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

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Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking

CNBC's rankings highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Business

Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the country, according to CNBC, which gave the Volunteer State an F for quality of life in its annual ranking of the best states for businesses.Why it matters: State leaders often pride themselves on making Tennessee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="as business-friendly as possible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" target="_self">as business-friendly as possible</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings</a> highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Gut-wrecking stomach illness cyclosporiasis hits Tennessee

Tennessee has seen as many as 30 reported cases as of last week.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut-wrecking parasite" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46522957.6255/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY3ljbG9zcG9yaWFzaXMtc3RvbWFjaC1idWctY2FzZXMtc3ltcHRvbXMtb3V0YnJlYWs_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bf2d3f76a" data-vars-content-id="1e077917-b136-449b-9748-a3868e0a2436" data-vars-headline="Gut-wrecking stomach illness cyclosporiasis hits Tennessee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46522957.6255/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY3ljbG9zcG9yaWFzaXMtc3RvbWFjaC1idWctY2FzZXMtc3ltcHRvbXMtb3V0YnJlYWs_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bf2d3f76a" target="_self">gut-wrecking parasite</a> surging in the U.S. is also spreading in Tennessee.

O'Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media

Mayor O'Connell and Sen. Blackburn spar via fortune cookies on social media.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" data-vars-content-id="5077b1ea-fc46-4d6d-a40b-f6824cb49532" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" target="_self">Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/07/blackburn-reshapes-2026-race-for-tennessee-governor" data-vars-content-id="5077b1ea-fc46-4d6d-a40b-f6824cb49532" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/07/blackburn-reshapes-2026-race-for-tennessee-governor" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn</a> engaged in a war of fortune cookies on social media over the weekend.Why it matters: The spat could blow over as typical partisan gamesmanship, or it could foreshadow a dysfunctional relationship ahead.

Tick bites are increasing in Middle Tennessee, doctors say

Doctors are urging residents to take precautions to avoid dangerous illnesses.

Ticks are sending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more people to emergency rooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" data-vars-content-id="30baa1ff-17a2-423d-861b-a016242388a6" data-vars-headline="Tick bites are increasing in Middle Tennessee, doctors say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" target="_self">more people to emergency rooms</a> this year, and Middle Tennessee doctors are urging residents to take precautions.Why it matters: Tick bites can transmit illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. They can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products.

Centennial Park to get a restaurant next month

Croquet Cafe is set to open in late August.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Centennial Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/01/nashville-tennessee-parks-guide" data-vars-content-id="c9f32831-e4e1-4d2c-8a66-cee10d307704" data-vars-headline="Centennial Park to get a restaurant next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/01/nashville-tennessee-parks-guide" target="_self">Centennial Park</a> will soon open a restaurant for visitors who want to sip coffee or grab a sandwich after strolling around The Parthenon. State of plate: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Croquet Cafe" data-vars-click-url="http://conservancyonline.com/croquet-cafe" data-vars-content-id="c9f32831-e4e1-4d2c-8a66-cee10d307704" data-vars-headline="Centennial Park to get a restaurant next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://conservancyonline.com/croquet-cafe" target="_blank">Croquet Cafe</a> is set to open next month in the park&#x27;s historic 1963 Croquet Clubhouse.<ul><li>The Centennial Park Conservancy will run the nonprofit cafe and proceeds will go toward park projects and Parthenon preservation.</li></ul>

Joyland closes Nashville burger joints

Joyland closes Nashville shops following its investor's financial turmoil.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Joyland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/01/28/a-new-era-at-sean-brocks-joyland" data-vars-content-id="35c4d825-fc1b-4c95-bbf0-3259169cb0eb" data-vars-headline="Joyland closes Nashville burger joints" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/01/28/a-new-era-at-sean-brocks-joyland" target="_self">Joyland</a>, the fast food burger concept from acclaimed chef Sean Brock, abruptly closed both of its Nashville locations over the weekend.Why it matters: A reliably good burger option is off the menu for Nashvillians.

Hattie B's rapid expansion continues with new shop in East Nashville

Hattie B's is opening its newest location in Nashville.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hattie B&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/09/28/hattie-bs-most-photographed-restaurants-in-the-us" data-vars-content-id="f88193f3-7db3-43a9-8303-c1038cfbd671" data-vars-headline="Hattie B&#x27;s rapid expansion continues with new shop in East Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/09/28/hattie-bs-most-photographed-restaurants-in-the-us" target="_self">Hattie B&#x27;s</a> continues its hot chicken domination with Wednesday&#x27;s opening of its newest location in East Nashville.Why it matters: Hattie B&#x27;s is a soaring local hospitality success story. The growing chain has spread love of Nashville&#x27;s most famous dish across the country.

Chef Julio Hernandez debuts Fonda Fina

Maiz De La Vida tortilla shop converts to cozy Fonda Fina dine-in concept.

Critically acclaimed chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julio Hernandez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/03/julio-hernandezs-james-beard-semifinalist" data-vars-content-id="01d3ae9b-69f8-48a5-ab7f-afbb41983cbb" data-vars-headline="Chef Julio Hernandez debuts Fonda Fina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/03/julio-hernandezs-james-beard-semifinalist" target="_self">Julio Hernandez</a> has converted his North Nashville tortilla shop into a 12-seat dine-in restaurant called Fonda Fina.Why it matters: The new concept debuting Wednesday features a redesigned space and overhauled menu.

Nashville's Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option

Byron Stithem, the owner of Proper Saké, collaborated with his son on a new soda company.

The brewing mind behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proper Saké" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" target="_self">Proper Saké</a> is expanding his beverage business to include soda. And this time it&#x27;s a family affair.Driving the news: Byron Stithem and his 14-year-old son Booker Stithem partnered with Nashville&#x27;s kombucha kings the Walker Brothers, creating a new endeavor last year called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portal Cultured Soda" data-vars-click-url="https://portalsoda.com/" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portalsoda.com/" target="_blank">Portal Cultured Soda</a>.Why it matters: Portal is a healthy alternative to popular sodas. The Stithems use natural ingredients to create a cultured, probiotic soda.

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.

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>

Food and Drink 🍽

Nashville loses Gio's Chicago pizza spot

Centennial Park to get a restaurant next month

Joyland closes Nashville burger joints

Hattie B's rapid expansion continues with new shop in East Nashville

Sweetgreen plants first roots in Nashville