08/27/2025
Dear Raven and Lily Staff and Customers,
Over the past 7 years, I have stumbled upon more friends, memories, and life lessons than I ever expected. What was once a job my mother recommended to me which I reluctantly interviewed for, blossomed into a chapter of my life that I will forever cherish and be thankful for. From the regulars that filled my days with smiles and stories, to the staff that I consider family , I have been blessed with a journey I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Justin and Amy, you have given me the ability to learn and grow and lead. You trusted me with something you built with your own hands, and for that opportunity I am forever thankful. Y’all have been beside me as I have grown up, not only professionally but personally as well. Blood, sweat, tears, laughs, and endless hours alike, have all taught me to be the man I am today. You helped teach me to follow Gods path, for he shall provide. Luke 12:24. I love you more than you know, thank you for everything.
The staff, all I can really say is holy hell. I never bargained that I would leave this restaurant with more family than I started with, but here we are. I cannot express what it means to me that we have built the friendships and relationships that stand today. We have shared ups and downs, laughs and sorrows, wins and losses. To be honest, I’ve spent the majority of the past decade with yall and I would do again and again if I had the chance to. Thank you, so much, for allowing me the opportunity to be your friend. Y’all are each uniquely incredible people and I love every single one of you. I am flattered beyond words to have shared this life with yall. And yes, Mason, you will get to hold Baby Wrenn when she arrives.
To the customers, whether you know it or not, y’all have been just as much of this journey as anybody else. Thank for you supporting this family business from Oakland, to Collierville, to Somerville. Thank you for the patience and grace as I learned my role and refined my skills. Thank you for the relationships and memories that I will carry with me forever. (And the hunting spots) The patrons of this restaurant hold a very dear spot in my heart for all of the support and love I have received over these years.
All of this is my long and sappy way of saying farewell to Raven & Lily. I will be spending my last days with the business this week, as a new chapter of my life begins. With the arrival of our daughter coming in December, Grace and I have decided that a change in career paths was a necessity. Don’t fret! All is well between the business and myself. I look forward to seeing all of my people in the near future, I might just be on the other side of the bar this time.
Cheers my friends,
Austin
