The George Jones, a smokehouse restaurant, live music venue, gift shop, event space and museum devoted to its Country Music Hall of Fame member namesake, has closed its doors.
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The announcement came Monday (Dec. 13) via a social media post from the business.
"It has been a difficult two years for so many - our company has been no different," the post reads. "From the pandemic (and the starts and stops there) all the way through to the 2nd Avenue bombing one year ago - we have fought for what is right for our loyal staff and local partners. As many business owners know, between the workforce shortages and difficulty with consistency of products, it is a challenge day to day (to say the least) to make a business viable. For these reasons, it is with a heavy heart that we announce we are closing The George Jones Entertainment Venue after a beautiful run."
The establishment opened on April 24, 2015, just two days shy of Jones' two-year death anniversary (April 26, 2013).
"We are overjoyed to share George's legacy and memory with the Nashville community," Jones' widow Nancy Jones said in a statement announcing the opening (as quoted by American Songwriter). "We hope that this will draw George's friends and fans worldwide to our great city. George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City."
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The downtown Nashville business (located near Lower Broadway at 128 2nd Ave. N) spanned 44,000 square feet and featured a rooftop bar.
The statement promises that the George Jones Museum collection will find a new home.
"The museum and all of its contents are being handled with care," the statement reads. "There will be more to come on where this exhibit will land next."
