IN THE warm, sunlit kitchen of Just Like Granny’s in Tullahoma, magic is made. Lisa Beasley is a symbol of Southern hospitality, her hands lovingly preparing dishes steeped in tradition and comfort. Inviting aromas of rich, savory gravies and sweet, spiced pies fill the air. The sizzle of butter in a cast-iron skillet matches the sweet melody of simmering sauces while golden cornbread rises in the oven. Every slice, dice, and stir by Beasley is made with a love that transcends her cooking, turning each meal into the warm embrace of a Southern home-cooked meal for all to enjoy.
Beasley is a mother, widow, grandmother, and a leader in her loving community. She has taken pieces of her family heritage and the deep-rooted history of Tullahoma as inspiration to create her business.
Beasley’s culinary journey began when she was 18, catering for her family and friends. Her business, nurtured by early life influences — particularly her grandmother — blossomed into a full-service catering enterprise. Just Like Granny’s is distinct for its personal touch and commitment to presentation and decor. Beasley’s approach is deeply personal, preferring to stay and ensure each guest’s happiness rather than the typical ‘drop and run’ method.
The naming of Just Like Granny’s was a heartfelt tribute to the woman who inspired Beasley’s culinary path.
“My granny was my dad’s mother and was the one that, over the years, taught me how to cook,” Beasley recalled.
This connection to her grandmother’s cooking is more than nostalgia; it’s a standard of quality and warmth.
She shares a pivotal moment, remembering fondly the genesis of the name:
“I remember one year at Thanksgiving, my uncle Joe said, ‘Your food tastes just like Granny’s.’ And that was about the same time my catering business was really at its busiest point,and I thought, ‘Well, that’s what we’ll call it.’ ”
That was the moment Just Like Granny’s got its precious and fitting name. As we all can attest, there is nothing quite like the nostalgia and taste of your grandmother’s home-cooked meals.
This family-oriented spirit extends beyond Just Like Granny’s. Beasley’s daughters, Jenny Bryson and Amy Watson, are successful business owners in Tullahoma. Bryson, a beauty stylist, runs The Glam Room. Watson, a nationally recognized hearing instrument specialist, owns Watson Hearing Services, operating an office in Tullahoma and a satellite office in Winchester. The entrepreneurial drive in this family is clear, as Beasley has been both a mentor and an inspiration to her daughters.
“They have also been an inspiration to me,” Beasley says with pride. “It’s been inspiring to other people, but it’s such a blessing to me as a mother to see them be able to do that.”
In addition to her culinary endeavors, Beasley is a notable figure in her community, serving on the board of the Tullahoma Sports Council and organizing its Hall of Fame banquet. Her deep community roots, commitment to family and friends, and strong work ethic, inherited from her father and grandmother, make her beloved in Tullahoma.
Beasley’s unique approach to catering — not working from a set menu but crafting personalized culinary experiences based on clients’ visions — sets Just Like Granny’s apart.
“I like to think that my food is good. I learned to cook from a true old Southern cook and a lot of people will call and ask if I can send a copy of the menu. And I say, you know, ‘I don’t work from a menu.’ I don’t want someone to tell me what I can eat. So I’m not gonna tell someone else what they can eat.”
Beasley sits down with customers individually to hear their vision and make a unique catering menu from scratch.
“We’ve done everything from soup bars, taco bars, Italian feasts, and all kinds of things — just about anything you can imagine we’ve done,” she explains proudly.
Beasley believes in making each event unique, turning each gathering into a memorable experience.
Just Like Granny’s is more than a catering business; it’s a reflection of Lisa Beasley’s heart and soul. Her dedication to her family, business, and community paints a story of resilience, love, and the enduring power of good food and strong family ties. Beasley and Just Like Granny’s are symbols of the warmth and neighborliness that make Tullahoma a special place to call home. GN
