This article also appeared in the July/August 2013 issue of The East Nashvillian magazine.
When my wife and I first moved to East Nashville eleven years ago, I remember driving aimlessly through the neighborhood in search of a good local food joint or coffee shop in utter dismay… As we sat in a grimy booth at the Gallatin Road Wendy’s bemoaning our lack of options, never could we have imagined the ways in which the landscape of our fine neighborhood could have changed!
In case you missed the March/April installment of “What Are they Building in East Nashville”, in a nutshell, our little side of town is exploding with businesses… like a kolache bakery, a barbeque joint, a brewery, hot yoga and lots more… and here I am again to say Wait…there’s more!
Sushi and more
If you’re a nut for spicy tuna like me, you’ll be thrilled to know that your East Nashville sushi options will be doubling. Ken’s Sushi, a Midtown favorite is moving to 923 Main Street, hopefully by the end of summer. In addition, opening this fall at 1886 Eastland (next to Ugly Mugs), is Happy Belly, a unique concept Asian gastropub, inspired by the Japanese “izakaya”. A traditional izakaya is a local pub where people go for small plates and drinks to catch up after work. Happy Belly will emulate the features of an izakaya by including menu options of gourmet ramen, yakitori and sushi, with beverage selection will feature craft beers, sake, wine, handcrafted cocktails, and shochu.
Another creative new restaurant/bar offering will be The Treehouse on Clearview Avenue at Five Points, just behind Margot. Owner Corey Ladd has ties to the house, the treehouse on the property was built by his grandfather Hall of Fame musician Buddy Spicher. The food is described “locally sourced and seasonally changing” with plans to open in August.
For those interested in keeping our fine city green, you’ll be happy to know that an exciting new bus rapid transit system has been approved and is now being called The Amp and could be finished by 2016, running from Five Points to West End.
If breakfast is your ticket, check out Glazed – a new donut shop, operating from inside the Myridia restaurant at 5th and Main. Owner Joe Clemons brings fresh donuts from his family bakery in Lebanon, and is open weekdays from 7-10am along with coffee from Drew’s Brews. Two more sweet shops will also open in the former Bank of America building at 805 Woodland Street, which has been rebranded East Side Station. Yeast Nashville and Nashville Sweets will both face Woodland Street. Don’t fret the extra calories though, you can dance away those pastry calories while you’re there – DanceEast has moved to East Side Station from its space on Gallatin Road.
If you’re on of those healthy breakfast types, Haulin’ Oats is the newest tenant at The Idea Hatchery, 1108 Woodland. They offer individual portions of organic oatmeal made with almond butter and coconut oil.
Bonkers for Bongo? Local favorite Bongo Java will be offering an expanded menu, updated storefront and outdoor seating. Bongo has moved its roasting operation to the Gulch, helping to expand the current café space to serve more patrons. They plan to remodel their East Nashville location in the future and serve a three-meal menu, along the lines of what is offered at Fido. They will also utilize the open lot next door in their revamp, with outdoor seating and additional parking, as well as build out the front of the building to the sidewalk, probably in early 2014.
Speaking of coffee… Look forward to welcoming The Post – a new coffee/smoothie/juice joint with an in-house bakery near The Pharmacy on McFerrin/West Eastland. They are still working their way through zoning and codes but hope to have an announcement shortly.
Kernels Gourmet Popcorn is now open at 2501B Gallatin Ave. Their website shows twelve flavors that you can pick up at their store, order online or choose delivery. Hours of the store are Tues-Fri 11-7, Sat 11-5
Knickknacks and Paddywacks
In the last year, Porter East, the former convalescent home at the intersection of Eastland and Porter, has experienced tremendous growth, and that growth continues with the following new businesses: Nashville Piano Rescue East — Salvaged and restored vintage and antique pianos , along with custom refinished pianos, in addition to unique vintage and antique furniture; Rhed Rholl — Independent record label and record shop that includes select musical instruments and equipment; Unbound Arts — Gallery, gift shop, collectables and vintage. Open by appointment in addition to posted hours; Prema Collection — Coming in September. High end and sustainable world furnishings and home goods;
Discover more handmade furniture, as well as custom countertops and signage using reclaimed wood from quirky woodsmith Greg Spurgeon at East Side Reclaiming next to Edley’s BBQ on Main Street. Open by appointment.
Jessica Hodges and Mandy Judge have opened The Hummingbird, featuring handmade jewelry, found and repurposed objects, art, and vintage items. The store is located behind Top O’ Woodland bed and breakfast in the old Moonbeam building. Store hours are Wed-Sun 10-3 and by appointment.
Hey Rooster General Store beckons with a funky little storefront now open at 1106 Gallatin Ave, offering fine home goods. Their store hours are M, W-Sat 11-7 and Sun 12-5.
Joshua Stump & Chris Hayzlett are opening a new cigar lounge called Smoker’s Abbey At 604 Gallatin Road, Suite B. Hours are M – Th: 10am – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 12 am, Sun 1 pm – 10 pm
At the corner of Sharpe and Gallatin, the Baker Brothers are expanding their empire with Spot’s Pet Supply going in directly across the street from The Dog Spot. They plan to open in October, with all the food and supplies your pets need, as well as a do-it-yourself dog wash.
Specs Optical recently relocated from the Green Hills Mall to the 37206 building at 11th and Fatherland. 224 S 11th St. Owner Susan Kistler has fallen in love with the neighborhood and wanted to be a part of business community. Rumor has it that she is looking to buy a house here too. Store hours Tues. – Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 12 – 5 pm
The Main Attraction East has opened at 937 Woodland Street. It’s the second location of a popular “Fine Goods Emporium” based in Tupelo, MS.
At Center 615, developer Christian Paro has finished and leased at least twenty of the office suites at 615 Main Street. This development is a much needed concept for individual and collaborative office space in the neighborhood.
Down by the River
Soundcheck Nashville on Cowan Street is building two brand-new state of the art sound stages. They are both 160’ by 140’ and 70’ tall, designed for full feature film and television. They are the first stages like this in the state of Tennessee. They will also be available for tour rehearsal stages.
The Bridge Building next to Cumberland Park is finishing the build-out with The Cumberland River Compact filling the space on the 3rd Floor.
At 400 Davidson Street, the large industrial building is being looked at for an electric go-cart facility or another type of family friendly entertainment, within proximity to the Shelby Bridge and Cumberland Park.
Residential Development
The neighborhood is experiencing too many residential developments to mention here, but one big story is the Hobson Methodist Church at 1107 Chapel Ave. There is a contract on the property and plans for a multi-unit (maybe over 60 units) residential redevelopment.
Whew! If your head isn’t spinning yet, rest assured that more development, more exciting announcements and even more change is still underway. East Nashville is indeed experiencing a season of intense and interesting change and redevelopment with more to come. Stay tuned!
