Olivia Craft Cocktail & Oyster Bar and Slow Hand Bakehouse have become cornerstones of Lebanon’s local dining scene. The dynamic couple Audra and Nick Guidry have channeled their talent to create spaces that feel both intimate and community-focused, offering unique foodie experiences everywhere they touch.
This Valentine’s Day, they’ve crafted the perfect experience at Olivia, where friends, strangers, and couples alike can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, fresh oysters, and great conversation—a true reflection of the vibe they’ve worked so hard to build.
Their journey into the restaurant hospitality world wasn’t planned in a traditional sense; rather, it’s a story of serendipity and timing. "We kind of found both Slow Hand and Olivia by chance," Audra shares. When the popular Sassy Pecan announced it was closing, the couple jumped at the opportunity. For Olivia, their path unfolded similarly; while walking down from the Juniper space, Nick spotted crews working on a new building. Without missing a beat, he pitched the idea of a cocktail bar to the landlord who was excited enough to quickly offer them the lease.
“Olivia is our one-year-old daughter," says Nick. "We wanted to build a space around her personality—bold, sweet, fierce, and playful. We thought her name would perfectly represent the atmosphere we wanted to create here."
It’s clear that creativity and quality are at the core of everything Audra and Nick do. From their specialty coffee and pastries at Slow Hands to the fresh oysters and craft cocktails at Olivia, each offering reflects their commitment to excellence. "We love being creative through food," Nick says. "But we also love hospitality—watching people enjoy our spaces, our food, and our drinks. There’s something really special about how food and drink bring people together."
"This small town really seems to be a community gathering place," Audra observes. "It’s wonderful to see people come in, strike up conversations, and share a drink with someone new, or reconnect with old friends." That sense of connection is exactly what drives the couple, who take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door.
Running a business together as a married couple isn’t without its challenges, but for Audra and Nick, it’s a seamless partnership. "We’re both driven and hardworking, and when you put your career in your own hands, you just make it happen. We’ve worked together for years, and there’s no one else I would trust more than Nick," says Audra.
For the Guidrys, the secret to their success lies in their ability to play off each other’s strengths. "We’re each other’s sounding board," Nick says. "We develop menus together, make decisions about how we want to grow, and figure out how we can expand our business profile. We don’t lose sight of the most important thing: each other."
Audra and Nick’s journey began long before coming to Lebanon. They first met in the hospitality industry in Nashville, a small but tight-knit community where professionals frequently cross paths. "We met and started working together as part of a food truck and wholesale bakery many years ago, then opening Pelican & Pig and the flagship Slow Hands Bakehouse location," Audra recalls. "When you meet someone who’s equally focused on creativity, quality, and has a strong work ethic, the professional side falls into place quickly."
Looking to the future, the Guidrys aren’t stopping anytime soon. "We’ve got more in the works," Nick teases.
This Valentine’s Day, as you sip a craft cocktail or enjoy a fresh oyster, you’re not just experiencing a meal—you’re participating in a story that’s been years in the making.