NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – More than a dozen Nashville restaurants have closed in 2026, many of which have been operating in Music City for decades.
A business owner in 12 South told WSMV “external pressures” are what’s really getting local business owners to close up shop.
“The external pressures of parking and property taxes and just the general cost of business… at some point, it just comes to a situation where sometimes it’s better to just walk away,” said Jeremy Barlow, owner of Fryce Ice Cream.
Many of the locations have cited rising property taxes, rent prices and failed negotiations with property managers as the reason for their closures.
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Here’s a look at Nashville restaurants that have closed their doors this year.
Cock of the Walk
Cock of the Walk, located on Music Valley Drive, announced on June 17 that it will be closing after 42 years with the owners said they are ready to retire.
“Thank you Nashville for your love and support for the last 42 years. As we close this chapter, know that we will always cherish being able to serve you and being a part of your memories,” the eatery said. “As we retire from this chapter, we hope you are beyond blessed. Cock of the Walk loves Music City and will miss being a part of your community.”
Burger UP
Burger UP, in 12 South, announced in June that after serving the city its burgers for 16 years, it will be closing permanently in 2026. Its last day of service is set for Saturday, August 1.
“After 16 great years, we are sad to announce that we will be closing our doors permanently at the end of next month,” Burger UP said.
The 12 South business joins Mafioza’s (closed in 2024), Josephine’s (closed in 2023) and so many others on the list of shuttered businesses in the area.
Pelican & Pig
Pelican & Pig’s owners Nick and Audra Guidry announced in March that it would be closing that month. The Nashville eatery opened in 2019, topping several lists in it’s first year in operation, including being named Eater’s Nashville Restaurant of the Year award.
“It is with great heartbreak that we tell you Pelican & Pig has reached the end of the road. We have come to the very difficult decision that we cannot continue on as we have, and that our final service will be this Saturday, March 14th,” the Guidrys said in a post.
Pelican and Pig’s owners said it has become too expensive to operate their business in Nashville.
E3 Chophouse
E3 Chophouse suddenly closed in February. The restaurant, owned by MLB player Adam LaRoche and country stars Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, opening in 2019.
In February, the E3 Chophouse posted to its website and on social media saying it it “hitting pause.”
“Nashville — we’re hitting pause,” a message says on the E3 Chophouse Nashville website. “We’re temporarily pausing operations as we evaluate what Nashville needs next. Our team is assessing market opportunities and exploring potential rebrand and re-concept strategies for the future of this location.”
Now, real estate company Village 21 Investment Partners is suing LaRoche, Bryan and Aldean. The lawsuit claims they “stopped paying the monthly rent and abruptly closed the restaurant and ceased operations.”
Village 21 says that this sudden closure was a default on their lease agreement. As such, the company is seeking to add an additional claim for breach of the lease guaranty.
Varallo’s
The oldest restaurant in the state, Varallo’s, closed its doors in February after more than a century of operating in Nashville.
The restaurant operated for 119 years, attracting customers nationwide to their chili parlor.
The eatery was founded by Frank Varallo Sr., whose family ran it until 2019 when Bob Peabody took over ownership. Peabody told WSMV4 the closure is a result of failed negotiations with their property management. He also said the rent has increased, along with property taxes, putting them a tough position.
Margot Café and Bar
Margot Café and Bar announced in November of last year that it would be closing in June 2026 after 25 years in business.
A release on the closure said Margot McCormack, the founder of the East Nashville restaurant, always believed 25 years was the right amount of time to close out a restaurant career.
“Twenty-five years is a long time in this industry, and I have made the decision that the last day of service at the restaurant will coincide with our anniversary next June,” McCormack said in 2025.
SOUL
The SOUL Restaurant closed its Charlotte Pike location permanently in February after four years of operation.
The unique southern restaurant said its closure was due to “rising operating costs” and “significant increases in property taxes.”
SOUL is still operational at its Airport/Antioch restaurant, located at 2419 Edge O Lake Drive.
12 South Taproom & Grill
12 South Taproom & Grill announced in a post on May 1 that it would be closing on May 25. The restaurant opened in 2006.
Though the business did not say why they closed in their post, they asked their customers to support local businesses.
“Owning an independent restaurant in this town is not easy anymore (not that it ever was), but they need you now more than ever,” Taproom’s post said.
Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop
Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop, which was attached to Pelican and Pig, announced the closure of its Nashville location in March, stating that its last day would be March 14.
The business attributed the closure to rising operating costs.
“We have always loved being a part of Nashville and we feel we gave it the best of us and what we had to offer,” Slow Hand said. “Unfortunately, it’s become incredibly expensive to operate a business in this city, and we’re left with the difficult to decision to close our doors.”
Slow Hand said its Lebanon location, located T 111 S. Greenwood, is still in business.
Pancho and Lefty’s
Pancho and Lefty’s closed both its Melrose and Sylvan Park locations this year.
The business did not share the reason for the closure.
Common Ground Bar and Eatery
Citing being unable to reach a resolution on their lease with the property managers, Common Ground Bar and Eatery announced the closure of its Sylvan Park location in January.
The eatery said its Berry Hill location is thriving and that they were able to retain a large majority of their staff at that location.
“Local Nashville restaurants are built on regulars. Don’t forget to support your neighborhood spots,” Common Ground said.
Chuy’s
Popular Tex-Mex chain Chuy’s confirmed in March that was closing one of its numerous locations around Nashville. Their Midtown location closed on March 27.
A reason for the closure was not provided, but the spokesperson clarified that the decision was not based on staff performance.
“Closing this restaurant is a difficult business decision,” a spokesperson for the restaurant said, “and it’s one that we made very carefully and thoughtfully because it impacts our team members and our guests.”
There are several other nearby Chuy’s locations that will remain open:
17 White Bridge Road, Nashville163B Opry Mills Drive, Nashville100 E Park Drive, Brentwood3061 Mallory Lane, Franklin801 Northwest Broad Street, MurfreesboroThe Melting Pot
Though The Melting Pot, located on 2nd Avenue, closed after the 2020 Christmas Day bombing, the restaurant announced in January that its lease was terminated.
The news came shortly after the reopening of 2nd Avenue five years after the bombing. The Melting Pot said that while it’s celebrating the reopening of 2nd Avenue, its building and the remainder of the block is in disrepair.
“Unfortunately, despite our years of dedication and our deep desire to rebuild at our original home, our landlord has unexpectedly terminated our lease,” the restaurant said. “This means The Melting Pot will not be returning to 2nd Ave.”
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