Garth Brooks Confirms Rumors of New Nashville Honky Tonk

He's got a vision for a "classic honky tonk" in the heart of Broadway.

Written by Chris Parton
Garth Brooks Confirms Rumors of New Nashville Honky Tonk
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Garth Brooks performs at The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize tribute concert at DAR Constitution Hall on March 04, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)

Garth Brooks has always had “Friends In Low Places,” and now the country legend has plans to make some friends on Lower Broadway. Brooks has officially confirmed rumors that he intends to open his own honky tonk in downtown Nashville.

Revealing the news via press release on Tuesday (April 5), the Country Music Hall of Famer announced he did in fact purchase the building at 411 Broadway in December, and will now turn it into a three-story, 40,000-square-foot behemoth of a honky tonk. There’s no word on what name he’ll give it just yet, but Brooks describes his vision as “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,” Brooks said in a statement. “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!”

As earlier reported, 411 Broadway is the former home of Paradise Park and more recently Nashville Sporting Club. Brooks has partnered with Strategic Hospitality for the deal, who operate a number of other popular bars and restaurants. But in true Brooks fashion he will actually own his building, offering him more control over the business than his country star peers, who typically just license others the right to use their name.

Rumors began swirling last month when Nashville Business Journal reported Brooks’ plans, noting that the 411 Broadway was sold for a cool $48 million late last year. All Access went on to connect Brooks’ business team to the ownership documents, all but confirming the deal.

“Garth’s long-standing commitment to Nashville is far beyond music and has been so meaningful to our city,” Strategic Hospitality said in Brooks’ statement. “We couldn’t be more excited than to help him bring his concept to reality.”

Brooks is just the latest star to open his own bar/entertainment venue on Broadway. Many of the strip’s old honky tonks have been replaced with concepts branded by Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and even Eric Church, who announced a six-story bar and BBQ in January.