NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Those in the Nashville area said goodbye to a number of beloved restaurants, businesses, and stores this year.
Many establishments that closed their doors in 2024 cited the pandemic, inflation and increased costs of food and supplies as the reason for their departures.
News 2 looks back at some of the Music City staples that said goodbye for good in 2024.
Monell’s at the Manor
After 13 years of business, Monell’s at the Manor served dinner for the final time on Sunday, April 21. The restaurant, known for its award-winning Southern food served family style, closed its doors after management announced the Metro Nashville Airport Authority would not renew the lease at the end of April.
The restaurant’s Germantown location at 1235 6th Avenue North remains open.
Friedman’s Surplus & Outdoors
Friedman’s Army Navy Store closed its Hillsboro Village store on 21st Avenue this summer after the owner decided to retire. The family-owned shop sold military surplus, camping and outdoor equipment, fishing tackle, ammunition, and clothing. The store had been in the Hillsboro Village area since 1972.
Emery Wood Fired
Earlier this year, Emery Wood Fired — a restaurant in the 12South neighborhood— took to social media to announce it would be closing its doors after two years of business. Months later, Nashville Street Taco announced it was setting up shop at the location.
Jensen’s Comfort Shoes & Repair
Jensen’s Comfort and Shoe Repair closed its doors for good this summer. The long-running family business in West Nashville began operating in the 1960s. According to a previous News 2 report, the owners —who are both in their mid-80s— retired.
Sinema
Known for its contemporary approach to classic American cuisine and just 10 minutes away from downtown Nashville, Sinema permanently closed this year. The restaurant served its last meal on Saturday, Aug. 31. The restaurant said the venture became “uneconomical,” which led them to close after “10 incredible years.”
Smokin’ Thighs
A beloved Wedgewood-Houston restaurant closed this year after the unexpected loss of its owner. After 10 years of operation, Smokin’ Thighs closed its doors on Sunday, Oct. 13. The closure came after the owner, Matt Carney, suffered serious head trauma following a hit-and-run crash in the restaurant’s parking lot. Carney later died from his injuries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Lou Nashville
After nearly five years of business, Lou said goodbye to the Riverside Village neighborhood in East Nashville. In August, the owners stated it would be “impossible to run Lou in the way she was intended for our community and staff in this current climate.”
ClassiQue Cleaners
Hermitage lost a beloved family-run business this year that had been in the community for more than three decades. According to the owner of ClassiQue Cleaners, the COVID-19 pandemic dried up business and the revenue never came back. The business was reportedly known for giving back. In fact, dry-cleaning for some non-profits, burial clothes, and the American flag, were reportedly free, and law enforcement could get their uniforms cleaned at half price.
MAFIAoZA’s
In September, MAFIAoZA’s took to social media to announce they were closing down after 21 years in the 12South neighborhood. The restaurant said it was hard to say goodbye, but listed “higher prices, lower staff, automated systems” as just a few factors that took away from their identity.
| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County
Portland Brew
Another staple in the 12South neighborhood bid farewell this year after servicing those in the community for more than two decades. The business announced the closure with a “heavy heart,” but thanked longtime customers in a statement, which read in part: “Dear Portland Brew, thank you for 22 amazing years of service. You have shown us the power that community and friendship can hold!”
Despite the closure of the 12South location, folks can still visit the East Nashville location for delicious drinks.
