Both seasoned professionals with deep roots in hospitality and design, the couple brought not only talent but a deep respect for Jackson's character. Damien, a New Orleans native and Certified Executive Chef, has spent decades honing his craft across the country, from fine dining kitchens to food festivals in the field. Mary Sanders, an interior designer and founder of Ferriss & Company, has built a reputation for transforming spaces that tell stories and create an unmatched guest experience. Together, the Cavicchis are reshaping two iconic spaces - preserving the heart while reimagining the future. When they looked at Jackson, they saw a city that matched their own values.

Drawn to Jackson's Heart and Potential

"Jackson's not always easy," Mary Sanders admits, "but it's full of heart and passion, a kind of energy you can't fake." That mix of grit and creativity was a draw for both her and Damien, who was drawn to the strong sense of community and the city's potential.

Rather than create new concepts from scratch, the Cavicchis saw a unique opportunity in taking the reins of businesses already woven into the city's cultural fabric. "I love old restaurants and bars," says Damien. "The history, the spirit—it can't be recreated."

For Mary Sanders, it was about honoring the places that had already created decades of memories. "You can't manufacture that kind of loyalty and meaning," she says.

Revitalizing Campbell's Bakery

At Campbell's, the team leaned into what the bakery already did well—iconic birthday cakes, petit fours, and the beloved Campbell's tea cakes—while evolving the business into something ready for the next generation. Streamlined production, fresh packaging, and new retail offerings have helped reintroduce Campbell's to longtime loyalists and first-time customers alike. Acquiring Spark Confectionary and La Brioche expanded their capacity and added new tools to grow the brand.

Transforming Hal & Mal's While Preserving Its Soul

Over at Hal & Mal's, they've made bold updates while preserving the venue's soul. With a refreshed identity, updated menu, and new systems behind the scenes, the beloved downtown space is thriving. The addition of The Walk-In, a cocktail lounge inside the former walk-in cooler, has been a standout success, offering late-night eats and non-alcoholic cocktails in a cozy, smart setting.

And while much has evolved, the core has stayed steady. "Hal & Mal's is still where you might catch a band on stage and a mayor, musician, and artist all at the same table," says Mary Sanders. Campbell's continues to be the go-to for birthdays and celebrations, with that same unmatched taste people have loved for decades.

Looking Ahead: Big Plans, Grounded Focus

Looking ahead, the couple has big plans: expanded programming, improvements to the Hal & Mal's building, new retail lines at Campbell's, and even larger-scale catering programs. But their focus remains grounded: quality, connection, and continuing to invest in the city where they've planted such deep roots.

"Jackson pushes you to care, to show up," says Mary Sanders. And that's exactly what they're doing: one cake, one concert, one celebration at a time.