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Eric Church Gives Sneak Peek Of Downtown Nashville Bar: “I Can’t Wait To Play Here”

Eric Church’s bar and restaurant will include BBQ and a live music space – check it out!

The Church Choir will have a new hangout spot in downtown Nashville come 2023. 

Multi-platinum artist Eric Church and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin have released the first sneak peek of their flagship bar-restaurant, Chief’s. Country music enthusiasts are destined to have a “Drink In My Hand” at the six-story venue set to open at 200 Broadway. 

The CMA Entertainer of the Year turned to social media Monday (Dec. 5) morning to share a string of digital renderings of inside. The bar resembles an old-school honky tonk, covered floor-to-ceiling in photos that embody chapters of his life. 

Within a lengthy caption, Church explained how he would use the massive space to cater to his devoted fans.  

“It will feature a ticketed music venue plus additional live entertainment throughout the building, and one-of-a-kind design elements including more than 3,000 Eric Church concert posters from throughout his career layered across the floor, walls, and ceiling,” shared the hitmaker. “Chief’s will also house a studio or live broadcasting, including Eric’s @outsidersradio channel on SiriusXM.” 

Church confirmed that his real estate venture would also include food in partnership with James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, Rodney Scott. The cuisine will serve as a friendly nod to his North Carolina roots. The restaurant – Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, will overlook music city with its “Hell of a Q” rooftop. 

The country powerhouse said that the project had been nothing but enjoyable to work on thus far with Weprin. 

“I’ve had a blast working with Ben on the design of Chief’s,” he explained in a statement. “Like everything we do with our music, the same care and consideration has gone into every detail of this place. It will be unrivaled downtown. I can’t wait to play here.”

The two have transformed the former Cotton Eyed Joe building to make their vision come to life. The CEO and Founder of private real estate company AJ Capital Partners, declared that the bar and restaurant would be a great addition to the world-renowned strip. 

“Chief’s is an example of impactful design storytelling at its finest,” shared Weprin. “We are excited to bring an experience unparalleled in the world of music, food, and entertainment to the heart of Broadway with one of the most storied properties downtown has seen. Through Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, two seated music venues, and a meaningful design, Chief’s is a physical manifestation to Eric Church and his musical legacy.”

In late October, Church gave a glimpse into the construction that is currently underway. The short Instagram reel displayed engineers and architects hard at work, as his chart-topping track “Smoke A Little Smoke” plays in the background.   

“Turn the quiet up on Broadway. Nashville 2023. #Chiefs,” wrote the vocalist. 

Nashville residents and eager tourists flocked to the comments to express their excitement. 

“Looks awesome in person 😍,” uttered a local. “Hope to perform there,” added a budding band. “Already planning my trip to Nashville next year!!” shared a visitor.   

Church has yet to confirm the official date of the grand opening. CMT will follow the progress and keep readers up-to-date on when the establishment will be available to the general public. 

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