Shannon Fontaine
Anzie Blue has become all the buzz in Belle Meade.
Set inside Stanford Square, the café, coffee shop, and CBD store is delivering exactly what the neighborhood needed. Opened in late 2019, Anzie Blue is the brainchild of Marcie Allen Van Mol and Derek Van Mol—two native Nashvillians motivated by their own growing fascination with CBD, the hemp-derived extract, and a desire to fill a void.
“I was using CBD to help with stress and anxiety,” says Derek, who is the president and founder of Van Mol Restoration. “I started looking at all the brands and companies out there and realized that I could do [a wholesale business] on my own.”
He went in search of a manufacturer, which he found in Nevada, and spent nearly two years developing the products. Marcie, who has spent 25 years working in branding and partnerships in the music business as the founder of MAC Presents, took charge of marketing—they opted for a physical space, one that would be more than just a vehicle for their stress-reducing products.
“We wanted this to be a neighborhood place where you could come in, see people you know,” Marcie says.
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Shannon Fontaine
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Shannon Fontaine
Inspired by New York bodegas, they also wanted it to be a one-stop shop, of sorts. So, while you can swing by (easily thanks to ample parking) to pick up a couple of raspberry-flavored CBD gummies and a CBD-infused sports balm, you can stay for a curated cheese and charcuterie board and a bottle of wine. You’ll likely leave feeling serene, and maybe with a new piece of locally crafted jewelry or artwork.
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Mary Craven
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Mary Craven
The inside space and large shaded outdoor patio beg to be lingered over. (They’re following all CDC regulations and guidelines for now—masks are encouraged.) Bathed in white and a bold navy blue, it’s reminiscent of a Santorini escape. The interior is anchored by a café counter; soft lighting and local art on the walls make for a calming effect. There are banquettes and table seating—but the best seat in the house is the swinging basket chair set by the window. Outside, tables are safely distanced and accented with fresh greenery.
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Shannon Fontaine
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Mary Craven
The menu covers broad territory—from breakfast tacos and a range of coffee drinks to loaded up, thin-crust pizzas and just-toasted paninis. CBD can be added to drinks like the lavender lemonade, and there’s a full bar, including wine, beer, and a high-end selection of whiskey. (They offer a flight of five tasting-size portions for $75.) The charcuterie boards are the most popular items for both eat-in and take out, Marcie says. They’re now shipping the fully outfitted customized hickory boards through their website, and recently received a catering license, which means they can do the same thing for your next get-together.
As for the CBD, the range of products is growing: There are two different strengths of tinctures, bath balms, sports balms, and even dog treats. To be able to pick up a few of those things along with your morning latte only adds to the buzz, Marcie says.
“We’re just not your average coffee shop.”
Anzie Blue, 4239 Harding Pk., Ste. 4, 615-866-9545; anzieblue.com