Nashville’s Historic Exit/In To Close On Thanksgiving

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Exit/In

After 51 years, Nashville’s historic Exit/In will officially close its doors on Thanksgiving, ahead of the venue’s lease ending at the end of 2022. The restaurant attached to the building, Hurry Back, will remain open into December, but will close before year’s end.

The venue ownership turned to social media to break the news, saying, “It appears that 51 years of local, independent ownership and operation have come to an end.” The post continues, “We’re humbled to host this last run of concerts with friends from many eras gracing our stage again. There have been too many incredible moments to count over the 18 years we’ve stewarded Exit/In. It’s an incredibly special place that we are so fortunate to have been a part of. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the extended Exit/In family.”

First opening in 1971 at 2208 Elliston Place, the venue is one of Music City’s most beloved independently owned venues and played host to tens of thousands of notable acts, including Etta James, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Linda Rondstadt, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, Muddy Waters, Leonard Cohen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Sharon Jones, Kings Of Leon, Lucinda Williams, The Allman Brothers Band, Cage The Elephant, REM, and many more.

In February of 2021, it was announced that the Exit/In property was being listed for sale. Venue owner Chris Cobb, in partnership with Grubb Properties, created a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to help purchase the property and, in turn, solidify the future of the club. However, none of their bids were accepted.

Photo: Courtesy of Zach Nieszczur

“Over 4,000 people donated to the Keep Exit/In Independent GoFundMe,” the post noted. “Revisiting the number of donations and outcry of support gives up hope for the future and has allowed us to continue fighting. As stated from the beginning, the funds raised will be donated to MVAN and NIVA once this process has finalized.”

In their statement, the owners explained that there is a historic overlay on the building, and that the exact effect of the zoning is dependent on the Historic Commission. While the zoning should prevent complete destruction of the historic building, it can change at any time.

“We love this city wholeheartedly but are not ok with many current trends here. We know Nashville needs Exit/In and independent venues like it to continue supporting our community of artists, musicians, and the entire ecosystem they center.” The post added, “Thank you again most humbly and sincerely for all your support, for all the shows, and all the memories.”

The Exit/In will wrap up its slate of programming with upcoming shows from Spencer Crandall (Nov. 15), Carlene Carter & The Lucky Ones (Nov. 16), Emmylou Harris (Nov. 17), Lilly Hiatt and Adia Victoria (Nov. 19), Jeff the Brotherhood (Nov. 20-21) and Diarrhea Planet (Nov. 22-23).

Lydia Farthing
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