SAVE FRANS EAST SIDE DIVE BAR

Fran’s East Side is being forced to vacate their current building. The landlord has refused to renew their lease with little to no warning. Fran’s lease has ended and she is now forced to pay double in rent going forward. Fran is on a month to month basis, nervous about where things are headed and knowing she could lose this building before she finds a new one. With no way to keep up with the rising cost of East Nashville and the lack of affordable buildings available, Ms Fran is asking for help. 

“Our landlord is forcing us to move. I’ve been here thirteen years, taking care of the property and doing all the repairs on the building. He doesn’t want to renew the lease after he led us to believe he was going to renew it. We have tried everything. We offered more than a fair share to stay and continue to rent the building but he doesn’t want to accept our offer. It’s not fair to someone who has taken care of the lot and the building, to choose not to renew the lease.”

Fran’s is a home to veterans, old timers, and her distinct community who will feel the impact of the bar closure the most. Staying in East Nashville is imperative to the survival of East Side. Fran has been in the bar business for over 50 years.

On top of the stress of finding and affording a new building on short notice, CSX railroad has recently taken possession of their railroad property, which includes the majority of the Fran’s parking lot and the side driveway entrance. CSX has insisted that Fran owes back pay on the use of the parking lot in addition to a fee per month going forward to continue to use the parking lot. Fran has agreed to pay the additional cost, in fear of the impact on business from the parking lot closure. 

Like many businesses across the country, Fran’s was forced to close during covid and has struggled to recover since reopening.

This fund is created to provide the financial assistance needed for a deposit on a new building, construction needs, the increase of rent cost, and the ability to make this transition possible. Please help save this East Nashville Dive Bar and help secure their next home.  

Any leads on possible buildings in East Nashville are appreciated. 

Help us save East Nashville’s #1 dive bar!