Nashville Restaurant Scene Faces Growing Divide: National Chains Expand as Local Businesses Close

Nashville’s restaurant industry is experiencing a notable shift in early 2026, with a growing disparity between the expansion of nationally backed concepts and the closure of locally owned establishments. While the number of restaurant openings and closings remains relatively balanced, the underlying trends reveal a challenging landscape for independent businesses in Music City.

The Current Landscape

In the first two months of 2026, Nashville has seen nearly an equal number of restaurants opening and closing. However, a key distinction lies in the backing of these businesses. Most of the new restaurants are supported by companies based outside of Tennessee, while approximately three-quarters of the closures are locally owned businesses.

Recent Restaurant Openings and Closures

Several new restaurants have recently emerged in Nashville, including Sho Pizza Bar, Little Hats (an Italian deli), Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse, and Locust. Conversely, Black Dynasty Ramen, Lyra, Audrey, and Choy have recently closed their doors.

Nashville’s Top Restaurants

Despite the challenges faced by local businesses, Nashville continues to boast a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. According to TripAdvisor, Nashville has 2,751 restaurants with 191,302 traveler reviews as of February 2026 [1]. Eater Nashville’s 38 Best Restaurants list provides a curated guide to essential dining experiences in the city [2]. Timeout Nashville too offers a list of 21 of the best restaurants to try right now [3]. Southern Living highlights 32 of the best restaurants in Nashville for every type of meal [4].

Audrey: A Recent Highlight

Audrey, a restaurant specializing in refined Appalachian classics, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to Southern cuisine. Located at 809 Meridian Street, Audrey offers dishes like country ham, johnny cakes, and fried catfish, with a focus on sustainability and incorporating waste from ingredients into cocktails. The restaurant also features folk art and a bar top crafted by Nick Offerman of Parks and Recreation [3]. Expect to pay $100-120 a head.

Looking Ahead

The current trends suggest a potential reshaping of Nashville’s restaurant landscape. The influx of national chains and the struggles of local businesses raise questions about the future of the city’s unique culinary identity. Continued monitoring of these developments will be crucial to understanding the long-term impact on Nashville’s dining scene.