I have a feeling we’re going to be hearing this from a lot of small businesses over the next month.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen, the iconic Nashville restaurant that has been serving meat-and-threes for over 30 years, recently told WKRN that they may have to close their doors for good without help from the state or federal government. Since being forced to close their dining room last month amid the COVID-19 crisis, Arnold’s has continued to open for curbside pickup and delivery orders – but their sales are still down almost 90%.
Arnold’s is a staple of the Nashville food scene. It’s one of the few restaurants that both locals and tourists alike can agree on. This place has served everybody from Guy Fieri, Tim McGraw and Porter Wagoner to hungover tourists looking to soak up last night’s alcohol.
And with all of the expensive new hipster restaurants that have opened in Nashville the past few years, Arnold’s is a no-frills, inexpensive blast from the past that serves up some of the best classic comfort food that you’ll find in the city. The roast beef, the fried chicken, the buffet of sides to choose from… my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
It’s hard to tell when, if ever, restaurants will be able to go back to normal. Unfortunately that means many small family-run businesses like Arnold’s are struggling to survive. It’s going to be a damn shame if we finally reopen to a world without Arnold’s country cooking.
So if you’ll excuse me, I know what I’m having for lunch today. I need that meat-and-three while I can still get it – even if it’s curbside. And if you live in Nashville, I recommend you do the same.
