NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some of the biggest brands in the world have chosen Nashville to set up shop.
Take a stroll through The Gulch, and you might feel like you're in New York or LA. But in recent years, we've seen mainstays forced to close because of the added competition.
As of this week, that includes Sambuca Nashville.
Sambuca near the corner of 12th Avenue South and Division Street is closed for good.
The closure felt pretty sudden, so I reached out to Liz Gatlin of Southern Athena Architecture and Real Estate. I first met Gatlin when MAFIAoZA's had to close its doors, unable to survive a 50% rent increase.
"Restaurant leases are generally ten-year time frames," Liz Gatlin said. "Ten years and 20 years is the major milestones for a restaurant to shift gears, change locations, or make other plans, and markets shift every seven to eight years, so for a restaurant to last 20 years, especially in our growing city, is an amazing testament to Sambuca."
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Commercial real estate rates in The Gulch have more than likely doubled in the last two decades, Gatlin says. In addition to rent, landlords often make tenants cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
"So even if rent was stabilized with certain escalation points, which it usually is when you negotiate at the beginning, it doesn't mean those other expenses don't add up quickly," Gatlin said.
Sambuca contributed to the success of The Gulch. Hopefully, whatever replaces it serves the community too.
The restaurant, a special occasion staple for 20 years, released the following statement:
With a heavy heart, we write to share the news that Sambuca Nashville is closed.
Over the past 20 years, we have built something truly special together. From our early days in the Gulch to the thriving brand we became, we always envisioned this restaurant as part of the community a home for all of us – a place where we could grow, create, and make unforgettable memories. And, oh, the memories we've made! From the electric energy of the Most Beautiful People parties to the intimate performances by celebrity singer-songwriters and the countless live music acts that graced our stages... we've been so much more than just a business. We've been a family.
In recent years, we've faced challenges that have tested our resilience. The lingering impacts of COVID and the rising cost of doing business have created a perfect storm that we could not weather. Though we fought with everything we had to keep our doors open, we're choosing to close this chapter with gratitude, carrying countless memories over the past 20 years.
We want you to know that this decision does not define the legacy we've built or the impact we've had on our community. We've been a source of joy and celebration and a supporter of the live music scene in Nashville. And though our physical doors may be closing, the spirit of what we've created will live on through each and every one of us.
As I look back on our journey, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. We've not just built a business, we've built a home. And, no matter what the future holds, that will always be our legacy.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at hannah.mcdonald@newschannel5.com.
Owning a small business is not for the faint of heart, especially in this economy. Jason Lamb's story with Uncle Pete reminds us of where our dollars are spent truly impacts our community and neighbors. But beware -- you'll be hungry for some home cookin' after watching this story!
-Carrie Sharp
