened the doors to our temporary location.” As Hard Rock Bristol continues to grow, there are opportunities for other local businesses to get involved, whether they’re in dry cleaning, landscaping, or food and beverage offerings.
“We want people to experience Bristol,” she emphasizes, making it clear that the heart of their operation values local flavors. It’s about creating a community hub and showcasing what the region has to offer.
A Bright Future for Bristol Businesses
As for Hester and her fudge empire, there’s hope that this sweet connection to Hard Rock will continue flourishing well into the future. “This partnership is something I really hope lasts for years to come,” she says, eyes gleaming with passion.
Bristol’s unmistakable charm is finding its way into the hearts—and taste buds—of folks across the nation, thanks in part to the collaboration between local gem Karen Hester and the global brand that is Hard Rock International. It’s a classic example of how local and global can intertwine beautifully, creating delicious opportunities for everyone involved.
So next time you indulge in a piece of Bristol fudge from Hard Rock, remember the incredible journey that brought those sweet treats to you. It’s more than just fudge; it’s a taste of community spirit!
