How Much Does Start a Restaurant Cost in Nashville, TN?
Total cost to open a new restaurant from scratch. Updated March 2026 with data from BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, and industry surveys.
Typical Cost Range
$182.000 – $780.000
+4% vs national average
$182.000$481.000$780.000
LowNational avg: $462.500High
Nashville vs State & National Average
| Category | Nashville | Tennessee Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $481.000 | $480.075 | $462.500 |
| Low estimate | $182.000 | $360.056 | $346.875 |
| High estimate | $780.000 | $624.098 | $601.250 |
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease deposit & first months | $15.600 | $62.400 | |
| Kitchen equipment | $41.600 | $208.000 | |
| Interior buildout & renovation | $52.000 | $260.000 | |
| Licenses, permits & legal | $5.200 | $26.000 | |
| Initial inventory & supplies | $10.400 | $31.200 | |
| Marketing & branding | $5.200 | $20.800 | |
| Working capital (3 months) | $31.200 | $104.000 |
Start a Restaurant in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does start a restaurant cost in Nashville?
In Nashville, TN, start a restaurant typically costs between $182.000 and $780.000. The average is $481.000, which is 4% above the national average.
Is Nashville expensive for start a restaurant?
Nashville has a cost-of-living index of 104 (100 = national average). Start a Restaurant costs are 4% higher than the national average of $462.500.
What factors affect start a restaurant costs in Nashville?
Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, Tennessee state regulations, and Nashville's overall cost of living (index: 104/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.