Celebrity-owned restaurants and bars are nothing new to Nashville — we’ve had B.B. King’s place on 2nd Ave. N. since 2003, and if you wanted to really dig, you could find stories of Minnie Pearl’s Fried Chicken back in the ‘60s.
But over the past handful of years, it’s certainly started to feel like local (and not-so-local) stars opening Nashville bars and eateries is a trend that’s gaining serious speed.
In 2010, we got a Margaritaville from Jimmy Buffett. In 2011, singer Gavin DeGraw and his brother opened the National Underground. Actor/singer and Nashville star Jonathan Jackson headed south to Franklin and opened Jack and Jameson’s Smokehouse in 2016.
And in the past handful of months, the floodgates might’ve really opened.
New on the country stars with bars and restaurants scene
FGL House from Florida Georgia Line
People magazine (and lots of others) reported this week on FGL House, a 22,000-square-foot, four-story restaurant/venue from country duo Florida Georgia Line that’s expected to open in June at 120 3rd Avenue South. (That’s the in-progress Google street view, above.)
The new Nashville spot, says People, will include an “all-day and all-night party” on the rooftop, a basement cocktail lounge and, apparently pretty regularly, events from/with the owners.
While we creep toward its opening, here’s more on the company FGL House will keep now and in the near future:
Alan Jackson: A.J.’s Good Time Bar
421 Broadway, Nashville
About: “Carries on the tradition of the best downtown Nashville honky tonks, giving locals and tourists alike a place where they enjoy real country music that made Nashville famous.”
Opened: October, 2016
More info: www.ajsgoodtimebar.com
Dierks Bentley: Whiskey Row
400 Broadway, Nashville
About: “A great lunch, happy hour, dinner & all sports with live Country music Thursdays and Fridays.”
Opening: expected this spring
More info: www.facebook.com/dierkswhiskeyrownashville
John Rich: Redneck Riviera
About: “The more rural, rowdy version of Margaritaville.”
Opening: Anyone know the latest? Last we heard of this long-talked-about location was “soon.” (The Las Vegas Redneck Riviera opened earlier this year.)
More info: redneckrivieranashville.com
Blake Shelton: Ole Red
300 Broadway, Nashville
About: “A multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway.”
Opening: expected April 2018 (plans pictured up top)
More info: www.olered.com
Know of any other star power-led bars and restaurants coming to Nashville in the near future? We’d love to see any ones we missed.
If we can help you find your own place in Nashville, please let us know. Here’s an easy way to start your hunt for a new home in Nashville.