Bob Bernstein on The New Nashville
BOB BERNSTEIN has been watching the landscape of 21st Ave S change from the windows of his coffee shop and eatery, Fido, for over 23 years. And though the only thing that’s changed under the Jones Pet Shop sign in that time is the amount of space Fido occupies along the street, what’s changed around the Hillsboro Village institution is, well, everything.
“We signed the lease in ’95 and opened in ’96,” says Bob. “This area was dead. These were empty buildings and low volume places. Now it’s becoming just like all of Nashville- national and regional companies [are] moving in and it’s getting harder and harder for the small, local businesses to survive or even start in this town.”
The threat of “New Nashville” is very real. Larger companies and chains are engulfing the spaces once occupied by local, family-run stores. “I think there’s a general perception out there that because Nashville is growing, every business is doing better,” Bob says. “It’s even harder to operate now.” As the city gains popularity and the food industry expands, it’s becoming more difficult, if not impossible for smaller companies to afford the rent. “I feel very fortunate. We started over 20 years ago and we bought a bunch of our real estate. I feel well-protected and insulated, but the places that I (do rent) I have to start thinking short term. I can’t think long term anymore.” And short term can be, well, short sighted.
Fido, a tried and true destination for locals and Vandy students, due to its cool atmosphere and consistent quality food and coffee, certainly seems to be operating well. Creative specials bring something new to be excited about daily, while their focus on local vendors, products, and the community stays the same.
But while Fido remains popular, Bob remains concerned for the future of his and his communities’ other businesses. He’s on a constant mission to build and strengthen his community and see that each restaurant or café adds something unique to where it is. “I think Nashville is in danger of losing its local look, feel and taste,” he says. “There’s a great energy in this town and I love this town. Yet, I wish we’d focus more on the real local businesses and keeping neighborhoods feeling like they’re unique. I would love if Hillsboro Village still felt different than 12 South, which still felt different than Germantown… When you get the same restaurants in so many places, it starts to make this city less interesting and the neighborhoods less exciting. If you don’t call attention to it, it’s so easy to blink and just have it be the case.” The exit of local independents has dealt a blow to the neighborhood. Where Jackson’s once stood, a New Orleans- based restaurant will open and compete directly for breakfast and lunch business with both Fido and Pancake Pantry, which has been in the Village since 1961.
Nashville’s independents are more important than ever. While we embrace the positive changes that come with our growing city, it’s vital we can still get a great cup of locally roasted coffee and a handcrafted sandwich at our beloved mainstays - and keep places like Fido barking a long time.
Ironically, the very day we photographed Bob Bernstein for this story, the wall of the adjoining Impeccable Pig fell-in due to the construction next door, closing the entire strip that includes Fetch and Fido. The vacant lot was where Jacksons stood, which closed and was razed to make way for a new chain restaurant, making what was once a local enclave (Hillsboro Village) now a predominantly chain-store shopping area.
— The Editors
