The venerable Rumours Wine Bar at 12th and Division in the Gulch, which had operated in its current incarnation since 2013 and at its original home in the 12South neighborhood since the early Aughts, has abruptly closed for business.
A statement that appeared on the Rumours on 12th Facebook page this afternoon cited factors including rental prices in the Gulch and a new state law mandating immediate payment for liquor deliveries:
Rumours Wine Bar, located on Division Street in the Gulch, closed its doors yesterday. Rumours at its current location had been open since February of 2013 and, before moving to the Gulch, operated for seven-plus years in the 12South neighborhood. Owners Jenn Doherty McCarthy and Tammy Webb-Baker said that their small independent restaurant struggled with the transition to a rental space that was more expensive than the 12th Avenue South location, but had much less foot traffic.A new liquor law that eliminated a 10-day payment window for alcohol sales and required payment on delivery also created cashflow difficulties for the relatively new small business.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported us over the last year and a half,” said Doherty-McCarthy in an email to customers and staff. “We need to thank our fantastic staff, loyal and regular patrons, and all of the local businesses we worked with. Our time in the Gulch was special. Being part of this community has meant the world to us.”
Rumours had been one of the pioneering businesses of the 12South neighborhood revival, operating for 10 years before shutting down relocating as its little bungalow on 12th was demolished to clear way for new development. Last year It reopened in the ground floor of the Icon building.
(Meanwhile, Rumours in East Nashville, originally a spinoff, has had a completely separate ownership for years.)
Scene restaurant critic Carrington Fox gave the reincarnated Rumours on 12th a positive review, calling it "a sleek and inviting nightspot" that added "a welcome touch of independently owned flair to the gleaming Gulch."
Owner Jenn McCarthy could not be immediately reached for comment.
