Hathorne, a well-known fine dining restaurant in Nashville, is closing for good after nearly six years. The closure will happen this weekend. This move reflects a wider trend of local restaurants struggling in the post-pandemic economy. Opened in 2019, Hathorne quickly gained fame and was listed as one of Bon Appetit's "Best 50 New Restaurants." Despite surviving the pandemic and a seven-month closure, keeping the restaurant open has become too complicated, as reported by WSMV.

John Stephenson, who is at the helm of Hathorne and has nearly three decades of culinary experience in Nashville, articulated the impending halt in operations. "And while we’re proud of the food we’ve served and the hospitality provided, the truth is, it’s just not sustainable in today’s climate," announced the statement, detailed by Davidson County Source. Having previously worked at establishments such as Amerigo, Corner Market, and Fido, Stephenson is known for transforming a former church fellowship hall into the reputable dining venue that Hathorne is known for.

Hathorne's struggle mirrors a broader issue faced by the restaurant industry in the post-pandemic era. As explained by Stephenson, even government assistance in the form of PPP grants proved inadequate as some of these funds eventually converted into debt. "The current restaurant climate was too tough to navigate," Stephenson stated, as per Tennessean. With the closing of Hathorne, Nashville's dining scene loses an establishment that not only provided distinctive culinary experiences but also featured an ambitious chef at its core, one who had answered the call of the local community's palate with zeal, catering to Hollywood names and music legends, as well as its dedicated neighbors.

The last service at Hathorne will be observed this Sunday, marking the end of a local culinary chapter.