Tuesday, March 3, 2009
News With a Twist, Ombi's Bartender Buys the Place
Posted by Carrington Fox on Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Terrell Raley, longtime bartender of Ombi restaurant, has purchased the Elliston Place eatery from founders Wonnie Short and Dennis Rogers.
The friendly--and speedy--handover transpired this weekend after Short told Raley he was considering closing the restaurant, and Raley asked him to sell it to him instead of padlocking the doors.
As sole owner of the business, Raley says he will change nothing in terms of operations or staff. Jason Love will remain chef.
The sleek and stylish Ombi began life four years ago as an awkward daytime-nighttime hybrid of Le Peep restaurant and Ombi Bar. Two years ago, chefs Laura Wilson and Kim Totzke took over the kitchen, eliminating the Le Peep element and turning Ombi into a full-fledged restaurant with a French bistro-style repertoire. In recent months, the menu has morphed toward a collection of smaller plates and a style Raley describes as "gastropub."
Totzke left Ombi for Provence Breads & Cafe last year, and Wilson officially handed over the kitchen to sous chef Love on Valentine's Day this year, when she left the business to spend more time with her new baby.
Raley & Co. will celebrate the exchange of ownership on Friday, March 13, with an evening that's sure to include lots of drink specials.
Comments (22)
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Just curious, why was the original owners looking to close down? Lack of profit or something else?
Glad to see someone with a vested interest stepping up to the plate and keeping the doors open.
Congratulations and best wishes to Terrell! He truly makes the best cocktail in town and I really hope Ombi with thrive with him at the helm.
I had an absolutely epic Terrell-made Old-Fashioned over Christmas holidays. Then I had another.
To answer Dippin' Sauce question: The owners believed that the supply for upscale fine dining establishments in Nashville had exceeded its demand. After more than a year of drastically slow business, we altered the cuisine to streamline the concept of what Ombi is. The incredibly busy February leading up to a booked up Valentine's Day weekend illustrated to us that, especially in this economy, Nashville was looking for beautiful food in a beautiful room at a better value. Our new focus as "Gastropub at Ombi" will offer the modern European cuisine, wine + spirits, atmosphere and "feel" associated with fine dining establishment minus the elevated expense and pretension. We will be Nashville's first and finest gastropub. Please join us!
Then you fell down and couldn't get up. Hats off to Wonnie and partners for all the dedication to Ombi, and best to the suavest bartender in Nashville in his new venture. Will be by for a glass of wine and maybe braised rabbit on Easter Sunday.
I keep getting "What's a gastropub?". A basic description is here:
http://www.thefoodsection.com/foodsection/2004/02/enter_the_gastr.html
This is wonderful! There aren't very many places in Nashville that serve affordable, tasty food in surroundings that are grown-up but casual--Nashville needs Ombi! I can't wait to get in to try Sunday brunch.
Thanks to Terrell!! We've only had the chance to dine at Ombi once since moving back to Nashville from Atlanta, where there is no shortage of fine food, and I would hate to not have the opportunity again. Good luck to you all and we'll be back soon!
Congrats Terrell! Ombi is so often my go to spot. Now, can you bring back the Saffron Gibson?
Christine
I love Ombi! It's my very favorite restaurant in Nashville. It's got style, a calm vibe, and amazing food and cocktails. I always take guests there, and insist on dragging my local friends as often as they'll go with me. I'm so glad it's not closing!
I am so proud of you Terrell. Next we are in Nashville we will come into Ombi. We heard all about from your brother. Congrats and good luck.
Terrell - AWESOME!!!! I'm so excited for you and we will be by soon to show our love! ox
Brother, you know already--best of luck and that I'll continue to do my best spreading the word! I'll see you later more than likely.
Once you engrave my reserved stool.
FUCKIN A
a gastropub in nashville!!!
perfect!
i love it!
terrell, have you seen holeman & finch's menu?
http://www.holeman-finch.com/
just totally perfect... i love that place.
will be by soon!
btw - that last comment was also for jason
and - i really think that this is going to great for nashville. i think you guys are going to succeed where others will fail. it's just a hunch... but i think this is going to be BIG.
Terrell is absolutely the best bartender in town! The cocktails are awesome, and the tapas concept and drink specials make for a superb happy hour experience! I love the new concept, the vibe, the space, the din, the staff...defintely got the whole package!
Bill
We had dinner there this weekend and it was pretty great!
Terrel was nice enough to come to our table and introduce himself.
We plan on making this one of our regular spots.
I recommend going and supporting one of our local business owners.
Best of luck to all of you. My husband and I have always been impressed with the food when we come down to visit. He says the shrimp and grits are the best he's ever had! The staff has always been friendly (I may be just a bit prejudiced since Ted is my son) but we were very happy and excited for all of you when we heard that you believed in the place enough to keep it going. We wish you all the best! Hope to see you soon.
Ted & Mary Jean Ringeisen
