Bolen Hospitality Group, run by chef Michael Bolen, is writing a new chapter of history for the Geddis Firehouse in downtown Nashville. A new concept called The Meadowlark is set to fill a part of the Rutledge Hill Culinary District.
In an email exchange with What Now Nashville, Bolen shared some more details about the space.
“The Geddis Firehouse is a beautiful historic landmark in an unbelievable location in Downtown,” Bolen said. “We have been working on this concept for years and searching for a two-story restaurant space for it. The second we spent time in the firehouse we knew it was the place to build The Meadowlark. The idea is that the downstairs is fun and lively and approachable while the upstairs is a little more refined and elegant.”
Bolen explained that the ground floor will serve creative takes on modern American food while the upstairs will be reminiscent of a Southern supper club.
“The space upstairs is being designed so that you feel like you are in someone’s home with the chefs cooking right in front of you and serving you. It will be a truly special experience where you can come in and be taken care of.”
New York Business Journal reports that The Meadowlark’s lease encompasses 4,456 square feet.
Currently, Bolen runs another restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida called Lion & The Rambler, which was featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide. When asked what drew him to Tennessee from Florida, Bolen credits the community.
“We instantly fell in love and knew that we wanted to be a part of the community there,” he said. “From the farms to the restaurants to the people it was just something we truly wanted to become a part of.”
While the menu is still being developed at this time, Bolen anticipates it will feature small plates, snacks and shareable entrées. There will be a robust heirloom bread program as well as desserts. The Meadowlark hopes to curate an atmosphere of approachable elegance, both in the food it will serve and in the space itself.
“We spent a lot of time dialing in the concept to build a place where we really wanted to eat at personally,” said Bolen. “So, this is a very personal concept for us and I am excited to spend time there.”
The Meadowlark is on track to open around October or November of this year.
