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

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Majority of residents say Nashville is "on the wrong track" after ice storm

That's a stark reversal from last year's Vanderbilt Poll.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Optimism in Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" target="_self">Optimism in Nashville</a> cratered in a new Vanderbilt University poll released Thursday, with a majority of respondents saying the city is on the wrong track.Why it matters: Music City&#x27;s mood has soured in the aftermath of the devastating ice storm that left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly half the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" target="_self">nearly half the city</a> without power at its peak.<ul><li>Approval for city leaders sank in the following weeks, according to the poll results.</li></ul>

Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor's race

Contradicting polling data gives a mixed sense of where things stand for Mayor O'Connell.

Politics

Four years ago at this time, a slate of serious candidates surveyed the political lay of the land in Nashville and decided to challenge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor John Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" data-vars-content-id="0135be9f-d739-4d90-bf62-55618a3e7cb3" data-vars-headline="Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" target="_self">Mayor John Cooper</a> for the city&#x27;s top job.Why it matters: There&#x27;s increasing chatter among Metro insiders that another hotly contested mayoral election could be coming in 2027.

82% of Nashvillians say they can't afford to buy a house in Nashville

A growing share of Nashvillians are pushing for progress on affordability.

Real Estate

The vast majority of people who live in Nashville say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in the city, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new poll from Vanderbilt University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" data-vars-content-id="a165775d-23c4-467d-9764-bc192956e735" data-vars-headline="82% of Nashvillians say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" target="_self">a new poll from Vanderbilt University</a>.Why it matters: Affordability remains a deep concern across the city, the poll shows, and residents want to see leaders do more to ease the cost of housing.

Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste

The move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nashville Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" target="_self">The Nashville Zoo</a> announced this week it would no longer sell one-time use plastic water bottles at its concession stands, switching instead to aluminum cans of water.Why it matters: The zoo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" target="_blank">reports</a> the move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

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.

Food and Drink

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.

Business

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>

Three Nashville restaurants earn prestigious Michelin star

Bastion, Catbird Seat and Locust earn Michelin honors for Nashville.

Three Nashville restaurants earned the city&#x27;s first ever prestigious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin star recommendations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="0c57dc8a-c794-407b-943d-ba59462bef03" data-vars-headline="Three Nashville restaurants earn prestigious Michelin star" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" target="_self">Michelin star recommendations</a>: Bastion, The Catbird Seat and Locust.<ul><li>The Hermitage Hotel also earned two Michelin keys, one of the highest global hospitality honors available.</li></ul>Why it matters: For decades, a Michelin star has been one of the most coveted awards a restaurant can earn. Nashville&#x27;s performance in Michelin&#x27;s first dining and travel guide for Tennessee cements the city&#x27;s status as a stellar foodie destination.

How Fancypants survived Nashville's restaurant gauntlet

"Every reservation is harder and harder and harder to come by."

Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="34553110-c49b-4570-95c4-ce054db8dea3" data-vars-headline="How Fancypants survived Nashville&#x27;s restaurant gauntlet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/food-and-drink" target="_self">restaurant industry</a> is a bit like an obstacle course: To survive, businesses need to navigate a rough and unpredictable landscape.<ul><li>Success is not guaranteed.</li></ul>At Fancypants in East Nashville, making it to the one-year mark this summer required a lot of trial-and-error. Customers helped guide a number of pivots before the funky spin on fine dining settled into a groove.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop returns to Nashville's Lower Broadway

The new space will feature a four-story bar with rooftop views.

The iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop is back open on Lower Broadway, albeit in a reimagined format.Why it matters: The Nashville landmark was one of the jewels of Lower Broadway for decades before it closed in 2022.<ul><li>The new space will feature a four-story bar with rooftop views alongside a recreation of the classic record shop.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

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