Demos' Permanently Closes Downtown Nashville Location Due To COVID-19

A Nashville staple has announced its plans to permanently close its downtown location amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demos' Restaurant confirmed to NewsChannel 5 that it plans to permanently shut down its Commerce Street location after nearly 30 years in business. The downtown Demos' Restaurant, which opened in 1989, has been closed since April due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter Demos, the president and CEO of Demos' Restaurants, told Newschannel 5 that COVID-19 has impacted his business and the company cannot afford to stay at its downtown location following pandemic-related shutdowns and a drop in traffic.

The restaurant also confirmed the permanent closing of its Commerce Street location on its Facebook page Sept. 3, but is searching for a new location in the Nashville area, according to the Tennessean.

Kristin Demos, vice president of brand and marketing for Demos Brands, confirmed in an email to the Tennessean that Demos' Restaurant was nearing the end of its lease at the Commerce Street location and the COVID-19 pandemic complicated negotiations between the company and its landlords, which led to Demos Brands instead exploring options to move to another location. Demos added that the restaurant chain had no intention of portraying its former landlords negatively following the failed negotiations.

"We have absolutely loved being a part of the Nashville restaurant scene for over 28 years and that is why we are looking for a new location for our family concept," Demos wrote via the Tennessean. "It has brought us so much joy reading comments from Demos fans from literally around the world who have shared their memories of dining at the Nashville location, and we certainly look forward to continuing that tradition for them in a new location."

Demos Brands has three other Middle Tennessee restaurants currently operating in Hendersonville, Lebanon and Murfreesboro, which are all expected to remain open, according to Eater Nashville.

Photo: Google Earth