NBJ announces 2025 40 Under 40 honorees; Office building faces foreclosure auction; more

Brentwood office heads to auction

A Brentwood office building recently hit the auction block.

The five-story Westpark Building, located at 111 Westwood Pl., was built in 1982 and offers nearly 100,000 square feet of office space on a 5.14-acre lot, according to the listing. The building was last appraised in 2023 for $17.253 million, and it has been vacant since late 2024.

The auction, which was held live on Jan. 16, attracted 29 bidders, according to a news release. The building sold for $6.3 million to a local investor, according to a the release. That marks an $18.57 million loss from what it sold for in 2013.

Read the full story here.?

??????

Want the latest business news delivered to your inbox twice a day??Sign up for the Nashville Business Journal’s email newsletters. Already signed up and loving the work we do? Consider?subscribing for less than $4 a week.

? ? ?

NBJ announces 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

The judges' scores have been tallied, and it's time to meet our 2025 class of 40 Under 40 winners.

This annual award recognizes young professionals who are shaping Nashville business and their communities for the better.

Want to meet the honorees in person? Join us at the awards celebration on March 25 at City Winery. Tickets are available now. |? Check out this year's list of winners.

? ? ?

Top private school fires director

One of Nashville’s largest private schools is looking for a new director following last year’s controversy.

University School of Nashville “parted ways” with director Amani Reed after a new report by Barnes & Thornburg shed light on how the school’s administration and board handled the investigation of Dean Masullo, a former teacher reported for grooming by a former student.

“This has been a painful time for the USN community, one from which we are determined to learn and grow stronger,” said Eric Kopstain, president of the board of trustees, in a release. "Many correct and immediate steps were taken by USN’s administration and board in terminating Masullo. However, USN did not live up to its values or standards in its care for our alumna and our broader community."

The school is also actively recruiting the next director.? |? Read more

Plus, xxx; xxx; a xxx; and xxx.

? ? ?

Midtown restaurant to close

A Midtown bar and restaurant is closing after nearly a decade.

Hopsmith Tavern will close?after eight years?at 1903 Division St., according to a social media post.?

“Goodbyes are never easy. But 2 for 1 on all beer/wine/liquor makes it easier! Come grab this deal from now until the end. … Thank you to everyone who came through our doors over the past eight years,” the post reads.

Chicago-based Big Onion Hospitality owns the Hopsmith concept; its Chicago location will remain open.? |? Read more

? ? ?

Hospitality giant signs Broadwest lease

After ditching its Nashville headquarters years ago, a hospitality giant is doubling down with a new Broadwest lease.

SPB Hospitality , the restaurant company behind J. Alexander’s and Logan's Roadhouse, signed a 12,581-square-foot lease at Midtown’s Broadwest development, according to JLL’s Q4 2024 office market report.

SPB Hospitality was previously based in Nashville, but the company moved its headquarters to Houston in 2021.

“While we’ve had a presence in Nashville for decades, the new space at Broadwest reflects our commitment to 'Serving People Better' as we continue to grow our current collection of brands and within the M&A space," Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality, said in an emailed statement to the Business Journal.? |? Read more

? ? ?

Ryman gets into the festival business

Opry Entertainment Group is getting into the music festival business.

The Nashville-based entertainment arm of Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. (NYSE: RHP) has acquired a majority stake in Charlotte company Southern Entertainment .

Southern Entertainment is known for its owned or promoted music festivals including Carolina Country Music Fest, Barefoot Country Music Fest, Lovin’ Life Music Fest, upcoming Field & Stream Outdoor Music Fest and more. |? Read more

? ? ?

This Weekly Edition was compiled by?Alison Nash. Questions? Comments? Concerns??Reach out!