This emerging trend of country artists establishing bars and entertainment venues in Nashville has gained significant traction. Other artists such as Luke Combs, Eric Church, and Garth Brooks also have bars currently under construction.
Morgan Wallen could be joining the ranks of country stars with downtown Nashville bars, and the potential venture has the potential to be quite expansive.
Although no official confirmation has been made, there are indications that Wallen is teaming up with TC Restaurant Group to bring a bar and live music venue to 107 Fourth Ave. N. in Nashville. The Nashville Business Journal reports that TC Restaurant Group, known for collaborating with artists like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert for Nashville venues, acquired the property, including a parking lot, for $10 million in May 2022.
Plans for a comprehensive six-story building, greenlit a year ago, encompass a dynamic layout comprising a live music venue, a gift shop, multiple bars, and a rooftop area. This new establishment would be situated discreetly behind Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and in close proximity to the iconic Ryman Auditorium.
Notably, this shift in the country music landscape has expanded the roster of artists who are considered suitable for such ventures. In the past, bars along Lower Broadway were associated with established legends like Alan Jackson and hitmakers like Blake Shelton. However, in recent times, the parameters have broadened, encompassing artists with relatively younger careers, including Wallen.
While many partnerships involve licensing deals, where the artist's image is used and they receive compensation without direct involvement in day-to-day operations, TC Restaurant's associations with celebrities have often featured active participation during the opening phase, though the intensity might diminish in subsequent years. This differs from Blake Shelton's approach with Opry Entertainment Group's Ole Red, where he frequently introduces new talents and makes personal and professional announcements on stage.
As for Wallen's venture, there is no specific timeline for its opening, nor has a name been disclosed at this point.
