Downtown Nashville businesses putting Music City on the map
Downtown Nashville has experienced an incredible renaissance over the last 40 years.
When the Opry left downtown in the 1970’s, Broadway was hardly the family-friendly attraction it is today. In fact, many tourists often stayed far away to avoid the seedier aspects of downtown. While plenty of changes have been happening gradually, huge development projects in the last decade alone have completely changed the skyline from what it once was.
Here is just a selection of the businesses that are not only changing our skyline, but are helping Nashville become a vibrant and diverse economy.
Ascend Amphitheater – Opened in 2015, this open-air amphitheater has transformed once-dead space on the riverfront into a bustling venue home to a diverse selection of concerts and events. Ascend Amphitheater is also connected to the Riverfront Park so the public can enjoy strolling through its grounds when events aren’t being held.
TomKats Hospitality – TomKats Hospitality is the parent company for downtown restaurants The Southern Steak & Oyster and Acme Feed & Seed, as well as the Southernaire Market. TomKats flagship restaurant, The Southern, is located in the Pinnacle building which has helped mold the current downtown skyline and was the first LEED certified high-rise in downtown Nashville.
CMT – County Music Television has been producing southern-centric programming since 1983 but its connection to downtown Nashville became more concrete, literally, when the channel moved its headquarters to the CMT building on Commerce Street in 2002. Along with this move, the channel has expanded programming to include popular reality shows based in Nashville like Music City and Bachelorette Weekend.
Indie Connect – Speaking of music, Indie Connect offers artist management, consulting, education and training, workshops and networking events along with a podcast and Indie Connect magazine to help artists make it in Music City. Without musicians moving to our region, Nashville couldn’t maintain our reputation for the best live music in the country.
Goo Goo Cluster, LLC – Invetned in 1912, Goo Goo Clusters have become a Nashville tradition. The Goo Goo Cluster store on 3rd Ave in Downtown Nashville gives visitors a chance to explore the history of Goo Goo Clusters, sample some amazing desserts and try their hand at making candy in private classes.
Lyft – Lyft is not just a leading ride-sharing service anymore! On December 20 of 2018, Lyft introduced their own electric scooters to help customers cover the last mile of their trips, or give tourists a more fun way to explore downtown Nashville. Lyft is also a major employer in the region and has an office on 2nd Ave.
To connect with these businesses, sign up to receive emails for our Downtown Connect meetings. These quarterly networking events help members get to know each other better, as well as discussing important issues in the area. You can sign up for all of our email invitations and newsletter here.