Bringing people, ideas together
Entrepreneur, author, farmer and Delta “renaissance” man, Stafford Shurden—always with his antennae up for new ideas—has come up with yet another venture, one which is bringing together business people and interested citizens together for fellowship, encouragement, inspiration and gaining knowledge.
Similar to the salons in France held centuries ago—but with Delta hospitality and food—Shurden’s new “Supper Club” is a monthly meeting held at his restaurant in Drew, Stafford’s Market & Deli, where a special guest is given the opportunity to speak to a “ticketed” audience and then have a spirited discussion and Q&A period following. Shurden has held four of these meetings so far, all of which have been successful, he said.
“Years ago, especially after my own father died, I came to the realization that there existed a lack of mentorship here in the Delta, such as my Dad was to me,” said Shurden about the origins of his latest venture. “There were no meetings or organizations that existed where people could gather and ask questions of, and learn from, experts and leaders in their respective fields. I started attending business events out of state and was at one in particular, in Nashville, called ‘Whiskey and Wisdom’ put on by a guy named Michael Bird. He would interview a special guest in front of the audience and then we would have a give-and-take discussion. Plus, there was a happy hour before and another one after. That’s what I’m replicating now with my new ’Supper Club,’” he said.
Shurden knew he had to bring this similar type of event in the Delta. Thus, the free event was begun, with the same before and after happy hour as well as a selection of finger food and hor d’ouevrs. “You still have to have a ticket to get in, which can be obtained beforehand, and we can and have accommodated about 75 people at the events we’ve held so far,” said Shurden.
Some of the guests who have spoken before the “Supper Club” have included Mayor Jack Coleman of Rosedale and his wife, Elizabeth, along with well-known Delta entrepreneur and now Oxford resident, Will Bradham. Jay Bradley, a business coach and sales specialist out of Chattanooga, Tennessee also spoke to the club. At the first meeting of the “Supper Club”, Shurden’s guest was Heath Riles, owner of Heath Riles Barbecue—whose product is now in some 20,000 grocery stores—in which 90 people attended. Nights of the event vary, but Shurden said that, so far, all four have been held on weeknights.
For January’s event, Shurden will be hosting one of the owners of the famous Blue Denim Jean Co., Nick Weaver, with the date to be determined. And it will have a first time sponsor, Charles Davis Real Estate, whose Indianola business is owned by Shurden’s father-in-law.
“Plus, soon, we’re probably going to start taking the ’Supper Club’ idea on the road across the state because of the interest that’s been generated so far. We’ve had people drive 4 hours to come here to Drew, so we’re looking at possibly holding some events in Oxford, Hattiesburg and other towns and cities in the state.
“I’ve got some future guests lined up, too,” said Shurden. “Very big names which I can’t reveal just yet. I’m so proud to see how the idea has grown and to also see actual business deals being made during our happy hours. That was the whole point of my starting the idea.”
Shurden said he thought the “Supper Club” would do well, but it’s gone even better than he had imagined.
“And the reason I ticket the event is to get to know who’s attending,” he said. “I can then automatically invite them back. Plus, we have limited space. But, really, I couldn’t be happier about the response we’ve gotten from both the guest speakers and those who come out to take part—it’s been great. I’m seeing a lot of younger people show up, too, and they ask smart questions and are gaining valuable advice from business leaders. My staff even make it fun, with new recipes and offerings. It’s a total win-win for all of us involved—I laughingly call it a ‘Delta chic’ affair,” said Shurden.
For more information on the “Supper Club” and how to get tickets for future monthly events, email staffordshurden@gmail.com.