Nashville’s iconic Wildhorse Saloon has officially closed its doors. The popular music venue, opened for almost 30 years, is Music City history, but it isn’t all bad news. Although currently not open, there are plans for it to reopen this year, this time as Luke Combs‘ new downtown bar and restaurant.

The owners shared the news on social media on New Year’s Day.

“Since 1994, Wildhorse Saloon has been a beacon of Nashville’s vibrant music scene,” a statement reads on social media. “We’re excited to announce that 2024 marks the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic venue.  As we step into this promising era, let’s raise a glass to the past and toast to the brilliant future ahead.

“Our heartfelt thanks to patrons, artists, staff, and everyone who contributed to making Wildhorse Saloon the legend it is today,” the statement continues. “We extend our deepest gratitude to all who graced our stage, danced on our dance floor, and sang along to the music. Check back soon for updates on what’s coming next. Happy New Year, everyone!”

 

In April, Combs announced he was opening his own bar and music venue, in partnership with Ryman Hospitality Properties. Although there are plenty of celebrity-owned places to eat and drink — and enjoy live music — Combs says his new place will honor songwriters as much as artists, and maybe more.

“It’s important for me, I think, to have opportunities as a songwriter to showcase your ability,” Combs explainedl. “I remember just being able to play for other songwriters was a huge thing for me. So I think having a very, very, very high-end songwriters night would be something that I would love, for new artists to come and be able to play their favorite song, or the best song that they have in front of other songwriters.”

The North Carolina native previously said his new bar will truly have something for everyone, including a 250-person honky-tonk space, a two-story ticketed concert hall (which will hold up to 1500 people), a sports bar catering to legalized sports betting on the third floor, a high-end bar for bourbon drinkers, a bachelorette-themed area, called “Beautiful Crazy,” and a section for his fan club, The Bootleggers, plus as an indoor-outdoor rooftop space called the “Eye,” a nod to Combs’ debut single, “Hurricane.”

Combs joins plenty of artists with a downtown bar and music venue, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and more. When announcing the new business venture, Combs admitted this wasn’t the first time he had been asked to open his own space, but that he waited until he had the right people to partner with to move forward.

“I had been approached a bunch of different times. … But I wanted to do it with somebody that I knew cared about the space and my fans as much as I do,” he said.

An opening date for Combs’ new place has yet to be announced.