Nashville, Tennessee, a city synonymous with country music, hot chicken, and Southern hospitality, is expanding its culinary horizons with the arrival of a new Mediterranean cuisine restaurant at Nashville Yards. On March 5, 2025, it was announced that Nick The Greek, a fast-casual chain celebrated for its authentic Greek fare, will open its first Tennessee location in this ambitious mixed-use development. Slated for a late spring opening, this addition marks a significant moment for both the Nashville Yards project and the city’s ever-evolving food scene. With its promise of gyros, souvlaki, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Nick The Greek is poised to bring a fresh taste to Music City, blending the old-world charm of the Mediterranean with Nashville’s modern, dynamic energy.
Nashville Yards: A Vision of Urban Transformation
To understand the significance of this new restaurant, it’s worth exploring the backdrop of Nashville Yards itself. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this sprawling 19-acre development is one of the city’s most ambitious urban projects. Once a railyard, the site has been reimagined as a mixed-use district that blends residential, commercial, entertainment, and retail spaces into a cohesive, walkable community. Anchored by major players like the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and featuring a multi-screen cineplex, Nashville Yards is designed to be a hub of creativity and culture—a place where locals and visitors alike can live, work, and play.
The project, led by Southwest Value Partners, has been in the works for years, with phased openings bringing new elements to life. The inclusion of dining options like Nick The Greek underscores the development’s commitment to fostering a vibrant culinary scene alongside its other offerings. As Nashville continues to grow—its population has swelled by nearly 20% in the last decade, according to U.S. Census data—the demand for diverse dining experiences has surged. Nashville Yards, with its strategic location near Music Row and the Gulch, is well-positioned to meet that demand, and Nick The Greek is among the first restaurants to stake its claim in this emerging hotspot.
Nick The Greek: A Mediterranean Legacy Comes to Tennessee
Nick The Greek isn’t just another chain restaurant—it’s a family affair with roots in California’s Bay Area. Founded in 2014 by cousins Big Nick, Little Nick, and Baby Nick Tsigaris (all named in honor of their grandfather), the brand has grown from a single location in San Jose to a network of restaurants across California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. Now, with its sights set on Nashville, Nick The Greek is bringing its signature fast-casual concept to the Southeast, starting with this flagship Tennessee outpost.
The restaurant bills itself as a purveyor of authentic Mediterranean cuisine, specializing in gyros and souvlaki—two staples of Greek street food. For the uninitiated, gyros are pita-wrapped sandwiches filled with rotisserie meats (typically lamb, beef, or chicken), tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki, a creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce. Souvlaki, on the other hand, features charbroiled meat skewers, often served with pita and sides like hummus or basmati rice. Beyond these headliners, the menu boasts falafel, salads, and rotisserie meats, offering a balance of hearty and healthy options that cater to a wide range of tastes.
What sets Nick The Greek apart in the crowded fast-casual landscape is its emphasis on freshness and simplicity. The Tsigaris cousins have built their brand on the idea that Mediterranean food doesn’t need to be fussy—it’s about quality ingredients, bold flavors, and a welcoming vibe. In a city where fried chicken and biscuits reign supreme, this approach could offer a refreshing counterpoint, appealing to Nashville’s growing population of transplants and food enthusiasts eager for something new.
Mediterranean Cuisine in Nashville: A Growing Trend
While Nick The Greek is making its Tennessee debut at Nashville Yards, it’s not entering uncharted territory. Nashville’s Mediterranean food scene has been quietly flourishing in recent years, reflecting broader national trends toward lighter, vegetable-forward cuisines. Establishments like Sadie’s, a modern Mediterranean spot near Music Row, and Epice, a Lebanese bistro in the 12 South neighborhood, have earned accolades for their innovative takes on classic dishes. Anatolia Turkish Restaurant in Sylvan Park has been a local favorite for over a decade, with its baklava and lamb chops drawing rave reviews. Meanwhile, fast-casual chains like Taziki’s Mediterranean Café and CAVA have found a foothold, catering to the lunch crowd with customizable bowls and pitas.
This growing appetite for Mediterranean flavors isn’t unique to Nashville—it’s part of a larger shift in American dining habits. According to the National Restaurant Association, Mediterranean cuisine has been on the rise for its perceived health benefits, including heart-healthy olive oil, lean proteins, and abundant vegetables. In a city where indulgent comfort food dominates, the arrival of Nick The Greek could tap into this demand for lighter fare without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
For Nashville, a city that prides itself on its culinary identity, the addition of Mediterranean options represents more than just a new restaurant—it’s a sign of cultural evolution. As the city attracts residents from across the country and beyond, its food scene is diversifying to reflect those influences. Nick The Greek, with its family-friendly atmosphere and accessible price point, fits neatly into this narrative, offering a taste of the Mediterranean that feels both exotic and approachable.
Why Nashville Yards?
The choice of Nashville Yards as Nick The Greek’s Tennessee launchpad is no accident. The development’s Creative Office Building, where the restaurant will be located, is anchored by CAA—one of the world’s most influential talent agencies. This high-profile tenant ensures a steady stream of foot traffic, from entertainment industry professionals to visitors exploring the cineplex and surrounding retail. The building’s ground floor, where Nick The Greek will reside, is designed for maximum visibility and accessibility, making it an ideal spot for a restaurant aiming to make a splash.
Moreover, Nashville Yards’ location bridges some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. To the south lies the Gulch, a trendy district known for its upscale dining and boutique shopping. To the east is Music Row, the historic heart of Nashville’s recording industry. Downtown, with its honky-tonks and tourist attractions, is just steps away. This convergence of culture, commerce, and creativity makes Nashville Yards a microcosm of the city’s ambitions—and a perfect stage for Nick The Greek to introduce itself to Tennesseans.
The timing also aligns with Nashville’s ongoing boom. As of March 10, 2025, the city is riding a wave of economic growth, with tourism, tech, and healthcare driving development. Nashville Yards is a key piece of this puzzle, aiming to create a “live-work-play” environment that rivals urban centers like Austin or Atlanta. By bringing in a restaurant like Nick The Greek, the developers are signaling their intent to curate a dining experience that complements the district’s modern, cosmopolitan vibe.
What to Expect from Nick The Greek
When Nick The Greek opens its doors in late spring 2025, Nashville diners can look forward to a menu that’s both familiar and distinctive. The gyro, a cornerstone of the brand, will likely be a standout, with its tender, spit-roasted meat and tangy tzatziki wrapped in warm pita. Souvlaki skewers, grilled over an open flame, promise smoky, succulent bites paired with sides like hummus or crispy falafel. For those seeking lighter options, salads topped with rotisserie meats or feta cheese will offer a Mediterranean twist on the classic bowl trend.
The fast-casual format means quick service without the formality of a sit-down restaurant, making it a convenient choice for workers on lunch breaks or families grabbing a bite before a movie. While the exact layout of the Nashville Yards location hasn’t been detailed, other Nick The Greek outposts feature bright, casual interiors with a nod to Greek heritage—think white walls, blue accents, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. It’s a setting that should feel right at home in Nashville, where hospitality and good food go hand in hand.
Pricing is another draw. Nick The Greek has built its reputation on affordability, with most menu items falling in the $10–15 range—a competitive edge in a city where dining costs can climb quickly. This accessibility, combined with the promise of fresh, flavorful food, could make it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists exploring Nashville Yards.
A Broader Impact on Nashville’s Culinary Scene
The arrival of Nick The Greek at Nashville Yards isn’t just a win for Mediterranean food fans—it’s a testament to the city’s growing stature as a culinary destination. Long overshadowed by its musical legacy, Nashville has spent the past decade carving out a reputation as a food city to watch. From the fiery heat of Prince’s Hot Chicken to the refined plates at The Catbird Seat, the city’s dining options have expanded in scope and sophistication. The addition of a national chain like Nick The Greek, while not a local concept, reinforces this momentum, bringing a proven player to a market ripe for growth.
For Nashville Yards, the restaurant is a building block in creating a distinct identity. As more tenants move in—whether offices, shops, or entertainment venues—the dining options will play a crucial role in shaping the district’s appeal. Nick The Greek’s presence could pave the way for other regional or national chains to take a chance on Nashville, further diversifying the culinary landscape.
Locally owned Mediterranean spots, meanwhile, may feel a mix of competition and validation. On one hand, Nick The Greek’s arrival could draw attention to the cuisine as a whole, boosting interest in places like Sadie’s or Anatolia. On the other, it introduces a well-resourced chain into a niche that’s been nurtured by independent operators. How this dynamic plays out will depend on execution—Nick The Greek will need to deliver on its promise of quality and authenticity to win over a city that values both.
Looking Ahead: A Taste of Things to Come
As Nashville Yards continues to take shape, the debut of Nick The Greek in late spring 2025 will be a milestone worth watching. It’s more than just a new restaurant—it’s a symbol of Nashville’s evolution, a bridge between its Southern roots and its increasingly global outlook. For residents, it’s a chance to savor Mediterranean flavors without leaving the city limits. For visitors, it’s another reason to linger in Nashville Yards, exploring a development that’s redefining downtown.
In a city where food and music are intertwined, Nick The Greek brings a new rhythm to the table—one of sizzling skewers, warm pita, and the bright, bold tastes of the Mediterranean. As the opening date approaches, anticipation is building. Nashville has always been a place that welcomes newcomers, whether they’re musicians chasing dreams or restaurateurs serving up something fresh. With Nick The Greek, Music City is about to get a little tastier—and a lot more Mediterranean.
