A Decade of Dreams: How My Writing Journey Led Me Straight to Nashville and Luke Bryan

Ten years ago today, I hit “publish” on a story that changed everything. One of my very first articles made it to the top page of BuzzFeed, and for 20-something me, that felt like the absolute peak of success. I still remember refreshing the page over and over, heart racing, thinking this is it… I’ve made it.

Little did I know... it was just the beginning. Fast-forward a decade, and I found myself boarding a flight to Nashville, Tennessee, for what can only be described as the opportunity of a lifetime.

When Raising Cane’s Slid Into My Inbox

A few days before my trip, I opened my email and had one of those is this real life? moments. Raising Cane’s had invited me to an exclusive event in Franklin, just outside of Nashville. The occasion? A heartfelt celebration hosted by country superstar Luke Bryan and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, spotlighting community, kindness, and giving back. Together, they announced a $1 million donation to The Brett Boyer Foundation, a cause incredibly close to Luke and his family’s hearts.

For those who don’t know, The Brett Boyer Foundation raises awareness for congenital heart disease and spreads the love of Down syndrome in honor of Luke’s niece, Sadie Brett Boyer.

The event took place at the Franklin Raising Cane’s, where Luke didn’t just show up to wave hello. He actually rolled up his sleeves, stepped behind the counter, and served fans both inside the restaurant and through the drive-thru window. Seeing him hand out chicken fingers with that signature smile was the perfect reminder that giving back can be both meaningful and fun.

A Night at the Hilton Franklin

Raising Cane’s took care of everything, including flying me out and booking me at the Hilton Franklin, which was absolutely stunning. Even though I was only there for one night, it was the kind of stay that leaves a lasting impression.

After checking in, I decided to grab dinner at the hotel bar. I ordered a Margarita Flatbread topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and housemade marinara. And listen, as a Jersey girl, I’m pretty judgmental when it comes to pizza. But this one? Chef’s kiss. Perfectly crispy crust, melty cheese, and just the right amount of sauce. Nashville, you’ve officially earned my respect in the pizza department.

A Day with Raising Cane’s and Luke Bryan

From the moment I arrived at the Franklin Raising Cane’s, I knew this wasn’t just another press event. It was something truly special. The Raising Cane’s team greeted me with the kind of Southern warmth that instantly made me feel like family.

Before the event officially kicked off, I got a behind-the-scenes look at the filming taking place inside the restaurant. Watching the production team capture moments of Luke Bryan and Todd Graves interacting with fans was surreal, especially seeing Luke laughing, joking, and literally handing out chicken fingers through the drive-thru window.

I also had the chance to take part in the press conference, where Luke and Todd shared heartfelt words about the mission behind the day: giving back to those who need it most. Their sincerity was palpable. The two spoke passionately about their shared vision to make a lasting difference, not just through music or business, but through meaningful community action.

As part of that mission, Raising Cane’s announced a $1 million donation to The Brett Boyer Foundation, which will be distributed as $250,000 a year for the next four years. But as impressive as that number sounds, it’s only a fraction of the brand’s generosity. According to the partnership’s release, Raising Cane’s has already donated more than $140 million to local communities, and plans to give an additional $30 million before the end of 2025.

It’s one thing to read statistics like that on paper, but it’s another to be there in person, watching the people behind those numbers connect with fans, hug children, and share stories. The energy in that room was contagious.

A Musical Goodbye at the Airport

Before flying home, I made one last stop at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red inside the airport, and let me tell you, I wasn’t expecting to end my trip on such a high note (literally).

I’ve been to two other Ole Red locations before, so I already knew the food and drinks would be on point. But this one had live music right in the terminal. Sitting there with a cocktail in hand, listening to an up-and-coming country artist perform while travelers tapped their feet nearby, it was one of those spontaneous moments that made me fall in love with Nashville all over again.

Full Circle Moments

As my plane took off, I couldn’t help but think about that 10-year journey, from celebrating a viral BuzzFeed moment to being flown out for a once-in-a-lifetime event alongside Luke Bryan.

What started as a small dream behind a laptop has turned into something bigger than I ever imagined. This trip wasn’t just about chicken fingers or country music. It was about gratitude, growth, and the reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more pinch-me moments ahead.