Merchant’s Restaurant

Merchant’s Restaurant: Successful Redevelopment of Historic Spaces

Benjamin Goldberg is the founder and co- owner of Strategic Hospitality, the company to responsible for dynamic destinations across Nashville, including Merchants, The Patterson House, The Catbird Seat, Pinewood Social, The Band Box and The Country Club located in First Tennessee Park, Bastion, Henrietta Red, Locust, Tacos by Alebrije in GEODIS Park, and soon to open Kisser. In 2006, Benjamin created Strategic Hospitality as a modest company of two and has grown to a thriving hospitality group employing more than 500 people across each of its venues.
A born entrepreneur, Benjamin began in the hospitality business while attending the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. Working at various bars and restaurants during the peak of South Beach’s boom gave him great insight in the industry and allowed him to further develop his instinctual business skills.
Upon graduating with a degree in business, Benjamin returned to his hometown of Nashville to open his first establishment at the young age of 23. In 2005, two years after opening Bar Twenty 3, Goldberg opened live music venue City Hall, which also became a popular special events space. In 2007, Benjamin partnered with his brother Max, opening Paradise Park Trailer Resort.
A believer and supporter in the ci ty of Nashville, Benjamin sits on the board for Leadership Nashville. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
In 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, the Goldberg brothers were nominated by the James Beard Foundation as semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur, a nomination that demonstrates their success record, enthusiasm, and expertise. Strategic Hospitality, LLC, is continuing to develop new projects and ideas to enhance the hospitality business