The new gathering place for the American Honky Tonk Bar Association now has a name.
A few weeks back, country music legend Garth Brooks officially announced plans for a Broadway bar in downtown Nashville, Tennessee (although it was first discovered and reported on by Whiskey Riff).
Garth’s new entertainment concept and bar will be located at 411 Broadway in the old Downtown Sporting Club location, or for those who remember, the location of Paradise Park. The 3-story, 40,000+ square foot property on Lower Broadway was purchased in December, 2021.
And now we finally have a name.
First reported by The Music Universe, Garth’s bar will officially be called Friends in Low Places.
Didn’t see that one coming, right?
And not only do we have a name, but the merch store in the bar will also be opening TODAY, ahead of Garth’s two-night stop at Nissan Stadium just across the river from his new bar.
There’s still no word on the official opening date for the entire bar, or exactly what the venue will look like, but in previous interviews Garth has expressed interest in opening a true “dive bar.” And in his statement announcing the new venture, he said that his goal was a “classic honky tonk.”
“We feel very lucky to have the chance to be part of Lower Broad, which is arguably THE hottest spot in the country.
The goal is a classic honky-tonk that welcomes all and encourages love and kindness while playing the greatest music in the world in the home of Country Music!”
Friends in Low Places will be a partnership with brothers Benjamin and Max Goldberg and their company Strategic Hospitality, which owns and operates several other venues in Nashville like Merchants Restaurant, Pinewood Social and the Patterson House, a craft cocktail bar with a speakeasy theme.
It’s going to be hard for Garth’s bar to stand out on Broadway though, with so many other artists also hanging their name in neon on the crowded downtown strip.
Alan Jackson, John Rich, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, and Dierks Bentley all have massive bars on Broadway, and just last month, Eric Church announced that he would be opening his own six-story venue, Chief’s, in 2023.
But hopefully Garth sticks to his word and his bar is more like Alan Jackson’s AJ’s Good Time Bar, a classic honky tonk feel with nothing but country music.
Although I do have a suggestion for Garth (which I’m sure he doesn’t care about): If you’re really interested in doing a dive bar or a classic honky tonk, just bring back the old Paradise Park. Those who remember the bar that formerly occupied Garth’s space have fond memories of the beer-soaked Astroturf, cheap pitchers and greasy burgers that served up the best drunk food on Broadway after a night of partying.
Call it Friends in Low Places if you want to. But bring back the old Paradise Park concept, and I’d be happy to slip on down to the Oasis any time.
