Ole Red unveils first airport location at Nashville Airport

USA. Ole Red has opened a 5,500sq ft restaurant at Nashville International Airport, its first in a travel location and fifth in total.

The Ryman Hospitality Properties-owned live music entertainment venue and brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s hit song Ol’ Red is bringing live music to the airport, in addition to an extensive food menu.

Ole Red: an authentic Nashville and Tennessee experience at the airport

The new Ole Red eatery in Concourse C houses the biggest stage of any restaurant/bar at the airport, with concert-quality acoustics and seating for nearly 200 patrons. The venue will showcase selected country artists.

Head Chef Jason ‘Punchy’ Stuart has created a diverse menu with Ole Red staples such as Redneck Nachos and Austin Brisket Sandwich plus new specialties. Also, for the first time, breakfast items including The Big Ole Breakfast Burrito, the Avo Smashville Toast, and The Honeybee are available.

Some of the dishes and sides on offer in the new restaurant, created by Ole Red Head Chef Jason ‘Punchy’ Stuart

Leaders from Ryman Hospitality Properties, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and Fraport USA – which runs the concessions programme at Nashville International – were in attendance for the opening.

Pictured at the opening ceremony are (left to right) Matt Jennings (Fraport Tennessee), Bill Casey (Fraport USA), Ron Kerere (Opry Entertainment Group/Ryman Hospitality Properties), Chris Conner (Ole Red BNA), Doug Kreulen (Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority) and Pete Weien (Opry Entertainment Group)

Opry Entertainment Group SVP & Chief Operating Officer Pete Weien said: “On behalf of the team at Ryman Hospitality Properties, I want to commend the Nashville Airport Authority and Fraport for designing an airport experience that showcases the best of what Nashville has to offer in such a welcoming environment.

The opening event featured an appearance from singer/songwriter and recording country artist Bailey Callahan

“We are pleased that Ole Red is now a part of helping BNA passengers make the most of their experience from the moment they set foot in Nashville until they board their flight home at the end of their stay in Music City.”

Fans can also visit The Opry Shop nearby for Ole Red merchandise and Nashville Music City keepsakes

Nashville International Airport President & CEO Doug Kreulen said: “We are extremely proud to have Ole Red as a part of our new reimagined concessions programme. BNA is the first and last impression passengers get of our city, and it’s important for us to have consistency in what we offer both in Music City and BNA.

“Ole Red is a prime example of the culture of our city: country music, good food, and southern hospitality. We’re thrilled to welcome Ole Red into BNA.”

Ole Red’s flagship venue is a a multi-storey bar, restaurant and entertainment venue located on Lower Broadway in Nashville

Fraport Tennessee Vice President Matt Jennings said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ole Red’s fifth location to BNA. This Music City icon is what our programme is about — bringing an authentic Nashville and Tennessee experience to the airport.

“Thanks to Ryman Hospitality, guests can enjoy the flavour and flair of Ole Red’s flagship in Lower Broadway right at the airport. It has been an amazing journey with our partners at Ryman, the MNAA, and our team. Thank you for providing an exceptional music and dining experience for guests at BNA and a big taste of Music City.”

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report has recently relaunched its FAB Newsletter. This regular newsletter features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

FAB SUPERSTARS & ESG AWARDS

The Moodie Davitt Report is inviting submissions for the FAB Superstars Awards 2022.

This second virtual edition of the awards will again shine the spotlight on the thousands of front-of-house and behind the scenes heroes and heroines who have helped keep the food & beverage community within our industry going throughout the challenges of the last year.

In addition, this year’s awards include an important new category, the FAB ESG Awards, which have been introduced to celebrate, recognise and reward those people and initiatives that have made a positive impact in the areas of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

The FAB ESG & Superstars Awards will be presented on Tuesday 13 September to conclude the two-day Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference 2022.

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