NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After nearly 32 years in operation, Nashville’s Hermitage Cafe will close at the end of the month.
Sherri Callahan, the owner of the restaurant, made the announcement. The restaurant will serve its last meal on Halloween night.
"Nashville has run out of these places," Callahan said in an interview with NewsChannel5. "I mean, most of the mom and pop places have been closed out. It's not just about this... there's a lot of mom and pop restaurants that have definitely disappeared over the last years. Unfortunately, with the small businesses, if it's not COVID you have to worry about gentrification right now. Gentrification brings in positive, but it also can bring in negative things as well."
Loyal customers said they were heartbroken over the news.
"It's such a theme here in Nashville that these iconic little places are giving way to high-rises and condos and progress, which is all necessary, but I wish we could find a way to make a hybrid where these things could stay and be built around," said John Walker.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant owner said the location was sold without their knowledge, and they were not given the option to buy the property — adding they did not “sell out.”
“I am unsure what the new owner’s plan for the location is. I just know that the Hermitage Cafe will not be part of their future. I guess that's where 'all good things must come to an end' comes from. With that being said, please go out and support your local mom and pop’s. They are unfortunately dying, they are being pushed out. If Covid is not closing these places down, gentrification is. Right now mom and pop’s need the community's support more than ever. God knows I had amazing community support for 32 years. Thank you again Nashville,” Callahan wrote in part on Facebook.
"Lastly, thank all the employees that have been with us. They have become a second family to us and the many regulars. They are starting a food truck, as soon as I know the details, I will be asking everyone to support them. We wish them the best of luck on their future endeavors. As for our future, you never know more may come….," she concluded.
Read the full post below:
