In what should be a major plus for soon-to-be concertgoers, the announcement was made today that downtown Nashville's new Ascend Amphitheater will feature a trio of popular local restaurants to go along with the usual concessions. Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint and Padrino's Pops will all be on hand for the full slate of shows this year, the first one taking place this Thursday.
Joey's House of Pizza was rumored early on to be one of the local additions as well, but that obviously did not pan out.
It seems that utilizing the resources of the restaurant community in local concert and sports venues is finally gaining some momentum. Earlier this year the new Sounds stadium opened serving hot chicken from East Nashville's Pepperfire and debuting The Band Box, Strategic Hospitality's right field restaurant, bar and outdoor space.