Nashville Dining: City House Prepares for Ownership Change

City House in Nashville will change hands after a 19-year run under chef-owner Tandy Wilson.

Wilson announced the transition in a phone call, stating that the restaurant will remain open under new stewardship. He described the move as a natural progression, noting that he found partners willing to lease the building and retain the established name. Wilson is currently in the process of stepping away from day-to-day operations but emphasized that the business is not shutting down permanently. He characterized the 19-year period as an "unbelievable run" and expressed satisfaction that the location will continue to serve the community.

The incoming partners are Ken Levitan and Howard Greenstone, two prominent figures in Nashville hospitality. Together, they have managed or invested in numerous local establishments, including Adele’s, Bajo Sexto, The 404 Kitchen, Emmy Squared, Sadie’s, and Ella’s on 2nd. Wilson said he has known Levitan for a long time and is eager to hear their vision for the venue. He noted that the pair arrived with a ready team, which reinforced his belief that the timing was right for a transition. Wilson is also relocating his primary life to his second home in Kingston Springs, where he plans to focus on creative pursuits and property management.

Wilson shared the news with his staff on November 6. He plans to keep the restaurant open through New Year’s Eve. Following that date, the location will close for a brief renovation period before reopening in the winter. The new management has stated they do not intend to alter the core identity of the restaurant. Wilson described the transition as friendly, with plans for him to return to cook three or four dinners per year. The new team will also retain a collection of his recipes. Wilson aims to stay connected to the business from his new location, roughly 40 miles away.

Wilson expressed hope that the current staff will continue working under the new ownership. He acknowledged that employees must make their own decisions but stated his preference for them to stay. He reflected on the changing economic environment for independent restaurants in Nashville, observing that the model he helped pioneer is no longer as viable. He cited personal factors, including family life and new hobbies such as drum practices and acting lessons, as part of his decision. Wilson described the change as a "freshening up" for the restaurant.

The restaurant will operate through the holiday season before closing for its planned reworking. The new leadership team is expected to assume full control during the winter reopening. Wilson will maintain a limited culinary presence through periodic cooking events and by providing recipe materials to the new management. No further details on financial terms or specific menu changes were released.