Nashville, Tenn. (January 13, 2025) – Calypso Cafe, a Nashville institution in healthy, casual dining for nearly four decades, announces an ownership change for the first time in the company’s history. Founders Allison and Phil Brooks have sold the business to David and Sally Parker effective January 1, 2025, with David leading operations for the business.
David Parker is a longtime leader in technical and sales roles in the software industry. He is also a Nashville native, Allison’s cousin, and a lifetime fan of Calypso Cafe.
“Calypso Cafe has been a dream since the start, and as it enters year 36, we are heartened by the future that will be possible through David’s leadership, technology experience, and passion for Calypso,” said Allison Brooks. “This is a special brand. Some employees have been with us since the beginning, and we’re honored we’ve had loyal customers for that long. There have been a lot of questions about ‘what’s next,’ we are excited to finally share that our succession plan keeps Calypso a family brand that will retain everything that we love about the food and community here.”
Calypso Cafe currently operates its 100 Oaks location at 700 Thompson Lane, as well as full-service catering operations at its Charlotte Avenue prep kitchen. While there have been other physical locations in past, the pandemic was a key factor in their temporary closure. With new leadership in place, Parker plans to re-expand Calypso's presence in Nashville through expanded hours, to-go and delivery options, and eventually, more locations.
“I anticipate a few questions as I take the helm at Calypso, and the first one I’d like to address is that the delicious recipes and the great team here are staying the same,” said David Parker. “I’ve been a Calypso fan since the start, and I am going to be its biggest champion. People can expect the comfort of the fresh, healthy, and delicious meals they’ve loved for nearly 40 years. And from there, I can’t wait to ensure Calypso’s consistent presence in the Nashville market through some eventual expansion. Stay tuned.”
Calypso Cafe was founded in 1989 by Allison and Phil Brooks upon their post-college return to Allison’s hometown. With philosophy degrees in hand and entrepreneurial spirits in their veins, they decided to take a chance on a concept loosely inspired by a favorite cafe during their time in North Carolina. With the support of family and friends, they developed a roster of Caribbean-inspired side items to accompany rotisserie chicken, perfected Nashville’s ubiquitous fruit tea, and Calypso set out to help Nashvillians ‘eat better, be better.’ Calypso Cafe is known for its rotisserie chicken with house Jamaican Curry and Caribbean BBQ sauces, Cuban black beans, Callaloo greens, and a host of other fresh sides, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts, all freshly made.
For more information Calypso Cafe’s menu, 100 Oaks restaurant, and catering, visit www.calypsocafe.com.
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