NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Chef and restaurateur Margot McCormack announced she will close her acclaimed East Nashville restaurant, Margot Café and Bar, on June 5, 2026, marking 25 years since it first opened its doors.
“Twenty-five years is a long time in this industry,” McCormack said. “Our last day of service will coincide with our anniversary next June.”
Located at 1017 Woodland St., the French-inspired bistro has long been a cornerstone of East Nashville’s dining scene, known for its daily changing menu and focus on seasonal ingredients. McCormack, who owns the building, said the property will be listed for sale.
The Nashville native has been nominated four times for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast and has been celebrated by national and local publications alike. She plans to host special events leading up to the restaurant’s closing to honor the staff, patrons and the restaurant’s legacy.
McCormack reflected on East Nashville’s transformation since she opened Margot in 2001 and the many chefs who began their careers in her kitchen.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many talented people, each one bringing to the table their own unique sense of style. They have contributed in countless ways to our success and many I consider family,” she said. “They are my legacy, and I couldn’t be happier or prouder of them.”
McCormack said she looks forward to exploring new ventures, possibly including a cookbook, consulting and pop-up events.
“We survived the rigors of opening a restaurant, 9/11, the 2008 recession, a tornado, COVID and the explosive growth of Nashville and the resulting influx of new restaurants. The last five years have been harder than the first 20 put together. I am that much older and wiser and ready for a new chapter. I’m not sure what that means just yet, but it begins with dinner at home.”
Dining and Cooking