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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

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Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead

Judge allows Tennessee map favoring GOP to move ahead

Tennessee Democrats suffered a key setback in their lawsuit challenging the new map.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Chief District Judge Chip Campbell on Thursday rejected Tennessee Democrats&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="request for a temporary restraining order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" data-vars-content-id="eb3d5632-933f-466d-8df6-78b7cf216546" data-vars-headline="Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" target="_self">request for a temporary restraining order</a> to stop the state from implementing a new U.S. House map that favors Republicans.Why it matters: The legal challenges to the new map will press on, but Campbell&#x27;s ruling is a critical setback for opponents.

Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move

The incentives come in exchange for the coffee giant creating a corporate hub in Nashville.

Business

Tennessee is preparing to give Starbucks $30 million in state government incentives in exchange for the coffee giant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creating a corporate hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/03/starbucks-to-establish-corporate-office-in-nashville-this-year" data-vars-content-id="76067453-5867-4440-a54c-c71a4986fbe2" data-vars-headline="Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/03/starbucks-to-establish-corporate-office-in-nashville-this-year" target="_self">creating a corporate hub</a> in downtown Nashville.Why it matters: New information in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Funding Board agenda" data-vars-click-url="https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/tsfb/documents/agendas/2026/SFBAgenda2026.05.20.pdf" data-vars-content-id="76067453-5867-4440-a54c-c71a4986fbe2" data-vars-headline="Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/tsfb/documents/agendas/2026/SFBAgenda2026.05.20.pdf" target="_blank">State Funding Board agenda</a> is the first indication of the cost of bringing Starbucks&#x27; corporate offices to town.

New Nashville foundation connects music community to philanthropy

A new foundation seeks to be a hub for music-driven philanthrophy.

Music Community Foundation, a Nashville-based initiative connecting music artists to philanthropic resources, announced its launch today.Why it matters: The new foundation will be a hub for music-driven philanthropy.<ul><li>The intersection of nonprofit work and the music industry is uniquely Nashville, but organizers hope to expand the Music Community Foundation&#x27;s reach across the country.</li></ul>

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress

Former Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to possibly run for U.S. House again.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" target="_self">Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry</a> pulled a petition this week to run for Tennessee&#x27;s newly redrawn District 6 U.S. House seat as candidates in both parties scramble to respond to the new congressional map.Why it matters: Potential candidates only have a few days to decide to run following the last-minute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shakeup from Tennessee Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" data-vars-content-id="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" target="_self">shakeup from Tennessee Republicans</a>.

Chef Julio Hernandez debuts Fonda Fina

Maiz De La Vida tortilla shop converts to cozy Fonda Fina dine-in concept.

Food and Drink

Critically acclaimed chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julio Hernandez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/03/julio-hernandezs-james-beard-semifinalist" data-vars-content-id="01d3ae9b-69f8-48a5-ab7f-afbb41983cbb" data-vars-headline="Chef Julio Hernandez debuts Fonda Fina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/03/julio-hernandezs-james-beard-semifinalist" target="_self">Julio Hernandez</a> has converted his North Nashville tortilla shop into a 12-seat dine-in restaurant called Fonda Fina.Why it matters: The new concept debuting Wednesday features a redesigned space and overhauled menu.

Nashville's Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option

Byron Stithem, the owner of Proper Saké, collaborated with his son on a new soda company.

The brewing mind behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proper Saké" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" target="_self">Proper Saké</a> is expanding his beverage business to include soda. And this time it&#x27;s a family affair.Driving the news: Byron Stithem and his 14-year-old son Booker Stithem partnered with Nashville&#x27;s kombucha kings the Walker Brothers, creating a new endeavor last year called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portal Cultured Soda" data-vars-click-url="https://portalsoda.com/" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portalsoda.com/" target="_blank">Portal Cultured Soda</a>.Why it matters: Portal is a healthy alternative to popular sodas. The Stithems use natural ingredients to create a cultured, probiotic soda.

Xul to host PB&J Mixtape release party in The Nations

Xul brings a jolt of enthusiasm to the Nashville beer scene with its PB&J Mixtape release party.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a gritty stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" data-vars-content-id="2ed25cd8-9b38-43a3-9bfc-88ea3152fbca" data-vars-headline="Xul to host PB&amp;J Mixtape release party in The Nations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" target="_self">a gritty stretch</a> for Nashville&#x27;s craft brewery scene.<ul><li>Beloved breweries have consolidated, sold to out-of-towners or just plain closed.</li></ul>

Nashville restaurants and music venues need help after ice storm

Business is always slow in the winter, and that's before the storm knocked out power.

The ice storm that clobbered Nashville last week couldn&#x27;t have come at a worse time for the city&#x27;s independent restaurants, music venues and shops.Why it matters: Business is always slow in the winter, and that&#x27;s before the storm knocked out power and disrupted at least a week of revenue for most of the city.<ul><li>In the aftermath of the storm, there&#x27;s been a rallying cry to support neighborhood businesses.</li></ul>

In triumphant reversal, Dalts will reopen under Strategic Hospitality

The new team promises to revive "the 'Cheers' of West Nashville."

Never mind.<ul><li>A day after the old school West Nashville restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dalts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/restaurant-dalts-closed-white-bridge-road" data-vars-content-id="088accb7-5b49-406b-8532-1a331f178cc5" data-vars-headline="In triumphant reversal, Dalts will reopen under Strategic Hospitality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/restaurant-dalts-closed-white-bridge-road" target="_self">Dalts</a> announced it was closing, a new announcement came saying some of the top restaurateurs in the city were stepping in to bring it back.</li></ul>

Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years

The White Bridge Road restaurant closed abruptly on Monday.

Editor&#x27;s note: A day after the old school West Nashville restaurant Dalts announced it was closing, a new announcement came saying some of the top restaurateurs in the city were stepping in to bring it back.<ul><li>The team at Strategic Hospitality said they would announce more details of the revival — which will remain in the original White Bridge Road location — in the coming months. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Read the latest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/dalts-nashville-reopening-strategic-hospitality" data-vars-content-id="5137c27f-6aa7-4361-8001-a53e3ebc2c2a" data-vars-headline="Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/23/dalts-nashville-reopening-strategic-hospitality" target="_self">Read the latest</a>.</li></ul>Original story:After 45 years in business, the White Bridge Road restaurant Dalts American Grill has served its last meal.<ul><li>The owners announced the abrupt closure in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="brief goodbye message" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALmqGHoMW/" data-vars-content-id="5137c27f-6aa7-4361-8001-a53e3ebc2c2a" data-vars-headline="Longtime Nashville restaurant Dalts closes after 45 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALmqGHoMW/" target="_blank">brief goodbye message</a> Monday morning.</li></ul>

2025 in review: Jake Howell brings James Beard glory back to Nashville

Howell's James Beard Award is the equivalent of a culinary Oscar.

The day after chef Jake Howell came home from winning a coveted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/17/peninsula-jake-howell-best-chef-james-beard-nashville" data-vars-content-id="2197fe21-62a1-4a1b-b9bd-4c2b07903288" data-vars-headline="2025 in review: Jake Howell brings James Beard glory back to Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/17/peninsula-jake-howell-best-chef-james-beard-nashville" target="_self">James Beard Award</a> this year, he was back in East Nashville scrubbing the bathroom at his restaurant Peninsula.Why it matters: Howell&#x27;s prize is the equivalent of a culinary Oscar, but he didn&#x27;t spend much time at the after party.<ul><li>His rapid return to work reflects the mission statement of the tiny restaurant with a big reputation.</li></ul>

In-N-Out Burger opening four locations in Middle Tennessee soon

Get hyped, burger nerds. In-N-Out is close to opening shops in the Nashville area.

The trademark red and yellow signs are installed, crews are putting the finishing touches on the buildings and four In-N-Out Burger locations are on track to open in the Nashville area soon.Why it matters: In-N-Out is one of the most popular fast food chains in the country, and the new shops will be the company&#x27;s first in the eastern U.S.

Nashville burger chain Cledis coming to The Gulch

Cledis has emerged as a bona fide Nashville success story.

The burger joint <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cledis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/13/cledis-burger-restaurant-nashville" data-vars-content-id="f3fe5550-f044-4eb9-9cb5-e15a48390b7e" data-vars-headline="Nashville burger chain Cledis coming to The Gulch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/13/cledis-burger-restaurant-nashville" target="_self">Cledis</a> announced it would start slinging patties at a third location in 2026.Why it matters: Cledis traces its roots to a humble food truck. But it has emerged as a bona fide Nashville success story.

East Nashville staple Margot Cafe & Bar to close in June, 2026

East Nashville's Margot to close in June, 2026.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Margot Café &amp; Bar," data-vars-click-url="https://www.margotcafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe733886-7d21-47c8-b197-eb6c93a97e94" data-vars-headline="East Nashville staple Margot Cafe &amp; Bar to close in June, 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.margotcafe.com/" target="_blank">Margot Café &amp; Bar,</a> which played a starring role in East Nashville&#x27;s culinary and creativity renaissance, will close next summer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Margot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/features/margot-cafe-and-bar-to-close/article_289318fe-3c92-4eb9-8ee4-9cb959cc60c0.html" data-vars-content-id="fe733886-7d21-47c8-b197-eb6c93a97e94" data-vars-headline="East Nashville staple Margot Cafe &amp; Bar to close in June, 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/features/margot-cafe-and-bar-to-close/article_289318fe-3c92-4eb9-8ee4-9cb959cc60c0.html" target="_blank">Margot</a> set up shop at a time when unique, high-minded independent restaurants were rare in Nashville. The Five Points neighborhood hadn&#x27;t yet achieved its status as a cultural mecca of bars, music venues and creatives.<ul><li>The final service will be on June 5, 2026, which is the 25th anniversary of the restaurant&#x27;s opening.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Chef Julio Hernandez debuts Fonda Fina

Nashville's Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option

Xul to host PB&J Mixtape release party in The Nations

Catbird Seat named James Beard finalist in Nashville

Nashville getting new burger and bagel locations