USA. The Southern Steak & Oyster, a well-known downtown Nashville steakhouse, has opened a full-service restaurant and bar in Concourse D of the South Terminal at Nashville International Airport.
The new 3,589sq ft restaurant will be jointly operated by TomKats Hospitality owner Tom Morales, who concessionaire Fraport Tennessee describes as a “legendary restaurateur”, and Skyport Hospitality.
The Morales family business has contributed to the Music City’s transformation over the years, according to Fraport, restoring historic local brands and creating new authentic concepts such as The Southern, which marks its tenth year with this new location.
The eatery – which has seating for 126 guests – features a New Orleans-inspired design with an open kitchen and abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Executive Chef Matt Farley has created a menu with cuisines from the Gulf Coast to the Caribbean, in a restaurant which uses the slogan ‘South of Somewhere’ to describe its culinary influences.
Staple menu items include Breaux Bros Gumbo with andouille and crawfish, Fish ‘N Grits with spicy tasso ham vinaigrette, Orleans Parish-style BBQ Shrimp, Dry Aged Strip Steak and The Belle Filet. The restaurant serves breakfast until 10.30am and lunch and dinner daily.
Nashville International Airport CEO Doug Kreulen said: “The Southern has become a staple restaurant in the Nashville food scene, and we’re extremely proud to have them at the airport as part of our new reimagined concessions programme, where we continue to bring the flavour of downtown Nashville right here in the airport.”
TomKats Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Lauren Morales said: “We are thrilled to extend The Southern Steak & Oyster’s hospitality to BNA and bring local Nashville flavours to travellers. The team Skyport has assembled is enthusiastic, and we are proud to work alongside them.”
Fraport Tennessee Vice President Matt Jennings said: “The Southern continues to draw a loyal following to its bustling downtown location, and we are delighted to open a new location at BNA. Our thanks to the Morales family and partners at Skyport for bringing this authentic Nashville dining experience to the airport.
“With The Southern and recent additions, guests have an exciting array of places to enjoy a taste of Nashville.”
*Registration is open for the Airport Food & Beverage Conference 2022, which takes place virtually on 12-13 September. Click here for more details and to register.
