Plus, a Torchy's Tacos opening date.
 
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85º | 4% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:02 p.m.
 

DYK: Department store edition

Two key players in the department store scene started in Nashville
A black and white streetview of the exterior of the Cain-Sloan building. Many people are crossing the street surrounding it.
This December 1955 view shows what was coined “Cain-Sloan corner.” | Photo via NPL’s Digital Collections
Nashville’s mall scene has moved in different directions over the years (read: dead malls), but back when business was bustling, two Nashville-based department stores were household names.

Cain-Sloan

Pat Cain, John Cain, and Paul Sloan first opened the store in 1903 in a shop called “Beehive,” located on what is now 5th Avenue. It quickly outgrew the space, moving once again before landing at its $12 million storefront on the southwest corner of Church Street and 5th Avenue.

A black and white photo of a stage in the middle of the street with someone speaking on it as pedestrians stand around listening, including reporters with cameras.

Here’s a glimpse of what your opening ceremony view might have looked like. | Photo via NPL’s Digital Collections

On Oct. 25, 1957, records show a crowd of 500+ people came out for the opening ceremony. That’s nothing, however, compared to the over 32,000 shoppers who visited between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The flagship’s success brought three additional locations in area shopping centers, including Hickory Hollow Mall.

The building was demolished April 24, 1994 after another department store bought the brand in 1987 and closed the downtown doors for the final time. The site in which it once stood remains a significant part of the city’s history. In December 1959, Cain-Sloan was the second business chosen for a “test” sit-in, which signified the start of Nashvillians’ work to desegregate local lunch counters.

A black and white photo of Mayor Briley with student models holding signs promoting Castner-Knott’s “Fashion Happening.”

Mayor Briley is pictured with student models promoting Castner-Knott’s “Fashion Happening” in 1965. | Photo via NPL’s Digital Collections

Castner-Knott

Before there was Cain-Sloan, there was Castner-Knott. The store, sold to the same chain that purchased Cain-Sloan, operated on a regional level in Kentucky and Alabama.

The flagship location was founded in 1898 by Charles Castner and William Knott and was relocated shortly thereafter to a five-story Classical Revival building on Church Street. The property, known as the Castner-Knott building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and mostly houses offices nowadays.

In 1911, owners purchased the building next door, redesigned the space to match its counterpart, and connected the floors of both buildings to compete with other stores. Much like Cain-Sloan, Castner-Knott served as an anchor store locally. That said, its legacy lasted a bit longer, as the downtown storefront didn’t close until 1996.
Asked

Cain-Sloan and Castner-Knott were sold to which department store still operating today?
A. JCPenney
B. Macy’s
C. Dillard’s
D. Kohl’s
Got the answer in the bag?
 
Events
Monday, Sept. 9
  • MNPS College and Career Expo | Monday, Sept. 9 | 3-6:30 p.m. | Southeast Nashville Community Center | Free | Meet college and university admissions staff from across the country to learn more about academics, applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
  • Common and Pete Rock | Monday, Sept. 9 | 8 p.m. | Brooklyn Bowl Nashville | $37+ | Rapper Common and producer Pete Rock are touring in support of their collaborative album, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.”
Tuesday, Sept. 10
  • Nashville Sounds vs. Memphis Redbirds | Tuesday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | First Horizon Park | $10+ | The six-game series marks the team’s last time at home this season — plus, don’t miss a 2025 schedule cling giveaway on Saturday and Sunday.
  • “Clue” | Tuesday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | TPAC’s Jackson Hall | $48+ | Based on the cult classic film and Hasbro board game, murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
  • iggy’s Collaboration Dinner | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 5-9 p.m. | iggy’s | $100 | Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel, owner of Menlo Park’s Camper and Canteen, joins the restaurant for a seven-course meal served family-style.
Thursday, Sept. 12
  • Vintage Ghost Portrait Workshop | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | The Golden Slipper | $86 | Paint ghosts and pumpkins on an 11x14 framed print in this class inspired by last year’s TikTok trend — tickets include complimentary sips and bites.
Friday, Sept. 13
  • The Avett Brothers | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | First Bank Ampitheater, Franklin | $69+ | Catch this three-time Grammy Award-nominated folk rock band with Melissa Etheridge.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Development
  • The Music City Center board has tapped hospitality consulting firm HVS to conduct a $74,600 feasibility study, which will help determine the need for another convention center expansion. Study results are expected by spring 2025. (The Tennessean)
Coming Soon
  • Here’s the deets. Nashville’s first Torchy’s Tacos location will officially open in Midtown (1929 Broadway) on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Bonus: Beginning Sept. 13, when you take a tour of the Ryman or Grand Ole Opry, you can collect free Torchy’s Tacos giveaway vouchers. Peep the building’s exterior.
Announced
  • Luke Combs’ Category 10 makes landfall in the former Wildhorse Saloon space by November. A summer opening was previously slated. Opry Entertainment is hosting a hiring event (114 2nd Ave. N.) for various roles Monday, Sept. 30 through Wednesday, Oct. 2. See what’s in store. (Nashville Business Journal)
Sports
  • Despite a strong preseason, the Titans fell to the Chicago Bears in the season opener yesterday with a score of 24-17. Among the team’s difficulties were interceptions, a fumble, and a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. The Titans will return home for Week 2 on Sunday.
Community
  • The Grand Ole Opry is ending its birthday weekend festivities with the annual Opry Community Day event on Sunday, Oct. 13. Tennessee residents can take free tours with a valid ID, listen to live music, and enjoy food and drinks from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Arts
  • On Friday, Oct. 25, Frist Art Museum will unveil its newest exhibition, “Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga.” Visit the museum’s Upper-Level Galleries through Sunday, Feb. 16 to see how imagination, playfulness, and the environment have inspired Japan’s folklore, design, and technology through the centuries.
Edu
Job
  • We’re looking for a Sales Executive in our sister market, SEAtoday, to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships on the SEAtoday team. Apply to join.
 
Seasonal

Muah-haha...

Enter if you dare: Halloween-themed Black Lagoon Pop-up bar coming to Nashville
A fake skeleton decoration pops out from behind a dark bar at the Black Lagoon Halloween-themed pop-up bar. In the background, neon green, purple, and orange lights add to the scary vibes.
We’d die to go to this Halloween-themed pop-up bar of our nightmares. | Photo via Black Lagoon Pop-Up
... we can’t believe it’s that time of the year, either. A spirited, Halloween-themed pop-up bar is coming to Nashville, turning Germantown’s Barrel Proof whiskey lounge into an eerie haunt for all who dare from Thursday, Oct. 10 to Thursday, Oct. 31.

Dubbed the Black Lagoon Pop-up, the “creepy as hell” touring bar experience is hitting up 35+ North American cities this fall, turning venues into dark, ghoulish hideaways.

The pop-up features a curated drink menu, and we spy a few creepy cocktails that look like they’d slay.
  • Nosferatu’s Rise | Coconut Oil Lot 40, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, cinnamon syrup, Bitter Queens Caribbean Bitters + saline
  • Hex Appeal | Fords Gin, honeydew cordial, Lustau Vermut Dry, lemon juice, seltzer, saline, absinthe + chlorophyll/green food dye
  • Blood Lust | Giffard Sirop, miso falernum, Rooibos Tea, lemon juice + ginger beer
Bonus: Stay tuned. As Halloween creeps closer, we’ll be sharing even more pop-ups around town.
The Buy

The Buy 9.09.24 (Affiliate)
A wireless travel charger compatible with practically any device. It’s capable of charging your smartphone, smartwatch, or headphones — meaning no more dead devices on the go.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Skylar

Today’s edition by:
Skylar
From the editor
Stop into Hillsboro Village’s Jar10 to see its renovation and rebrand. The speakeasy-style lounge, an extension of sister restaurant Bungalow10, features an updated look, extended hours, and new menu items.
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