NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Nashville staple known for decades for its meat and sleaze is back in business, but the reopening comes with challenges.
“So we opened, and the response was great, and two weeks later we were like, 'Do people think we're just doing a pop-up?'” said Khalil, owner of Arnold's Country Kitchen. Arnold said. “I thought, 'What did I do wrong?' Did they change the recipe? Everything's the same, I don't know,” he said, and he was like, “Oh, are you still open?” There were also customers who came to the store. Yes, we are still open. I was here. “
Arnold's Country Kitchen, with its fried chicken, country side, and chocolate pie, has been a Nashville staple for the past 40 years.
The restaurant closed last year for a real estate sale, but the sale never materialized, so it officially reopened with new hours in January.
Many loyal customers stop by regularly to get a hot plate with all their fixin's, but Khalil said they've seen a significant drop in customers. He told News 2 that's because many people don't realize they're back.
“I think 50% it's easy and 50% it's back to where it was before,” Khalil said.
He's not the only one trying to spread the word that their doors are open again and they're here to stay. His longtime customer, Anthony Wickwire, told News 2 he is doing everything he can to bring others to Arnold's store.
“When it closed, it was really tough. We kept coming here and wanted to tell a lot of our friends, but when we opened and showed it to them, they loved it.” Wickwire said.
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Khalil told News 2 that Arnold's Country Kitchen will continue to exist, and while business is in a lull, it will continue to serve not only its Southern-inspired cuisine, but also the family memories that have made the kitchen so special over the years. He said he was optimistic that things would return to normal. .
“I think when people think of it, they think of Arnold. I think that's a very vivid memory of Arnold. This is a family-owned establishment that has been in the Nashville community for generations. ,” Khalil said.
Arnold's Country Kitchen is expanding its hours. Starting May 4, the store will be open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
