Last week, Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon opened it’s doors for a first glimpse at the restaurant & bar that pays homage to the late great Man In Black. Located on 3rd Avenue, just south of Broadway and next door to the Johnny Cash Museum, the 2-level, 15,000sf venue boasts 3 bars, 2 live music stages and delicious southern style soul food.
We’ve got “60,000sf of Johnny Cash on this block” Bill Miller stated at a press conference held Wednesday morning. The John R. Cash Trust teamed up with Icon Entertainment’s Miller who also opened the neighboring Johnny Cash Museum; along with the Patsy Cline Museum, Nudie’s Honky Tonk and upscale dining magic-themed experience House of Cards. Johnny & June’s son John, Cash’s brother Tommy & sister Joanne and June’s daughter Carlene Carter were also present for the grand opening.
Following the press conference the family hopped on stage in the upper level to sing a few Cash favorites including “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Cash’s Kitchen promises visitors a unique experience outside of the typical downtown craziness. From 11am-8pm the lower-level kitchen is serving up cafeteria style southern cooking that is sure to get your tastebuds running. The menu created by local Nashvillian chef David Swett offers traditional southern eats, which was one of Cash’s favorite styles of food. “Dad always loved southern food,” “this is the food he loved the most” said son John.
Fans can catch live music 7 days a week on either of the lower or upper level stages, with bars serving up drinks until 3am. While downstairs offers a small-town cafeteria feel, climb the “Walk the Line” quoted stairs to the second floor and step into the upscale “Cash Cathedral.” As you round the top of the stairs you’ll notice stunning stained glass panels featuring important moments in Cash’s life. Next you’ll find a grandiose fireplace accompanied with gorgeous leather sofas offering a delightful living-room-feel area to relax. Quite possibly the coolest part of the venue is the recreated indoor front porch with wooden rocking chairs. The entire venue offers a rustic homey-feel, elegantly accented with chandeliers, Cash photos and memorabilia.
As Miller pointed out, the name Johnny Cash and Nashville are nearly interchangeable, when you think Cash you think Nashville. “Let us not forget what a great man and a great impact he had on this town.”
Find out more about Cash’s Kitchen at www.cashkitchenandsaloon.com.
Written for CMP by Josie Bisto
