It’s happened again. The same way beloved 12South restaurant Josephine shuttered just when they should have been celebrating a decade in business — because that auspicious achievement happened to coincide with the end of a 10-year lease — Melrose favorite Sinema will soon serve its last bottomless brunch.
Sinema opened (yes) 10 years ago in the former home of the Loews Melrose Theatre, and its final service will be Saturday, Aug. 31. Known for its sultry Hollywood-chic ambiance and the talented chefs who passed through the kitchen, Sinema was a standout in a neighborhood of casual restaurants. A favorite destination of out-of-towners seeking a glamorous spot for an adult meal outside the urban core (and one of the city’s most popular locations for bathroom selfies), Sinema was also popular with many different local demographics.
The upstairs lounge attracted cocktail lovers — especially fans of rare bourbons, thanks to an extensive collection of luxury whiskeys. Semi-private upstairs rooms were ideal to see and (almost) be seen during a special dinner or impromptu upscale happy hour among a group of friends. The multiple dining rooms downstairs offered further “choose-your-experience” culinary outings. I always liked to sit where I could see into the open kitchen and watch chefs like Dale Levitski, Kyle Patterson and the latest arrival, Shelby Briggs, effortlessly leading the staff through service. From the decor to the flatware to the artistic presentation of plating, Sinema exuded class.
Still, the sad truth is that 10 years usually means renewing a lease at 2024 prices instead of the rates at the beginning of Nashville’s restaurant boom in 2014. And that is just untenable for many restaurants, including successful ones like Josephine and Sinema. Co-owners Ed and Sam Reed might have deep pockets, but the Reed family didn’t become so successful by paying over-market rates for anything, and I imagine nobody’s business plan anticipates the magnitude of rent increases that emerge at lease renewal time in this current market. Plus, Sinema was a pretty huge property to fill up on a nightly basis.
Sinema
The third in the trio of Sinema owners is Q Taylor, and it has always been impressive to watch him work a room. A true hospitality professional, Q consistently did whatever it took to maximize the dining experience for his patrons, whether it was a table of hungry Titans or a 16-year-old celebrating her birthday party in a special place. As one of the rare Black fine-dining restaurant owners in town, he has always been a role model for anyone aspiring to succeed in the industry. Whichever venture gets him next will be fortunate. (Plus I’m sure he will remain integrally involved with his and the Reeds’ other projects at 8th and Roast as the coffee company continues to expand.)
Beloved specialty coffee company acquires Good Citizen Coffee Co.
But here we are, nearing the end of Sinema’s run. The management team issued the following statement this afternoon after informing their team of the impending closure:
“With utmost appreciation for our guests, our team and the Nashville community, we announce that Sinema’s final service will be Saturday, August 31. Sinema was a dream we made a reality, and the result was a decade of service to the Nashville community, celebrating marquee moments and commemorating countless milestones through private events, celebratory dinners, bottomless brunches, and many #SinemaSelfies. We've received local and national accolades, hosted special guests, and facilitated many special days.
Our team successfully navigated the pandemic, supported our staff during wage inflation, and adjusted to the rising cost of real estate, all of which led to this venture being uneconomical. With the end of our current lease approaching, it is time to close on a high note. We invite the community to help us celebrate 10 incredible years by dining with us over the next two weeks as we make our final toasts to Sinema.
As for what’s next, our sister company 8th & Roast is growing rapidly and we are focused on supporting our farmer relationships and our community of wholesale and individual customers. And who knows? We may see you in another dining room again soon.”
Management is currently assisting all current employees to help them find new jobs after the closure.
After longtime local restaurateur Randy Rayburn’s recent passing, I revisited a story I wrote five years ago about him, Deb Paquette and Margot McCormack sitting around a table musing and reminiscing about the restaurant industry in Nashville. One comment by McCormack really stood out to me at the time, and still does: “I just think sometimes that maybe restaurants weren’t meant to be old.”
I wish that weren’t true, but it often is. I prefer to think that Sinema fully embraced its Hollywood vibe with a Tinseltown trope, going out while it's still young and vibrant instead of hanging in the business a little too long in hopes of aging gracefully — in an industry that doesn’t reward experience over attractiveness. Like a candle in the wind …
