NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM visited with Allison Wright, the Employee Wellness Coordinator at West Tennessee Healthcare.

Allison is also the new owner of The Bakers Rack, at 203. E. Lafayette Street.

She purchased the popular restaurant from Elaine West.

Question: First, a little background information. Where are you originally from, family, education, employment.

Answer: I’m from Jackson, and have three boys. The oldest is 26, and he serves in the U.S. Navy, and is stationed in Japan. My 19-year-old lives in Texas and works as a welder on a pipeline, and my 16-year-old is a junior at Jackson Christian School, where he loves playing running back on the varsity football team.

I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Biology and minor in business Administration. My previous employment was in pharmaceutical sales and business development.

Question: Tell us about your position at West Tennessee Healthcare.

Answer: I started at West Tennessee Healthcare this past February as the employee wellness coordinator.

I have the opportunity to lead and set up programs that enrich over 7,200 employees in health, financial and mental wellness. It’s a job that is different everyday, and I enjoy every minute of it.

Question: How did you learn The Bakers Rack was for sale – what motivated you to purchase the restaurant – and how many employees do you have working for you?

Answer: I learned that Elaine (West) was wanting to sell the Bakers Rack because of some friends that were interested in buying the business. They decided to pass on the opportunity and I jumped at the chance to continue the tradition of providing great food and atmosphere in the downtown area. I have 10 great and enthusiastic employees – who, like me – want the downtown area to thrive.

Question: Would you tell us about the manager of The Bakers Rack, and how much are you involved in the day-to-day operations?

Answer: My manager is Ashley Grice from Lexington, and she has many years in restaurant day-to-day activities. She previously helped manage a restaurant business in Crockett County. She has extensive experience in catering all size jobs – office lunches or breakfast, to catering large corporate events and weddings.

Question: It looks as though no major changes have been made at the restaurant, but do you have any new plans for the business?

Answer: I have made minor decorative changes, but the wonderful home cooked meals are the same.

We are looking at providing an event area downstairs next year where local businesses can have meetings while enjoying the great food and service.

Question: The restaurant is closed on weekends. But do you have any plans to open on Saturdays, considering the amount of traffic downtown on weekends?

Answer: We are always looking at opportunities to grow.

(PHOTO: Allison Wright)

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