😞 Nashville’s oldest restaurant closes

🎂 Happy Birthday! Get Free Stuff!

Did you know you can get free stuff in Nashville, just for being born? On today’s podcast, local comedian and radio host Jessica Carter shares her list of birthday freebies. Let’s make 2026 the year of taking your birthday seriously! [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🚦 Traffic-Signal Tech Reduces Travel Time

A traffic-signal pilot program on Charlotte Avenue cut WeGo bus travel times by up to 5%, and reduced red-light delays by 18-19%. The Nashville Department of Transportation is now looking into installing similar adaptive traffic signal control tech along Murfreesboro Pike. [🔐 The Tennessean]

🚨 ICE Scraps Plans for Local Detention Facility

In a fourth public reversal, Sen. Marsha Blackburn says Immigration and Customs Enforcement “will not move forward” with plans to build an immigrant detention mega center in Lebanon. Local and state leaders have been vocal in opposing the plan. [Tennessee Lookout]

🧒 Dangerous Living Conditions for Foster Kids

Rep. Aftyn Behn is calling for a federal investigation into DCS, citing the department’s “pattern of negligence and systemic harm.” She’s also asking impacted families to sign a petition and share their stories. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• A Tennessee commission investigation of the state’s Department of Children’s Services found children using meth and being sex trafficked while staying in the department’s offices and transition homes. [NewsChannel 5]
• A total of 445 kids spent at least one night in DCS offices last year, with some staying as long as 100 days. [🔐 The Tennessean]

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites from February.

Ofelia

This farmers market favorite now has a brick-and-mortar store in 12 South. While the Mexico City-inspired menu focuses on a wide variety of tacos, Ofelia’s also serves street corn, dulce de leche, and margaritas.

Deir Café

Wedgewood-Houston’s Deir Café, run by a Nashville-born Palestinian doctor, has opened a second location in Antioch, which they’re saying is the biggest café in Nashville! Deir blends “the soul of Palestine with the creativity of Nashville.” Make sure to try the shawarma.

Zaytani

Under the direction of celebrity chef José Andrés, Zaytani’s menu is inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines, with small plates alongside larger dishes. It’s located inside W Nashville. The José Andrés Group plans to also open Bar Mar in W Nashville soon.

Prepped Palate

Locally owned meal prep and catering company Prepped Palate recently soft opened its grab-and-go storefront in Wedgewood-Houston. Expect healthy and delicious quick lunches.

Prime + Proper

Heirloom Hospitality has brought this fine dining steakhouse to Nashville Yards, within the Grand Hyatt. Open for dinner seven nights a week, the menu also includes seafood and a raw bar.

Silver Fox Coffee Lounge

This Music Row coffee shop has opened a second location in Brentwood, right across the street from REI. It’s open every day from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Grab some coffee and avocado toast.

Radish

Radish has several locations across Nashville and Franklin, and now East Nashville can enjoy its signature salads and grain bowls. It’s located near Butcher & Bee.

JINYA Ramen Bar

JINYA is a large ramen chain, with more than 60 locations across the nation. Its Tennessee debut is in downtown Nashville, where customers can expect slow-simmered broth, sushi, rice bowls, craft beers, and cocktails.

PopUp Bagels

This popular bagel chain is opening its first Tennessee storefront in The Gulch tomorrow, Feb. 27. They’ll be serving a limited-edition Nashville HOT schmear for the grand opening.

NADC Burger

This Austin-based burger joint also has its grand opening tomorrow, Feb. 27, at The Arcade. Its name stands for “Not a Damn Chance Burger,” and they serve one option: A double Wagyu cheeseburger with secret sauce.

It’s time for another shoutout from a City Cast Nashville member!

Olivia R. recommends Peachtree Grille, which “helps the Woodbine neighborhood shine and has the city's best peach cobbler.” Yum! 😋

If you’d like the chance to shout out your favorite local restaurants, become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor! As a member, you’ll get access to weekly event roundups and ad-free podcast listening for only $10 a month.