(NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) — Milkshake Concepts, the experiential Dallas-based hospitality group founded by Imran Sheikh, is pleased to announce the beginnings of opening activities for its first Nashville concept – Layer Cake and Cherry Lounge. Experts in redefining the industry with a portfolio of successful multifaceted restaurants and nightlife, Milkshake Concepts is bringing four floors of immersive experience and fun to downtown Music City. Made specifically for Nashville, the restored historic building known as Layer Cake is definitely not a cake shop, but rather a choose-your-own, layered adventure. Located downtown at 127 3rd Avenue South, Layer Cake officially opened the doors to its Ground Floor bar and Rooftop yesterday Monday, May 30, with Cherry Lounge and then the Dining Room to come soon.
Street-level and welcoming to all foot traffic is the Ground Floor where guests can relax in a laidback setting and enjoy a regular rotation of artists performing fresh takes where the variety of genre knows no limits. The buzzy, laid-back bar and restaurant offers casual fare classics like the Smash Burger featuring Bear Creek Farms beef and 2nd floor secret sauce, a French Dip with gruyere and French onion au jus, as well as Dirty’s jalapeño chip-crusted Jalapeño Potato Chip Chicken, Duck Fat Tater Tots, and Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits, among salads, flatbreads, and handhelds.
The Dining Room is a floor above, offering respite from the hum of Broadway in a more refined full-service dining experience. A modern American menu features dishes such as a Double Cut Pork Chop with an apple and jalapeño-bacon jam, Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle in black truffle sauce, and of course a selection of top-quality steaks—with choices between a 30oz Tomahawk, an 8oz Bear Creek Farms Filet, a Chateaubriand, and more. A curated wine list complements the thoughtful menu as well as an inventive cocktail program featuring creations such as the Strawberry Fields Forever with gin, strawberry-infused Aperol and dry vermouth, or The Peoples Elbow with Teremana tequila, velvet falernum, lime and pineapple juice, agave, and jalapeño.
At the Rooftop, the party starts (and never stops) by embodying its neon-emblazoned mantra, ‘Til Death Do Us Party. With scenic views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium, it’s the ideal backdrop to revel in the festivities—birthdays, bachelorette parties, and more—with live DJ sets nightly and a dedicated staff to cater to every whim. Here, guests can toast with flowing top-shelf spirits, bottles, and playful bites from the full menu offered on the Ground Floor.
Hidden within Layer Cake is the pièce de résistance: Cherry Lounge. The final layer is a moody and intimate cocktail lounge accessible only by invitation. Without giving too much away, the downtown hideaway will offer an attentive and custom front-of-house experience with offerings like VIP table service and private parties.
“We are absolutely thrilled with our first foray into the Nashville market,” states Imran Sheikh, founder and CEO of Milkshake Concepts. “Layer Cake is a concept that we created specifically for the city, its residents, and visitors—a venue that offers a sensory experience for every single person. When making the decision to expand outside of our home city of Dallas, we knew Music City was the next move and wanted to come in making an impact. With so much potential in the Nashville food & beverage scene, we’re planning to open three more Milkshake Concepts locales: Harper’s, The Finch, and Vidorra, following Layer Cake.”
With each floor designed to transport, Milkshake Concepts’ in-house design teams conceptualized and built out vibrant, color-filled interiors that are distinct on each level. Every floor bursts with energy, incorporating pieces and elements by Milkshake Concepts’ in-house artists, such as murals and social media-friendly sayings illustrated in neon that encapsulate the spirit of each layer.
Each floor of Layer Cake is available for private parties and events. The Ground Floor can hold a capacity of 150 seated and 250 standing, the Dining Room 150 seated and 250 standing, the Rooftop offers 180 seated and 400 standing, and Cherry Lounge allows for 85 seated at both the bar and booths or 150 standing. For bookings, guests can inquire via the contact form on each website.
More information on both concepts can be found at layercakenash.com and findthecherrylounge.com.
More on Milkshake Concepts:
Milkshake Concepts, founded by Imran Sheikh, is an experiential hospitality group redefining the industry with multifaceted restaurants and nightlife. Based in Dallas, the group’s current brands include Harper’s, Stirr, Vidorra, Citizen, Serious Pizza, Dirty Bones, and Skyrocket Burger. In 2022, the group expanded into Nashville, Tennessee, with new concepts Layer Cake and The Finch, and a second location of Harper’s. Milkshake Concepts has found success across many categories from fast casual to full service and luxury nightlife by constantly pushing the envelope on what is popular and expected.
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