Inside Robert's Western World in 2022
The owners of Nashville honky-tonk mainstay Robert’s Western World are planning to add an additional floor, restaurant and private rooftop terrance to their Broadway building.
Co-owner Emily Ann Jones tells Scene sister publication Nashville Post that the Metro Historic Zoning Commission is expected to approve the changes after the commission initially denied the request following a December submission. The future second floor will accommodate a new restaurant concept from the Robert's ownership team, while the third floor will house a new kitchen, office space and a private rooftop terrace, she said.
“Based on discussions over the holidays … the Historic Zoning Commission has stated that they will provide a letter of recommendation for staff approval,” Jones emailed the Post. “We are currently awaiting this letter.”
A rendering of construction slated for Robert's Western World.
Jones added that Robert’s representatives are still slated to meet with the Metro Historic Zoning Commission at its next meeting on Jan. 15 for final approval.
According to documents submitted to the commission, the construction would involve demolishing the second floor and current roof before adding a new second and third floor. Local companies Ikon construction would serve as contractor while Paradym Studio would serve as architect.
Located at 416B Broadway and owned by Honky Tonk Properties LLC, Robert’s Western World celebrated 25 years in business in 2024 and was instrumental in the revival of the Lower Broadway corridor in the 1990s.
Jones also clarified that Robert’s Western World future rooftop will not offer a working bar, and will instead host only back-of-house operations.
“Roberts will stay Roberts, and any changes would only improve or add to what we are already doing,” she said.
Owners of Never Never and Reunion to open honky-tonk in iconic storefront
Honky Tonk Properties LLC includes Jesse Lee Jones, who is also an owner of the Robert's business with wife Emily Ann Jones and a member of Robert's house band Brazilbilly.
Also on Broadway, the for-sale site of Lucky Bastard Saloon recently saw a significant price drop. However, in July, a downtown surface parking lot set a new per-foot record for its $16.25 million sale. That record was then seemingly topped by the sale of the building housing Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Nashville.
This article first appeared at our sister publication Nashville Post.
