James Beard semifinalists tap Nashville for barbecue expansion

San Antonio-based Curry Boys BBQ will open in East Nashville’s Riverside Village in early 2025.

Two bowls of rice with meats and curry, as well as a salad and noodle dish sit on a table.

Curry Boys BBQ’s Music City expansion marks the eatery’s third location in total. | Photo by Curry Boys BBQ

What do you get when you mix Thai curry flavors with the taste of Texas barbecue? You’ll soon find out when Curry Boys BBQ opens in East Nashville’s Riverside Village neighborhood in early 2025.

It’s no secret that Nashville is a foodie destination that draws James Beard Award-nominated chefs — and with this San Antonio concept’s first out-of-state expansion, three more will have connections to the city. Founders Sean Wen, Andrew Ho, and Andrew Samia are two-time semifinalists for Best Chef: Texas.

With the help of Double Wide Hospitality, the trio will serve lunch and dinner daily inside Lou’s former home at 1304 McGavock Pk., offering hues of pink, red, and gold as a nod to the colorways of Thailand + a year-round patio space.

Guests can expect a selection of bowls via counter service, as well as a full bar. While we await the Nashville location, let’s savor some dishes from the online menu.

Restaurant recs

  • Good Luck Cluck | Tender, peppery chicken thigh paired with a velvety yellow curry
  • Pulled Pork Nachos | A bed of tortilla chips smothered in curry queso and pulled pork, topped with honey sriracha and cilantro
  • Flan Solo | Individual flan topped with sweet cold brew and whipped cream

NASHtoday’s order

  • Editor Dylan | Cold chili garlic noodles made with vegan egg noodles and tossed with chili oil, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha
  • Editor Skylar | The Curry Queso Hot Dog — smoked pork link with a Martin’s bun, drenched in curry queso and topped with onions, cilantro + shallots
More from NASHtoday
The Nashville Sites tour uses QR codes throughout the park to share stories spanning centuries of Nashville history.
Discover the top Nashville business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Get ready for six Nashville premieres, including “The Great Gatsby,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” and more.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Iroquois Steeplechase organizers are teasing a “bigger, bolder, and musical” event in 2026.
The Nashville Downtown Partnership’s latest annual report breaks down the numbers behind downtown’s growth in 2025.
Here’s what to know about match days at GEODIS Park as the Boys in Gold prepare for the 2026 season opener against the New England Revolution.
Both spots are open daily, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or lunch.
Whether they love the outdoors, hands-on learning, or creative outlets, there’s something on this list for every kind of kid.
The free event returns to Nashville with a focus on weather safety and forecasting ahead of peak severe weather season.