The Evolution of Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville
Ah, Nashville! This vibrant city echoes with the sounds of guitars, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. But nestled at the bustling corner of First Avenue and Broadway is something that tells the tales of our rich history—Acme Feed & Seed. If you wander by today, you might spot the faded remnants of the teal sign on the white brick facade, a charming reminder of the past from way back in 1965. Yet if you walk through those doors now, you will find no farm supplies; instead, a lively atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food, and a party vibe awaits you!
From Farm Supplies to Funky Parties
Acme Feed & Seed has undergone a pretty remarkable transformation in its 134-year history. Initially, a warehouse market for groceries, grains, and livestock, this lovely old building has morphed into a global party hotspot since its reinvention in 2014 by Tom Morales. Can you believe it? This year marks the tenth anniversary of its new life as a lively watering hole that boasts two fantastic restaurants, several live music stages, one of the city’s trendiest rooftop bars, a boutique shop, and even a live radio station! Talk about a makeover!
A Piece of Nashville’s Heart
“From (the time I was) a child, it was iconic,” says Morales, a proud Nashville native. He’s like a culinary wizard who has worked on some famous Hollywood films before pouring his heart into opening multiple restaurants in the area, like Saffire Restaurant & Bar and The Southern Steak & Oyster. For him, the Acme building isn’t just a business; it’s a “tattoo of history,” encapsulating each era Nashville has experienced.
Built back in 1890, the Acme building has seen a lot! Initially constructed by J.R. Whitemore, it housed the Cummins Brothers’ Grocery Store, which set the tone for the following decades. From there, it welcomed tenants such as Southern Soda Works and the Continental Baking Powder. As Nashville became one of the leading flour manufacturers, Ford Flour set up shop in this building, becoming the largest self-rising flour manufacturer in the nation!
A Feather in Nashville’s Cap
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and the building became known as Acme Feed & Hatchery. This was the go-to spot for farmers, who would gather hundreds, even thousands, of chicks alongside feed and pet supplies. The vibrant Purina Jamboree, with its lovable pig mascots, was a hit—a real community favorite! And how could we forget the “dog dipping” sessions every Saturday? Free flea treatments for your furry friends were the order of the day!
However, by the late 1990s, the store closed its doors, with the world having changed significantly. Local historian David Ewing reminisces about those quieter days, where you could drive right up to Acme and stroll in without a crowd of tourists. That charm seemed lost until Morales took on the challenge of breathing life back into the iconic space.
Reviving the Past
For Morales, it was always about preserving Nashville’s charm while creating something new. “I spent most of my adult life trying to save pieces of Nashville,” he reflects, recalling his hopes of transforming the building that stood empty during his Dancin’ in the District free outdoor summer concert series.
The building now stands as a tribute to Nashville’s rich musical history. It even features a second floor that serves as a museum to Music Row, with wonderful artifacts such as the Acuff-Rose sign, revered in the music industry much like the Hollywood sign is for film lovers. An 88-foot-long beam made from uncut American poplar—added during its construction—tells the story of resourcefulness from the Civil War era.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to Morales’ dedication and vision, Acme Feed & Seed now thrives and honors its previous eras while serving as a local gathering spot. It was placed on the historic register in 1998, a relationship with the past that the community holds dear. As Ewing puts it, “We are so lucky that building is still standing.”
So, whether you’re in the mood for tasty food, live music, or just soaking up the heritage of Nashville, Acme Feed & Seed promises an experience like no other, blending the past with the present and creating new memories for the future. Cheers to the next chapter in this wonderful Nashville saga!
