Nashville

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Nashville with Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville

Standard

Axios Nashville Partners

Nashville Alerts

Alert

Nashville Members

Membership

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Following layoffs, Oracle pursues zoning change for East Bank campus

Five years removed from its government incentive deal, Oracle laid off workers, creating questions about its plans for Nashville.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oracle told Nashville leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/23/oracle-ceo-announces-nashville-hq" data-vars-content-id="987fb316-a91e-4ef2-95fe-c8e11cef6e7a" data-vars-headline="Following layoffs, Oracle pursues zoning change for East Bank campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/23/oracle-ceo-announces-nashville-hq" target="_self">Oracle told Nashville leaders</a> that it is moving forward with a grandiose East Bank development project, despite creeping doubts on the heels of the company&#x27;s large-scale corporate layoffs.Why it matters: The multibillion-dollar Oracle headquarters and surrounding campus are seen as integral to revitalizing the East Bank of the Cumberland River.<ul><li>But the layoffs, the disruption from AI and the sheer amount of time since the project was announced have generated whispers in Nashville political circles about the status of the tech giant&#x27;s ambitious plans.</li></ul>

Adding 1,700 steps per day could reduce your disease risk, study finds

Even modest bursts of activity can boost your long-term health.

News

Research powered by Vanderbilt Health has found that adding as little as 1,700 to your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="daily step count" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/16/walking-americans-declines-map" data-vars-content-id="987ae350-9993-428d-96ea-98475817718c" data-vars-headline="Adding 1,700 steps per day could reduce your disease risk, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/16/walking-americans-declines-map" target="_self">daily step count</a> could reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.Why it matters: The research, published this month, shows encouraging signs that even modest bursts of activity can boost your long-term health.

Procrastinators rejoice: Nashville has a tax deadline extension

The IRS announced the extension earlier this month.

Nashville-area residents get a special extension on their tax deadline this year due to disruptions caused by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Storm Fern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/nashville-ice-storm-0-42-inches-recorded" data-vars-content-id="ea68c2ed-d700-4091-8a3c-0cc0e39c3563" data-vars-headline="Procrastinators rejoice: Nashville has a tax deadline extension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/nashville-ice-storm-0-42-inches-recorded" target="_self">Winter Storm Fern</a>.Why it matters: Individuals and businesses in Davidson County and the surrounding area will have until May 22 to file returns and pay taxes that would normally be due April 15.

TPAC unveils design for East Bank center

Backers envision the new facility as a cultural landmark for Nashville.

The new skyline-altering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee Performing Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" data-vars-content-id="57453073-40a9-4842-8cc5-d9dd07330f51" data-vars-headline="TPAC unveils design for East Bank center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" target="_self">Tennessee Performing Arts Center</a> will be perfectly framed by Lower Broadway as you look east across the Cumberland River from downtown, according to new design renderings released Thursday.Why it matters: TPAC unveiled the new comprehensive design plans for its $600 million facility on the East Bank, marking an important update for the project that has been in the works for years.<ul><li>TPAC&#x27;s backers envision the new facility as a cultural landmark for Nashville.</li></ul>Zoom in: The renderings show how the new TPAC will fit into the East Bank. Located along the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, the facility will be the main structure people see from Broadway.<ul><li>The building was designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels and his firm, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.</li><li>The new renderings also show what the inside of the main performance hall will look like.</li></ul>By the numbers: The 307,000-square-foot facility features four performance venues, which range in size from the large Broadway Hall to a small cabaret theater.<ul><li>The new center will also include a dance and opera hall and a flexible black box theater.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Public plaza featuring a dramatic, wavy ribbed metal building; glass towers rise in the background as people walk among trees and planters at dusk." height="2812" id="19a57cc6-c63d-4283-93ca-bb2533100fa8" src="https://images.axios.com/B0YGHgjsOZ2BNPhnnYq10gABUwU=/2026/04/15/1776285796976.jpeg" width="5000"/><figcaption>A rendering of the exterior of the new TPAC facility. Image: courtesy of TPAC</figcaption></figure>State of play: TPAC received $500 million in state funding for the project and is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to raise the rest of the money.<ul><li>Metro contributed the land. After months of negotiation, TPAC and Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell finalized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an infrastructure agreement last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" data-vars-content-id="57453073-40a9-4842-8cc5-d9dd07330f51" data-vars-headline="TPAC unveils design for East Bank center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" target="_self">an infrastructure agreement last year</a>.</li></ul>What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;This new center represents the future of the performing arts in Nashville and across our state,&quot; TPAC president and CEO Jennifer Turner said in a statement.

Xul to host PB&J Mixtape release party in The Nations

Xul brings a jolt of enthusiasm to the Nashville beer scene with its PB&J Mixtape release party.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a gritty stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" data-vars-content-id="2ed25cd8-9b38-43a3-9bfc-88ea3152fbca" data-vars-headline="Xul to host PB&amp;J Mixtape release party in The Nations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" target="_self">a gritty stretch</a> for Nashville&#x27;s craft brewery scene.<ul><li>Beloved breweries have consolidated, sold to out-of-towners or just plain closed.</li></ul>

Nashville restaurants and music venues need help after ice storm

Business is always slow in the winter, and that's before the storm knocked out power.

Food and Drink

The ice storm that clobbered Nashville last week couldn&#x27;t have come at a worse time for the city&#x27;s independent restaurants, music venues and shops.Why it matters: Business is always slow in the winter, and that&#x27;s before the storm knocked out power and disrupted at least a week of revenue for most of the city.<ul><li>In the aftermath of the storm, there&#x27;s been a rallying cry to support neighborhood businesses.</li></ul>

In triumphant reversal, Dalts will reopen under Strategic Hospitality

The new team promises to revive "the 'Cheers' of West Nashville."

Never mind.<ul><li>A day after the old school West Nashville restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dalts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/restaurant-dalts-closed-white-bridge-road" data-vars-content-id="088accb7-5b49-406b-8532-1a331f178cc5" data-vars-headline="In triumphant reversal, Dalts will reopen under Strategic Hospitality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/restaurant-dalts-closed-white-bridge-road" target="_self">Dalts</a> announced it was closing, a new announcement came saying some of the top restaurateurs in the city were stepping in to bring it back.</li></ul>

Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years

The White Bridge Road restaurant closed abruptly on Monday.

Editor&#x27;s note: A day after the old school West Nashville restaurant Dalts announced it was closing, a new announcement came saying some of the top restaurateurs in the city were stepping in to bring it back.<ul><li>The team at Strategic Hospitality said they would announce more details of the revival — which will remain in the original White Bridge Road location — in the coming months. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Read the latest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/dalts-nashville-reopening-strategic-hospitality" data-vars-content-id="5137c27f-6aa7-4361-8001-a53e3ebc2c2a" data-vars-headline="Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/dalts-nashville-reopening-strategic-hospitality" target="_self">Read the latest</a>.</li></ul>Original story:After 45 years in business, the White Bridge Road restaurant Dalts American Grill has served its last meal.<ul><li>The owners announced the abrupt closure in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="brief goodbye message" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALmqGHoMW/" data-vars-content-id="5137c27f-6aa7-4361-8001-a53e3ebc2c2a" data-vars-headline="Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALmqGHoMW/" target="_blank">brief goodbye message</a> Monday morning.</li></ul>

2025 in review: Jake Howell brings James Beard glory back to Nashville

Howell's James Beard Award is the equivalent of a culinary Oscar.

The day after chef Jake Howell came home from winning a coveted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/17/peninsula-jake-howell-best-chef-james-beard-nashville" data-vars-content-id="2197fe21-62a1-4a1b-b9bd-4c2b07903288" data-vars-headline="2025 in review: Jake Howell brings James Beard glory back to Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/17/peninsula-jake-howell-best-chef-james-beard-nashville" target="_self">James Beard Award</a> this year, he was back in East Nashville scrubbing the bathroom at his restaurant Peninsula.Why it matters: Howell&#x27;s prize is the equivalent of a culinary Oscar, but he didn&#x27;t spend much time at the after party.<ul><li>His rapid return to work reflects the mission statement of the tiny restaurant with a big reputation.</li></ul>

In-N-Out Burger opening four locations in Middle Tennessee soon

Get hyped, burger nerds. In-N-Out is close to opening shops in the Nashville area.

The trademark red and yellow signs are installed, crews are putting the finishing touches on the buildings and four In-N-Out Burger locations are on track to open in the Nashville area soon.Why it matters: In-N-Out is one of the most popular fast food chains in the country, and the new shops will be the company&#x27;s first in the eastern U.S.

Nashville burger chain Cledis coming to The Gulch

Cledis has emerged as a bona fide Nashville success story.

The burger joint <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cledis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/13/cledis-burger-restaurant-nashville" data-vars-content-id="f3fe5550-f044-4eb9-9cb5-e15a48390b7e" data-vars-headline="Nashville burger chain Cledis coming to The Gulch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/13/cledis-burger-restaurant-nashville" target="_self">Cledis</a> announced it would start slinging patties at a third location in 2026.Why it matters: Cledis traces its roots to a humble food truck. But it has emerged as a bona fide Nashville success story.

East Nashville staple Margot Cafe & Bar to close in June, 2026

East Nashville's Margot to close in June, 2026.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Margot Café &amp; Bar," data-vars-click-url="https://www.margotcafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe733886-7d21-47c8-b197-eb6c93a97e94" data-vars-headline="East Nashville staple Margot Cafe &amp; Bar to close in June, 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.margotcafe.com/" target="_blank">Margot Café &amp; Bar,</a> which played a starring role in East Nashville&#x27;s culinary and creativity renaissance, will close next summer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Margot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/features/margot-cafe-and-bar-to-close/article_289318fe-3c92-4eb9-8ee4-9cb959cc60c0.html" data-vars-content-id="fe733886-7d21-47c8-b197-eb6c93a97e94" data-vars-headline="East Nashville staple Margot Cafe &amp; Bar to close in June, 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/features/margot-cafe-and-bar-to-close/article_289318fe-3c92-4eb9-8ee4-9cb959cc60c0.html" target="_blank">Margot</a> set up shop at a time when unique, high-minded independent restaurants were rare in Nashville. The Five Points neighborhood hadn&#x27;t yet achieved its status as a cultural mecca of bars, music venues and creatives.<ul><li>The final service will be on June 5, 2026, which is the 25th anniversary of the restaurant&#x27;s opening.</li></ul>

Three Nashville restaurants earn prestigious Michelin star

Bastion, Catbird Seat and Locust earn Michelin honors for Nashville.

Three Nashville restaurants earned the city&#x27;s first ever prestigious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin star recommendations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="0c57dc8a-c794-407b-943d-ba59462bef03" data-vars-headline="Three Nashville restaurants earn prestigious Michelin star" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" target="_self">Michelin star recommendations</a>: Bastion, The Catbird Seat and Locust.<ul><li>The Hermitage Hotel also earned two Michelin keys, one of the highest global hospitality honors available.</li></ul>Why it matters: For decades, a Michelin star has been one of the most coveted awards a restaurant can earn. Nashville&#x27;s performance in Michelin&#x27;s first dining and travel guide for Tennessee cements the city&#x27;s status as a stellar foodie destination.

How Fancypants survived Nashville's restaurant gauntlet

"Every reservation is harder and harder and harder to come by."

Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="34553110-c49b-4570-95c4-ce054db8dea3" data-vars-headline="How Fancypants survived Nashville&#x27;s restaurant gauntlet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/food-and-drink" target="_self">restaurant industry</a> is a bit like an obstacle course: To survive, businesses need to navigate a rough and unpredictable landscape.<ul><li>Success is not guaranteed.</li></ul>At Fancypants in East Nashville, making it to the one-year mark this summer required a lot of trial-and-error. Customers helped guide a number of pivots before the funky spin on fine dining settled into a groove.

Food and Drink 🍽

Xul to host PB&J Mixtape release party in The Nations

Catbird Seat named James Beard finalist in Nashville

Nashville getting new burger and bagel locations

Nashville's Noble's wings rank among Southern Living's best

Nashville restaurants and music venues need help after ice storm