Fire & Vine has become a destination for those seeking an elevated experience
With the push of a button, the walls of the open rooftop dining area at Fire & Vine (F&V) in Cookeville slowly dropped from the louvered ceiling on Monday afternoon. Pretty cool, and a first for a city known for restaurant innovation.
“The whole building is kind of a hodgepodge of things I have seen while traveling,” F&V Owner Barry Reese told the UCBJ. “One of the places I have visited recently had an open space with a roof that opened and closed and walls that went up and down. It was a game-changer.”
Changing the game has been the name of the game for F&V since it opened last year at 115 West First Street, introducing Cookeville’s only rooftop dining. On Monday afternoon, the community gathered to celebrate the success of that first year and the innovative addition to the city’s dining scene. Customer comfort was always the top priority in the new design. Space now includes fans for warmer weather and a floor heating system.
Ribbon Cutting – Fire & Vine unveiled its new rooftop dining experience Monday afternoon.
Reese smiled as he unveiled the newly renovated rooftop. There is nothing like it between Nashville and Knoxville.
“I knew it would be a difference maker for downtown Cookeville,” said Reese.
The unveiling comes after a year of vetting and looking for the perfect partner to create the space.
“The investment was worth it, and it just changes the game up here,” said Reese.
Along with city officials and citizens, the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce was on hand.
“The rooftop’s fresh design and inviting atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for memorable gatherings, making it a must-see addition to Cookeville’s dining scene,” according to the Chamber.
Game changer – Fire & Vine owner Barry Reese speaks on the changes to F&V’s rooftop dining.
“This increases the amount of time we can serve guests on the rooftop,” says Reese. “It’s about comfort, atmosphere and making sure our guests have an elevated experience no matter when they visit.”
The investment in the restaurant is an investment in the community. As the only family-owned and operated restaurant in Cookeville, it employs 25 to 30 people. Open seven nights a week, Fire & Vine has become a destination for those seeking an elevated experience in the heart of the city.
“Investing in Cookeville is the biggest reason Fire & Vine was created,” said Reese. “Seeing the effect this place has on the community, our employees, and the Westside in particular, is the greatest reason to keep improving our establishment.”
It’s all about options.
“This community needs a place where they can come and have a place to hang out,” he said. “Whether it’s hanging out with friends, watching a Football game, or needing to have a quieter scale dinner with a potential business partner or customer. We have that space here.”
Gather around – The community gathered to celebrate Fire & Vine’s new space on Monday afternoon.
Reese is proud of Cookeville and of his new space.
“Come see us,” he said. “You business owners and you guys out there connecting with people, this is a place that you can come and make that happen. Give us a call. We can reserve a space or the whole thing. We can put you in a corner. We can put you in the middle. We can have preset menus and really do anything to make you successful as a business, and we look forward to working with you.
F&V is open Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, call 931-559-8463, email info@fireandvinecookeville.com, or visit HERE.
UCBJ photos.
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