4 Places to Have a Business Lunch in Smyrna

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Like the rest of Middle Tennessee, Smyrna has been growing. A growing population means more business to be done. Much business is done over lunch. While the many chain restaurants are popular, most opt for home-grown fare. Here are four restaurants – representing local and chain — in Smyrna that are favorites of area business executives.

Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Grille & Bar

hickory falls wood fired grille and barPeople come here because the food is good, and it has a western steakhouse atmosphere with a casualness that makes it perfect for a laid-back business lunch. Obviously, steak is the specialty here. It is grilled over hickory wood and topped with garlic butter and seasoning chosen to enhance the flavor of the meat. They have everything from tenderloin medallions to blue cheese encrusted ribeye. For those who prefer something from the sea, Cedar Plank Salmon and Shrimp and Grits are also on the menu. Other items include an assortment of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. They have a full complement of beer, wine, and mixed drinks for those who prefer to make it diner. Fun is always to be had in the bar area. Just be sure to leave room for dessert – like their Oreo Ice Cream Pie – after the deal is signed.

Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Grille & Bar
999 Industrial Boulevard
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: 615-459-3900
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Hours: 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, Monday through Saturday
11:00 am until 9:00 pm, Sunday

Toot’s

Toot'sWade Hays has kept Toot’s an institution that is a fun business lunch, and just as great for sports fans, and the whole family on a Saturday afternoon. The original Toot’s opened in October of 1985, and the same great food and “eclectic sports fan” atmosphere can be found in the Smyrna location which opened in 2003. It was an immediate hit. Any day of the week you can find local business people meeting here for lunch, from Nissan executives to city officials.

Let’s face it, most of them come for the fried pickles and Buffalo Wings. These have long been must-haves for anyone coming through the doors. For the more adventurous, try the Frogs Legs. Other favorites are the catfish, burgers, and PoBoys. Want a lighter meal? They have an assortment of salads. On a cold day, order the grilled cheese sandwich and some home-made chili. You’ll be glad you did. Then wash it all down with an ice-cold beer!

Toot’s Restaurant – Smyrna
301 Sam Ridley Parkway West
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: (615) 223-8858
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Hours: 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday
11:00 am until 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday

Carpe Café

carpe cafeFor those who want to be in the middle of everything, and support the arts at the same time, the place to come for lunch is Carpe Café. They have sandwiches, salads with homemade dressings, and soups. While the Chicken Salad Croissant is their number one item, the Jazzed Up Pimento Cheese should not be missed. The Broccoli Salad is killer as a side item, or try founder Ron’s Salsa with chips.

The café is part of the arts movement in Smyrna, a place to enjoy the art of food, and works by local artists, new and those with more experience. They have music in the evenings.

If you can’t meet for lunch, go for breakfast. They make the BEST breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole. And cinnamon rolls. Yes, there are lots of great items on the menu, but these are a must try.

Carpe Café
115 Front Street,
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: 615-984-4040
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Hours: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday through Thursday
7:30 am – 10:00 pm, Friday
8:00 – 10:00 pm, Saturday
Closed Sunday

Thida Thai

Thida ThaiAn extensive menu that fulfills the cravings of any lover of Asian food, Thida Thai offers their namesake dishes, as well as a vast assortment of noodles, curries, stir fry, and sushi. It is almost too much to choose from, especially when you are very hungry. For those who are looking for tastings, go for one of their appetizer samplers. If you have never tried Tofu, a taste of their fried version is well worth the time. Not only is the food tasty, but it is a true work of art.

The curries are very popular, as are the Pho bowls. They have a strong following of people who come back again and again, which is a good sign. So is moving into a larger building, as they did not too long ago. They are vegan friendly, too.

Thida Thai
10644 Cedar Grove Road
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: (615) 220-7573
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Hours: 11:00 am until 9:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday
11:00 am until 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday