Nashville’s Locust Restaurant Honored Among North America’s Best

Strategic Hospitality, (Ben Goldberg, Max Goldberg, Jenny Deathridge Bratt, and Camille Tambunting) the Nashville group that helps operate Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, recently celebrated a prestigious win at another of its Music City restaurants — Locust. 

Located in the city’s 12South neighborhood, Locust is a modern, minimalist, upscale restaurant known for nuanced sauces and a seasonal menu with Irish- and British-influenced seafood. The restaurant just ranked No. 20 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by San Pellegrino. Strategic Hospitality co-owner Max Goldberg traveled to Las Vegas to accept the award. 

“To be included in the list at all is an honor, but No. 20, holy cow!” said Tambunting. 

She explained that Strategic, along with celebrated chef Trevor Moran, opened Locust in October 2020 during the pandemic. One month later, they were forced to close the dining room. 

“To continuously receive such recognition from the industry, our peers, but most importantly our guests, has been overwhelming,” she said. “Trevor and his team are truly world-class at what they do.” 

Locust is open Friday through Sunday with reservations required for both lunch and dinner. The menu rotates, featuring items such as rib of beef, caviar, lamb dumplings, raw bar selections, and shaved-ice desserts. 

“Locust is so special because of not only how incredibly talented they are, but they treat each team member and guest like family,” said Deathridge Bratt. “It’s a close-knit group there, and they bring you right in the mix when you have a seat in their house.” 

Brooks and Yearwood applauded Strategic’s growing recognition and success. 

“Congrats to the Fab Four,” the couple said in a statement. “We are so lucky to be working with you, and Music City is so lucky to have you here. We know how much you love this community and how hard you work for it. We are so happy for you, and thank you for bringing quality to the people and visitors of this great city and state.” 

For more information, visit Locust’s website.