Author name: The Bulldog Beat

By: Emarie Bailey Tennessee Wesleyan University will be presenting the musical Fiddler on the Roof in Townsend Auditorium on:  This free production is directed by Jamey Owen, Assistant Professor of Music, and it is choreographed by Ashley Copeland, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies.   While this musical is free to watch, any donations will go towards supporting the Tennessee Wesleyan University Theatre department.   Anticipation for opening night has been rising for the students, faculty and community members participating in the musical.   “What I’m looking forward to about the show is that musical theatre brings such a synergy between people, and the energy when people are on stage together is so electric,” Director Jamey Owen expressed her excitement for bringing this show to the community. “I’m looking forward to sharing that feeling with the audience and sharing all the friendships that have been made here – the palpable feeling of those friendships, sharing that with the community, and inspiring people with this beautiful story.” The actors have been hard at work in order to make this production the best it can be. With extensive rehearsals and attention to detail, this production is on its way to bringing the same excitement to the audience.   “Seeing it come to life has been an amazing experience,” said Sadie Goodin, starring as Golde. “And not only that, doing this alongside my best friends has been the honor of a lifetime.”   Come see Fiddler on the Roof from Friday to Sunday this week at the Townsend Auditorium on Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Athens campus. 

By Dakota Caldwell Your free sandwich deal from McAlister’s Deli is right in front of you. Except, you have to be one of the first 100 people in line for the grand opening in Athens, Tennessee. We’re here to give you three tips on how to be one of these lucky individuals who will win free club sandwiches for a year. The event takes place on March 30 at 10:30 AM, which means there’s no time to waste! Tip #1: Bring a group – No one wants to go into war alone. This is exactly why you need a couple of friends to go with you in this endeavor. Everyone knows bathroom breaks are inevitable, but if you’ve got a friend to hold your place in line, all is well. This opens the door for a friend to be able to walk to McDonald’s to get the whole group fresh McGriddles for breakfast. This could possibly be a long night of waiting; therefore, having friends with you to keep the vibes up is mandatory. Tip #2: Come supplied – This could be the worst night of your life if you don’t come prepared. A Walmart trip is a necessity to stay comfortable. Valuable materials such as a folding chair, sleeping bag, and heated blankets will come in handy. The current forecast is calling for temperatures as low as 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The more layers, the better for those looking to survive. Tip #3: Remember what’s at stake – College students are balling on a budget. We can’t afford to miss free food for a year. Cafeteria fatigue is inevitable, and outside food is what we need. Remember how enjoyable a free sandwich for a year will taste while you’re waiting in line. We all know free food tastes better, especially from a new restaurant. Not to mention, the epic story this will give you for the rest of your life. Your grandchildren will love the nighttime fairytale of winning a free club sandwich at McAlister’s in the future. Do it for the glory. The community is very excited for this opportunity. We had the honor of interviewing one customer on the matter. “I’m excited about it [McAllister’s opening]. It’s a new place to eat in Athens, and the sandwiches are delicious, and it’s just something different,” said McAlister’s patron Jerry A. “The [Drip Kitchen and Coffee] kind of reminds me of McAllister’s, and I can’t wait till this [location] opens up. It’s a great location with the shopping center and all.”   Make sure to stay tuned for the grand opening of McAllister’s on March 30 at 10:30 AM. Start preparing now for the greatest opportunity of your life!  Edited by Hunter Cookston

By Emarie Bailey The Athens Chamber of Commerce welcomed Pie Hound to downtown with an official ribbon cutting on November 13, 2025. “Our owner, Kit Housley, this is his first restaurant that he’s ever owned… He wanted his own restaurant in his hometown,” says Ansley Travis, the general manager of Pie Hound. Pie Hound, a new pizza restaurant, is located at 13 East Madison Avenue, Athens, Tennessee. It is in the heart of downtown, and very close to Tennessee Wesleyan University’s campus, making it a spot to hang out or get some food for college students. The exterior of Pie Hound seems unassuming; however, the interior is filled with life. The entrance doors are large, wooden and glass double doors that lead into the open concept restaurant. The brick interior gives a rustic look that is coupled with the industrial framework, creating an interesting aesthetic, especially for the small town of Athens, Tennessee. You might be wondering: “Why is this restaurant named Pie Hound?” The reason for that is due to the owner’s two Basset hounds, called Button and Rosie, whose names are honored on the menu. Button is also seen as the mascot for the restaurant. With a flavorful menu, Pie Hound offers a variety of appetizers, pizzas (including build your own pizzas), sandwiches, wings, salads, desserts, and drinks. The food options pair nicely with the aesthetic and vibe of the restaurant’s architecture. Pie Hound is dedicated to the Athens community, as portrayed on their website, and there is a possibility of offering Tennessee Wesleyan University students a place to come more often. “I think probably when it gets closer to finals, we might do some kind of student discount… I hope that more students start to come eat here,” Ansley Travis describes her wishes for the future of Pie Hound in our community. Photos by Ash Johnson and DJ HumphreysEdited by Ash JohnsonInterview by DJ Humphreys, Ash Johnson, and Bri Johnson

By Emarie Bailey Athens, Tennessee welcomes a new restaurant, Drip Kitchen and Coffee. In 2021, Drip Kitchen and Coffee first opened in Dayton, Tennessee with owners Grant Van Meter and Zack Van Meter, who are brothers, and their business partner Dylan Palermino. Drip Kitchen and Coffee opened, February 12, 2026, as a new local restaurant and hang out spot close to campus. Drip is located at 698 Decatur Pike. Drip’s parking lot is spacious; however, business has been booming since they first opened. Along with the plentiful parking, there is a drive-thru with minimal wait times. Leading up to the front door is an open area filled with outdoor furniture, rocking chairs, and a fireplace. Music plays softly from speakers posted on the brick pillars holding up the cover for the outside area. This is a perfect place to spend time with friends or just relax with a nutritious drink or snack from inside. The inside has a welcoming atmosphere decorated with unique light fixtures and comfortable furniture, making it feel like walking into your own home. The faint smell of coffee roast lingered in the air coupled with the gentle warmth of the lighting, creating a tranquil experience. Much like the parking lot, the inside is very spacious and able to hold up to 90 people. Returning customers, Katy and Alana, said they first came to Drip Kitchen and Coffee when they were in Dayton. They were attracted to the vast variety of food and drinks. “Because of the atmosphere and the spacious layout, we come [to the Dayton location] all the time and I’m able to homeschool my daughter,” said Katy. Alana, who is homeschooled, enjoys coming here to do her schoolwork, believing it as peaceful despite the lively and busy environment. When ordering from their healthy and organic menu, you will be greeted by the delightful staff who are willing to make your experience the best it can be. “We really want people to feel very connected whenever they come in, and feel like they were greeted kindly, that they are welcomed here, and that we want them to be here,” said co-owner Grant Van Meter. Grant Van Meter believes customer appreciation is what sets Drip Kitchen and Coffee apart from other coffee shops in the Athens area. Drip also serves more than just coffee: organic fruit smoothies, affordable breakfast and lunch choices, and plenty more cleverly named options. The rustic, yet modern, appearance brought a piece of Tennessee into this restaurant, and the kind people as well. It feels like home. As for Tennessee Wesleyan students, one of the owners expressed gratefully that “we are here for you guys. We want you all to use this space to its utmost extent. That is precisely the reason why we came to Athens, to give you all and whoever it is a space where they feel welcomed and feel like they can hang out for however long they need to.” “That is a guarantee, anyone who walks through the doors will be treated kindly every time.” For more information, check out their website. Interview by Ash Johnson