Craig’s Nashville

Dowdle Construction completed the 7,458-square-foot transformation of Craig’s Nashville at 611 9th Avenue South, bringing the celebrated West Hollywood restaurant concept to the Gulch. While the project began with an existing one-story building, the scope evolved into a near-complete reconstruction, with Dowdle demolishing the existing structure down to the original footings and approximately three feet of remaining CMU block before rebuilding the new two-story restaurant for its new Nashville location. Scope of work included extensive structural reconstruction, new exterior envelope, full MEP systems, commercial kitchen infrastructure, fire protection, audio-visual systems and specialty lighting coordination. The first level features a full commercial kitchen, central bar, lower dining room, restrooms, elevator access and a reworked entry sequence, while the second level includes upper dining, a private dining room, service bar, office and back-of-house support spaces. Food-service infrastructure included walk-in cooler and freezer areas, bar service, pantry/service stations and new utility and grease-waste coordination.

The finished restaurant pairs Craig’s signature hospitality with a warm, layered interior designed for an elevated dining experience. Custom millwork, stained wood frames and moldings, brick veneer, mirror panels, stone accents, wallcoverings, booth and banquette seating, and carefully coordinated lighting create a polished but comfortable atmosphere throughout. An intricate staircase and open two-story volume, visually connect the lower and upper dining rooms, while the private dining room incorporates built-in service elements support a more intimate guest experience.

Exterior improvements included a refreshed street presence along 9th Avenue South, with new facade elements, storefront systems, site work, landscaping and entry improvements that help establish the restaurant within the surrounding Gulch South neighborhood. Dowdle worked closely with Pfeffer Torode Architecture, and the project team to deliver a high-end restaurant environment that balances Craig’s established identity with a distinctly Nashville setting.

Architect: Pfeffer Torode

Owner: Craig Susser