Cool Springs Wines & Spirits

James "Woody" Woodard

Woody — as everyone knows him — is one of those long-time Franklin residents who can remember Cool Springs when it was mostly farmland. Even back then, Woody had a vision for growth in Cool Springs that lead him to become an integral part of the commercial development on Mallory Lane along Interstate 65.

In 1995, when Cool Springs was just getting its start, Woody leased some space in the Kroger strip mall on Mallory Lane and opened the area's first selective liquor and wine store. Calling it simply Cool Springs Wines and Spirits (CSWS), Woody enjoyed modest but fast-paced success. The business did so well that in 2000, he bought land and moved across the street to a newly constructed superstore located at 1935 Mallory Lane. That development is now home to CSWS and Woody's Smokes and Brews.

Woody's perceptive nature and extensive experience in the financial arena have been key to the success of CSWS. He enjoys family, nature, dressing well, and fine wine. Despite his intimidating travel and business schedules, there's a good chance you may run into Woody when you stop in at the complex. Invite him to share his travel experiences from Italy or Argentina's wine country. You'll recognize him as the gentle looking guy who is ALWAYS dressed to the nines ... and don't be surprised if you find him stocking shelves or reorganizing the pinot section. Woody's passion for the business is evident ... and infectious to his employees.

 

Penny Rose Floyd

In charge of purchasing and marketing efforts for CSWS, Penny Rose Floyd is the heart of the CSWS team. She is also highly regarded by customers, distributors, and sales reps for her business savvy and experience gained from more than 12 years in the business. Penny likes a deal and she knows the marketplace.  But she also knows what our customers want—so she gets it for them at the best price
in town.

 

Tina Lillie

When customers first walk in the door of CSWS, they are greeted by Tina’s warm smile and sunny disposition. She takes great pride in her position of Customer Service Supervisor, serving as our Wine & Spirits Ambassador. Nashville native and longtime Franklin resident made her home at CSWS in 2009. Tina’s heart and soul center around her love for family, which includes CSWS customers. When off the clock, Tina’s favorite beverages are Chardonnays, Bloody Mary’s (ask for her secret recipe), and when she is feeling “sassy”…tequila!

 

Ryan Dankowski

Ryan, our resident beer guru, is a fixture on the grounds of the CSWS complex. In his "spare time," Ryan can be found working at Woody's Smokes & Brews (what can we say? He loves beer!) Ryan is excited to be a returning member of the team and is now CSWS’ resident Beer Guru. He has been in the industry for 3 years and has developed an experimental palate for high gravity beers along with wines and spirits. His previous experience working in a winery gave him the drive to begin experimenting and brewing his own beer with friends. He is looking forward to exploring and learning more about the high-gravity beer market so that he can bring in the best products possible!

 

Philip Thompson

Philip joined the CSWS team as General Manager in 2011 and has made his indelible mark since day one. A seasoned veteran with an eye on the future, he utilizes his deep and diversified industry roots as an invaluable asset to the store, while sharing with his customers his rich and broad palate in the integral aspects of food, wine, and tobacco.

By age six, Philip had already learned to cook. His early interest in food would not only lead to a life-long passion for creating exciting cuisine, but would set the stage for his life’s journey in all things related to the culinary world, including a great love and talent for finding great wines, as well as a professor’s knowledge of fine tobacco products. He spent twelve years in the premium cigar business, traveling to 16 countries, experiencing some of the finest restaurants, chateaus and tobacco fields in the world.  

Philip is the consummate professional, with a discipline, organizational sense, and true vision rarely found in the wine and spirits retail business. Implementing an array of forward-thinking strategies for a streamlined yet complete customer shopping experience, Philip is taking CSWS to an all new height of success and stature.

From his California French restaurant chef days to his global wine and tobacco travels, Philip is comfortable back in his Nashville roots, at home with his wife and two children, where he enjoys Nicaraguan Rums, a balanced red wine, and cooking a family meal from his own herbs and vegetables garden.

Mark Luna

Mark Luna, CSWS’ Fine Wine Manager, is a visionary and welcome addition to the CSWS family. His passionate affair with wine spans two decades during which time he has acquired an extensive Italian and French wine appreciation.  Mark worked in Los Angeles and New York for 10 years, where he participated in various Wine Education Seminars and served as a Tasting Host at many events.  His love of wines fueled his thirst for education, leading him to pursue a Master of Wine Education through the prestigious WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) in London.  Currently Mark holds the Level 2 (WSET) Award in Wine and Spirits Specification while pursuing the Level 3, making him one of the very select few persons not only in the region but the state holding this distinguished certification.  Don’t let Mark’s quiet and gentle California manner fool you, the heart of an impassioned songwriter and theatre actor adds to his endearing and dynamic personality. 

Steve Prati

Steve is a seasoned professional with more than 18 years experience in the food and beverage industry. He came to CSWS by way of Boston, where he was the beverage manager at Cheers and wrote Cheers from the Bull & Finch Pub. Steve also spent years living in the wine country of Australia, so he is right at home with the wines from Down Under. Events are one of his specialties. He can help plan your beverage needs for a small wedding or a large corporate affair. Or he can help you pick just the right wine to go with a
special dish.

 

Frank Nunz Comito

Frank is the godfather of CSWS. He has been with the store since its inception over a decade ago and he claims a lot of customers as long-time friends. The feeling is mutual. Frank loves his Italian wines—it’s in his blood—but he is always on the lookout for quality and value wherever he can find it.