New Ownership Brings New Orleans Flavor, Events to Easy Street in Centre
Centre-A ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning officially welcomed new ownership at Easy Street in Centre, as Nick Sprouse and his family take the reins of the restaurant and entertainment venue.
The celebration was held on Fat Tuesday, an especially meaningful detail for Sprouse, who is originally from New Orleans and plans to incorporate more of the city’s signature cuisine, culture, and entertainment into the business. Guests were greeted with Mardi Gras beads and New Orleans–style décor as community members, elected officials, and Chamber board members gathered to mark the occasion.
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joy Perry opened the event by welcoming attendees and recognizing officials and Chamber leadership in attendance before introducing Sprouse to address the crowd.
Following his remarks, the celebration moved outdoors where the official ribbon cutting was performed by Sprouse’s four-year-old son.
Sprouse took ownership of Easy Street about five weeks ago after spending eight years working as a welding inspector, a career that required frequent travel. He said he had always envisioned a career that would allow him to remain closer to home with his growing family. He had known former owner Shane Givens for more than five years and said the business was not initially for sale, but Givens believed in his ability and leadership. Sprouse said he considers himself a strong delegator and described the opportunity as a blessing.
In addition to Easy Street, Sprouse owns Liner Kings, a swimming pool business that serves Cherokee County and the Chattanooga area, giving him previous experience working with local residents and businesses.
Sprouse also shared the story of how he and his family came to Cherokee County. Born and raised in New Orleans, they evacuated the city just hours before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. When they returned, they discovered four feet of water inside the second floor of their home. A cousin who owned Don’s Butcher Block offered them a place to stay in the Sand Rock area, and the family quickly fell in love with the community and chose to make it their permanent home.
His introduction to the food and hospitality industry began at the McDonald’s in Centre, where he became a shift manager at age 16 and said he met many extraordinary people. Today, he views Easy Street as more than a restaurant. He said he sees himself as an entertainer and host who enjoys creating a welcoming atmosphere and bringing smiles to guests.
He acknowledged that operating the business requires significant dedication and long hours, describing Easy Street as a bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue combined. He said he avoids comparing the business to others, explaining, “you do not have to compete, you just have to exist.” When asked what success means to him, he said, “If I am six feet above ground, I feel blessed. I feel successful.” He added that success in the industry requires “a lot of prayer, and a lot of faith.”
Sprouse announced several upcoming events and initiatives designed to grow Easy Street’s entertainment offerings. Beginning soon, the first Saturday of each month will feature a car show in the front lot, with wristbands granting entry to both the car show and that evening’s live music performances.
He also announced a sanctioned American Cornhole Association tournament scheduled for Saturday, March 14, featuring ranked Centre players Chad and Kim Jackson, who compete around the country and internationally. Live entertainment will continue on weekends, including an upcoming performance by Dueling Pianos, which Sprouse described as “incdedible,” noting that audience members can write song requests on napkins in an effort to stump the performers.
While longtime customer favorites will remain, Sprouse plans to introduce additional New Orleans–inspired dishes. He described himself as “born Cajun, and raised redneck,” blending Cajun traditions with local Southern influences. He said only the lowest-selling menu items will be removed as the menu evolves.
New menu additions expected soon include red snapper fried in pecan flour served on sweet potato with Cajun succotash. The restaurant’s current top-selling dish is blackened redfish served on jambalaya rice and topped with shrimp cream tasso sauce, which Sprouse said is “as Creole as Creole can be.” During the transition, paper menus will be used until the new menu is finalized, and additional wing options are also in development.
Sprouse also highlighted his involvement with a social group called The Family, which supports philanthropic efforts in the community. The group has donated more than 2,200 cans of food and participates in food drives and trash pickup projects alongside other local businesses. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/256family.
Easy Street is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, which includes Bingo night that may continue beyond kitchen hours; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more information, call (256) 494-8882 or visit https://www.facebook.com/easystreetcentre.
https://weisradio.com/2025/12/16/vip-care-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-in-cherokee-county/
