In this episode of Inside Matthews, host Jim Taylor welcomes three downtown entrepreneurs who’ve helped transform Matthews’ food and nightlife scene: Adam Reed of Sante, Bob Klein of Stumptown Station, and Brandon Mills of The Portrait Gallery.

Adam shares his journey from New York to Matthews, taking over a restaurant and building it into a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades. Bob and Brandon tell their story of friendship, long hours, and taking a leap of faith to create Stumptown Station, while Brandon reflects on his path from corporate restaurant leadership to small-town business ownership.

Together, the trio paint a vivid picture of how downtown Matthews has changed, shifting from quiet streets to a vibrant destination filled with dining, music, and culture. They highlight the power of collaboration, noting that restaurants and bars thrive when they work together rather than compete, drawing more people to Main Street and creating the walkable, community-focused energy Matthews is known for today.

The conversation also touches on challenges: parking and traffic, the decline of once-popular community initiatives like Red Brick Partnership, and the need for visionary leadership to sustain growth without losing small-town character. Still, the optimism is clear: more residents downtown, a supportive network of business owners, and a shared belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, creativity, and community spirit fueling Matthews’ local businesses, perfect for anyone curious about how small-town charm evolves while keeping its heart.