Randy Rayburn remembered
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Randy Rayburn at a 2022 event at Nashville State Community College. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville State Community College
Tributes to the legendary Nashville restaurateur Randy Rayburn continued to pour in over the weekend following his death last week at 74.
Why it matters: Rayburn and his restaurants were the backdrop for decades of Nashville history, and his connections ran the gamut from former mayors to newsletter writers.
- Places like Sunset Grill, Midtown Cafe and Cabana became go-tos for political dealmaking, anniversary dinners and late-night cocktails.
Flashback: Rayburn had the rare gift of being able to work equally well in the kitchen and the front of the house.
- As a chef, Rayburn worked tirelessly to hone his craft. David Bennett, a close friend of 50 years, recalled how Rayburn traveled to New York to earn his certificate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.
- "He came back from Hyde Park, and he couldn't do anything but cook stock for eight hours a day for over a week. He cooked fish stock, beef stock, veal stock. He said, 'You couldn't cook unless you have good stock available.'"
Rayburn was well-known for working the dining room at Midtown Cafe.
- "He was probably even better in the front of the house than the back of the house. But was really good on the spoon, as they say," Bennett says. "He could taste something and see if it would work in his restaurant. He had a great palate for wine and for food."
Zoom in: Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry says the first time she dined at Sunset Grill, Rayburn greeted her "like an old friend" even though they hadn't met.
- "His various establishments hosted my campaign launch for mayor, a 'women for Megan' event and countless celebratory drinks and quiet moments with my husband."
- "And like old friends do, he opened Cabana for us after [Barry's son Max Barry's] memorial service and hosted everyone for lunch. He was a fixture in our lives — a glorious, joyful soul."
Zoom out: Political events were common at Rayburn's establishments, and his personal network was vast. He became an informal adviser to a generation of officials.
- "Randy was a believer in Nashville and a strong proponent of building the new convention center and a supporter of public education," former Mayor Karl Dean tells Axios. "Fun to be around, he made everyone who visited his restaurants feel special."
If you go: Midtown Cafe will remain open following Rayburn's death.
- "Randy's dream was to provide continued support for this community and his sons through the legacy of Midtown Cafe," a restaurant spokesperson tells Axios.
- "They have employees who have worked at the restaurant for over 25+ years and will continue to celebrate and share this legacy and community for many more years to come!"