Acme Feed and Seed

Built in the 1890s by J. R. Whitemore, the building at 101 Broadway housed numerous retailers and warehouses throughout its history. The large open layout was ideal for tenants like wholesale grocers and transportation retailer Bearden Buggy Company. After moving the business to the building on the corner of First Avenue and Broadway in 1943, Acme became one of the best-known companies in town. It sold wholesale goods and farm equipment, held community events like Saturday "dog dips" to treat pets for fleas, and showcased the store's calf, Beautena, during Grand Ole Opry performances at the Ryman. The name was changed to Acme Farm Supply in 1965. While the building housed a supply store until the 1990s, it is now a three-floor restaurant plus rooftop bar. 

It was leased and renovated by Tom Morales in 2014, and the building's history served as the inspiration for its new design. For example, most of the original construction remains intact, left open for patrons to enjoy. Also, the Acme Farm Supply's painted façade inspired the red and white checkerboard theme throughout the restaurant. The second-floor re-purposed the original windows that now serve as dividers between seating areas, and print plates used to label seed bags are mounted on the back wall. The third-floor event space, called the Hatchery, pays homage to Acme Farm Supply that once hatched over 4,000 chicks each week! The menu reflects a balance between Old and New Nashville: southern cuisine is prepared on the first floor and sushi on the second floor. A rooftop bar on the fourth floor provides stunning views of downtown and the Cumberland River.

To reach our last stop, turn around and walk back up Broadway toward Second Avenue. Cross over Second Avenue and continue walking up Broadway until you have reached Fourth Avenue South. You will see the large green sign for Merchants Restaurant and Grill.