Burger UP

Burger Up, a longtime restaurant in 12 South, is closing, adding to the list of local closures as the neighborhood expands.

Levain Bakery, a New York City-based bakery known for handcrafted cookies, will open a location in Nashville's 12 South neighborhood at 2901 12th Avenue South. The Nashville location replaces the closed Burger UP restaurant, with Levain founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the space as a community gathering spot. Burger UP owner Jim Lewis endorsed the transition, and no opening date has been announced.

More than a dozen Nashville restaurants closed in 2026 due to rising property taxes, rent prices, and failed negotiations with property managers. Notable closures include Cock of the Walk (42 years), Burger UP (16 years), Pelican & Pig (awarded in 2019), and E3 Chophouse (owned by Adam LaRoche, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean).

Burger Up, a longstanding restaurant in Nashville's 12 South neighborhood, is closing amid rising costs and external pressures like parking and property taxes. Local business owner Jeremy Barlow and customer Athena Puharic highlight the community's struggle to retain businesses as closures accelerate, with calls for policy changes to support local enterprises.

Burger Up will close its Nashville 12 South location on August 1 after 16 years in business. Staff attributed the closure to changes in the 12 South neighborhood.

Burger Up announced it will permanently close after 16 years in business. The decision marks the end of the restaurant's long-standing operation.

Burger UP, a Nashville burger restaurant operating in 12 South for 16 years, will permanently close on August 1, 2026. The closure is part of a broader trend of restaurant and business shutdowns in Nashville, including Pelican & Pig’s, Margot Café and Bar, and McNeil’s Fresh Produce.