If you've driven through the urban canyon that is Division Street in the Gulch lately, you might have noticed that the new Canopy by Hilton luxury hotel has opened at 920 Division. If you’re like me, you also might have felt a little twinge in your heart remembering that was once the site of Yazoo Brewing Company’s beloved taproom for years, a favorite gathering spot for local craft beer lovers.
I remember talking to Yazoo founder Linus Hall about his decision to move his operations to the outskirts of town in Madison. I certainly didn’t (and don’t) begrudge his decision, but I think he could sense my disappointment. He mentioned that the new developers of the property were thinking of honoring the legacy of Yazoo by featuring the brewery at the future hotel’s bars. I didn’t put a lot of stock in that, but darned if that promise is becoming a reality!
Canopy has announced a commitment to local food and beverage offerings at the property, including a Five Points Pizza slice window and a full-service 8th & Roast coffee bar. The hotel’s signature restaurant Silo has more Nashville connections than just “borrowing” the name of a former popular Germantown restaurant (which never reopened after taking a hit from the 2020 tornado). It will also rekindle some of the former Yazoo glory by offering exclusive brewery selections on tap at their bar, and the name is actually a nod to the grain silos that flanked Division in front of the brewery.
The kitchen at Silo is under the guidance of chef David Henriquez, who has created an all-day gathering space with his modern gastropub menu. Later this year, chef Henriquez will also open a modern Mexican rooftop restaurant named COA, boasting one of the largest agave-based spirits collections in the state alongside regional culinary classics. COA will also offer sweeping downtown vistas and three terraces with an outdoor agave garden.Â
While it probably won’t make me stop missing Yazoo, it is nice to hear that the developers have followed through with their promise!
