There’s some good news for Nashville residents. Arnold’s Country Kitchen, which closed at the start of the year, after 40 years in business, is making a comeback. Per The Tennessean, the popular meat-and-three will begin on November 20 and run through November 22, with no reservations required, followed by two seatings, reservations required, on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s unreal,” co-owner Kahlil Arnold, son of the restaurant’s late founder, Jack Arnold, says of the reopening.  “I think the Nashville community has always been so supportive of us, and it almost leaves you speechless. All we’ve ever tried to do was treat everyone like family, be good to our customers and we’ve always wanted to make everyone feel like they were at home.”

When Arnold’s closed, the plan was to sell the property, and give the owners a much-needed respite. The deal, unfortunately, fell through, although Arnold says that may have been a blessing in disguise.

It’s inevitably going to sell one day,” Arnold acknowledges. “But we’re not in any rush now.”

The time away from one of Music City’s most beloved eateries gave Arnold time to spend with his father, before he passed away in September.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Arnold says. “I never would have gotten to do that otherwise.”

As for the future, Arnold hopes to resurrect Arnold’s at another location, with their popular meat-and-three, with a twist.

“Whatever I do there, will be some barbecue involved,” Arnold said. He also says that, while grateful for the heritage of Arnold’s, he isn’t going to try and duplicate its success in the future.

“There will never be another Arnold’s, at least exactly the way it is now,” Arnold concedes. “It would be a disservice to try to replicate it exactly, because that place is so special.”

Few restaurants last as long as Arnold’s did, and even fewer plan a comeback that makes headlines. It’s a testament, Arnold says, to the locals, many who have been part of the popular restaurant for generations.

“I just want to say how grateful we are to the people of Nashville,” Arnold says. “Thanks for always being supportive and sharing the love. Thanks for sharing your family with our family.”

Arnold’s is located at 605 8th Ave. South. The restaurant will be open Nov. 20-22 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with no reservations required. The food served will be the same that Arnold’s was known for for four decades, with “a few twists,” Arnold hints.

On Thanksgiving Day (November 23), Arnold’s will be open for two reservation-only seatings. The first will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the second from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Reservations are already sold out.