312 Pizza thought it was going to close, but the community rallied
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A slice of deep dish pizza from 312. Photo: Nate Rau/Axios
312 Pizza Co., a Germantown neighborhood staple specializing in Chicago-style deep dish, planned to close its doors on Monday.
- Yes, but: An outpouring of community support, including from Mayor Freddie O'Connell, provided 312 at least a temporary reprieve.
Why it matters: Instead of another locally owned small business shuttering, 312 is a beacon of hope during a gritty time for Nashville's independent restaurant community.
Catch up quick: 312 opened in 2014, quickly becoming a go-to joint for deep dish and a Germantown favorite.
Driving the news: Owner Kimberly Wolff took to social media over the weekend to say business was tough and Monday was supposed to be its final day of service.
- O'Connell got wind of the situation and helped spread the word. He also directed 312's owners to the city's legacy business grant program.
- Wolff said the help from the mayor, combined with the community outreach, means 312 will be able to stay open for at least a few more weeks.
What he's saying: "312 opened and immediately started pouring into the surrounding neighborhoods, showing up to sponsor and support community events," O'Connell tells Axios.
- "Now it's our turn to pour into them. They gave great early feedback on our Legacy Business incentive program, and we were able to help them problem-solve some near-term financing issues."
State of play: Wolff posted a follow-up video on Instagram over the weekend saying business was humming, and asked for pizza lovers to continue visiting 312. The company also launched a GoFundMe campaign.
- "We are so overwhelmed with love and support from this community," she said. "Nashville, you showed up."
Nate's thought bubble: Growing up outside Chicago, deep-dish pizza is my answer for what would be my last meal.
- I've had birthday parties at 312, and have extremely fond memories of nearly dying from anxiety there during Cubs playoff games. My go-to is the six-cheese Mrs. O'Leary's.
- It's been a rough stretch for deep-dish pizza in Nashville with the recent closure of Gio's, so we need 312 to pull through.
Go deeper: Listen to the full NARA podcast about 312's situation.