Between reader-submitted staples and social media shout-outs, we’ve gathered the names of hundreds of closed Nashville businesses that have everyone singing, “Baby Come Back.”
While we can’t illuminate the “open” neon in 2024, we can reminisce (again) with a more robust roundup.
“The Vodka Triangle” | Years in business vary | It’s hard to mention Sunset Grill — the place to see country stars following the CMA Awards — without also showing love to Faison’s and The Iguana. Collectively, the Hillsboro Village spots were referred to as “The Vodka Triangle,” and the area was a scene for nightlife.
Davis-Kidd Booksellers | 30 years in business | The Green Hills independent bookstore served as the flagship for three other Tennessee locations, hosted author events, and even offered a cafe.
Pangaea | 32 years in business | This locally-owned boutique contributed to Hillsboro Village’s shopping scene by offering “a little bit of everything,” from eclectic home goods and jewelry to clothing and gifts.
The Tin Angel | 25 years in business | The Tin Angel, Cakewalk’s more “casual counterpart,” initially served elevated meat-and-three options before transitioning to a contemporary menu.
The Mad Platter | 27 years in business | Before Nashville became an “it city” and Germantown a hot neighborhood, The Mad Platter set up shop. The restaurant’s changing menus offered fresh ingredients, if not from local farmers, then from herb gardens behind the eatery and the owner’s home.
Opryland USA | 25 years in business | The theme park home to the Screamin’ Delta Demon, Wabash Cannonball, and plenty of performances in its theaters brought in over two million visitors annually.
Starwood Amphitheatre | 21 years in business | This 65-acre outdoor music venue could hold over 17,000 fans and hosted the likes of The Beach Boys, Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, and more.
If you look closely, you can see Mills Bookstore’s facade in this archival photograph of Church Street near 6th Avenue.
Photo courtesy of Tennessee State Library & Archives
Reader memories
“Provence! The first place I ever became a regular — this was my favorite study spot as a Vandy senior and favorite place to read over coffee after I graduated.” — MM
- Provence Breads & Cafe | 22 years in business | The eatery serving breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, and Intelligentsia Coffee also offered a wholesale operation locally for its freshly baked breads and pastries.
“Rotier’s Restaurant because of its cheeseburgers and awesome staff — sure do miss all of that” — Denise S.
- Rotier’s Restaurant | ~75 years in business | An old-fashioned bar and grill best known for its cheeseburger on French bread, meat-and-threes, and milkshakes. Fun fact: Burgers initially cost 25 cents, before prices rose to 65 cents by 1992 and $7.99 towards the restaurant’s end.
“Becker’s Bakery — best birthday/wedding/any occasion cakes I’ve ever tasted. Best baked goods in general.” — Anonymous
- Becker’s Bakery | 89 years in business | According to the Scene, Becker’s first opened as a nickel-loaf bakery with products delivered by truck to wholesale customers. As many know, the bakery eventually said goodbye to this product and expanded its line of sweets.
“I miss Bari-Mor in Hillsboro Village. It was a delightful chaos in which, if you persevered, you could find the perfect birthday card. Speaking of Hillsboro Village, honorable mention goes to Mills Bookstore, a booklover’s paradise.” — Anne C.
- Bari-Mor Gifts | 43 years in business | The Nashville Scene described the shop in 1997 as being “famous for its clutter and its basset hound greeters.”
- Mills Bookstore | 98 years in business | According to the Post, the store was one of the first Nashville outlets for photographic services and supplies.
