Popular Restaurant Owned by Country Music Stars Closing Abruptly
E3 Chophouse, a Nashville establishment co-owned by country music stars Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and former MLB first baseman Adam LaRoche, has temporarily shut down.
The restaurant announced the news in a post on Instagram last Thursday.
"Nashville -- We're hitting pause. We're temporarily pausing operations as we evaluate what Nashville needs next," the post reads. "Our team is assessing market opportunities and exploring potential rebrand and re-concept strategies for the future of this location. Stay tuned -- more update to come."
Restaurant faced economic difficulties
In a statement provided to The Tennessean, E3 Chophouse general manager Robert Kilborne said the restaurant, which opened in 2019, has been "grappling with rising operating costs, increased pricing pressures, a saturated market, and the impacts of higher taxes and regulatory expenses."
"We appreciate the support from our guests and the Nashville community and will share updates once plans are finalized," Kilborne said.
Located in Nashville's Hillsboro Village neighborhood, E3 Chophouse is the sequel to the original E3 Chophouse, founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2013 by Adam LaRoche and his brother Jeff.
Described as "a high end, service-driven, fine dining chophouse," E3 Chophouse donates 10% of profits to the E3 Ranch Foundation, which "serves combat Veterans, fights against human trafficking, and provides support during humanitarian crises globally."
Staff caught off guard by decision
The decision to hit pause on operations at E3 Chophouse reportedly took restaurant workers by surprise and caused issues.
“The closure was apparently a surprise for employees at the restaurant, which just last week was promoting their Valentine’s Day menu. But according to a post from a now-former employee in a Nashville hospitality employee Facebook group, the staff had no warning that the restaurant was closing,” WhiskeyRiff.com wrote.
You can view that social media post and its comments section here.