Launching a restaurant in Music City is about outfitting your kitchen with the tools that keep things humming day and night. A well-outfitted kitchen makes the difference every time, whether you’re serving hot chicken on Broadway or elevated Southern fare in The Gulch. These 10 pieces of equipment, from commercial refrigeration units to ranges and ovens, form the backbone of any serious commercial kitchen in Nashville.
1. Commercial Refrigeration Units
Commercial refrigeration units are the cornerstone of food safety in any kitchen. They furnish restaurants with the ability to preserve meats, produce, and dairy at regulated temperatures. Walk-ins, reach-in fridges, undercounter refrigerators, prep tables, and other refrigeration units reduce spoilage, streamline inventory control, and enable chefs to work efficiently without risking contamination.
Refrigeration systems work overtime in Nashville’s sticky Southern summers. Restaurants and food trucks in neighborhoods like East Nashville and Germantown rely on reliable cold storage to keep their pimento cheese, Tennessee-style mustard coleslaws, and Nashville-local heritage pork safe and fresh. Local menus demand fresh, house-made ingredients, and quality refrigeration ensures they stay cool through long service hours.
Reliable refrigeration keeps teams organized during big-volume events like CMA Fest or local music crawls. Refrigerated prep tables and reach-ins enable chefs to quickly access ingredients while maintaining a steady pace with back-to-back ticket orders. Energy-efficient models are available to reduce utility costs and improve uptime across long shifts.
Top commercial refrigeration brands include True, Turbo Air, Hoshizaki, Atosa, Beverage-Air, and Traulsen. The True T-49-HC Reach-In Refrigerator features rapid temperature recovery and an eco-friendly refrigerant, making it ideal for storing bulk meat. The Atosa MSF8301GR Sandwich Prep Table keeps refrigerated ingredients on hand in 8 pans to prepare pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw wraps.
2. Commercial Ranges and Ovens
Commercial ranges and ovens provide essential heat for baking, boiling, sautéing, and broiling. Multi-burner ranges with griddles or broilers enable chefs to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Convection ovens evenly cook baked goods, meats, and casseroles, which is particularly essential in fast-paced Southern kitchens with comfort food-heavy menus.
Ovens are for more than baking in Nashville: they power skillet cornbread, chicken and dumplings, and deep-dish cobblers. Kitchens in The Nations or Wedgewood-Houston depend on consistent heat to serve diners quickly during summer brunches or chilly fall events. Ranges support open kitchens that showcase scratch-made local meals in real-time.
Upgrading your cooking line with a commercial oven or range helps improve cooking time and consistency. These units equip teams to cook multiple recipes while refining flavor and presentation. High-performance ranges with versatile top and base configurations, along with two-deck ovens, enhance preparation and speed when preparing a multi-course menu for a private event or biscuit trays for walk-ins.
Chef’s Deal has robust ovens (convection and conventional) and multi-burner ranges from trusted brands, including Southbend, Imperial, American Range, Blodgett, Garland, and Jade. The Southbend PCE75S/SD-V Convection Oven offers even airflow for flaky, golden biscuits or roasted root vegetables. The Imperial IR-6 Gas Range features six burners and a standard oven, perfect for creating authentic Southern brunch spreads, including hash, grits, and eggs.
3. Deep Fryers
Deep fryers create golden, crispy textures essential for Southern comfort food, frying chicken, catfish, or hushpuppies. These units hold oil at precise temperatures, recover quickly, and are available in both countertop and floor models. Pressure fryers offer extra speed and moisture retention for busy service environments. Deep fryers are especially crucial in Nashville, where fried foods (hello, hot chicken!) are a staple across many restaurant types.
Hot chicken holds iconic status in Nashville, and fried foods are essential on nearly every menu. Kitchens across Midtown and The Gulch rely on fryers that consistently produce crisp exteriors and tender interiors. Therefore, fryers must keep up with high demand during Titans game days, busy patio nights, and local events where quick, quality service is non-negotiable.
Reliable fryers enhance output and minimize oil consumption. High-efficiency models with built-in filtration help preserve oil and reduce costs. Evaluate the options and choose between pressure vs. open pot models to enhance flavor, improve food texture, and streamline back-of-house efficiency during high-traffic events or live music weekends.
Go-to-fryer brands include Frymaster, Pitco, Henny Penny, Imperial, and Giles. The Henny Penny PFE-500 Pressure Fryer locks in moisture, making it perfect for prepping spicy, hot chicken during the lunch rush. The Pitco SG14S Gas Fryer holds 50 lb (22.680 kg) of oil, making it ideal for crispy green tomatoes and festival-day fish fry specials.
4. Smokers and Grills
Smokers and grills bring authentic Tennessee flavor to meats, vegetables, and even desserts. Charbroilers sear steaks, while wood-fired smokers provide low-and-slow cooking for pulled pork and ribs. These appliances create the deep, smoky flavor that defines Southern cuisine, helping operators stand out in Nashville’s competitive food scene.
Nashville kitchens require equipment that performs under pressure, whether grilling elote for outdoor markets or smoking brisket for catered music events. Grills enable chefs to cook quickly during rushes, while smokers provide long-lasting consistency for dishes like pork shoulders and chicken thighs. Local tastes demand real wood smoke and high-heat performance.
Chef’s Deal provides commercial smokers, wood-burning grills, and charbroilers built for authentic barbecue flavor. These heavy-duty units promote the low-and-slow cooking that Tennessee barbecue is famous for. Their durable designs minimize heat loss, allowing for extended cooking times. The right grill or smoker helps refine the cooking approach and flavor profile in a smokehouse, BBQ joint, or catering trailer.
Broaster, American Range, Comstock-Castle, Crown Verity, and Equipex are among the most notable brands of smokers and grills. The Broaster 1600 Broaster Smokaroma® Pressure Smoker produces up to 18 racks of tender, smoky bone-in ribs per load in less than an hour for busy festival weekends. The American Range ARRB-36 Radiant Broiler enhances charred finishes on corn, burgers, and glazed pork chops.
5. Exhaust Hood and Ventilation System
Exhaust hoods and ventilation systems control kitchen airflow, remove smoke and grease, and keep staff cool. Proper hoods reduce fire hazards, eliminate odors, and help maintain a cleaner environment. Kitchen hoods with built-in suppression systems and auto-cleaning filters improve kitchen safety and lower maintenance costs.
Tennessee health codes and summer temperatures make ventilation crucial. The heat from ovens and fryers builds fast in tight spaces and high-volume operations. Maintaining breathable, code-compliant air quality is crucial for operating a commercial kitchen smoothly, whether cooking collards and brisket or steaming cornbread during local music nights and food truck rodeos.
Consider outfitting your facility with ducted or ventless hoods, depending on the building layout. Systems with variable-speed fans or heat sensors enhance safety and control. Selecting the right hood setup preserves your team’s energy, extends equipment life, and ensures code compliance, even in converted historic buildings or mobile trailers.
Top hood brands include CaptiveAire, HoodMart, Moffat, AMPTO, and Univex. The CaptiveAire 4-ft Make-Up Air Hood is a compact 4-ft (1.219 m) ventilation solution offering high grease capture and efficient air exchange in small kitchens with fryers and charbroilers. The HoodMart HB Series Type I Vent Hood Systems are designed for operations with limited space or low ceilings.
6. Food Prep Tables and Workstations
Food prep tables and workstations are central to organized, efficient kitchens. Stainless steel tops, undershelves, and optional drawers allow staff to quickly chop, dice, and plate meals while maintaining food safety. Their refrigerated compartments, modular design, and customization options enhance layout and preparation accuracy in high-volume kitchens.
Nashville kitchens often work in small or uniquely shaped spaces. Vibrant bars, unique restaurants, cozy cafes, and cool live music venues in SoBro or Hillsboro Village rely on stainless workstations to maintain order during brunch prep or festival setups. A well-planned prep area helps staff plate food more efficiently and safely, especially during high-traffic or multi-shift weekends.
Equip your venue with sandwich stations, pizza tables, or mobile worktables. Upgrading to pre-configured units streamlines prep, reduces fatigue, and maintains food handling standards. These stations also serve as a good alternative to cluttered counters, offering smarter storage and easier cleaning during high-volume days.
Reliable brands include Atosa, True, Turbo Air, Glastender, and Delfield. The True TSSU-48-12M-B-HC Sandwich Prep Table accommodates 12 pans, keeping cold items within arm’s reach for fast sandwich and wrap preparation. The Atosa MSF8307GR Pizza Prep Table features a 10-in (25.4 cm) cutting board, supporting dough rolling, topping, and slicing for local-style pies served at pop-up events and seasonal gatherings.
7. Dishwasher / Sanitization Station
Dishwashers and sanitization systems keep your kitchen compliant and your team focused. High-temperature dishwashers eliminate bacteria and improve sanitation standards while low-temp options reduce energy consumption. Commercial dishwashers support fast-paced service with quick cycle times and durable racks built for heavy use.
Dependable dishwashing systems are important for maintaining uninterrupted service, especially during high-traffic events such as craft fairs and music festivals. Dish stacks pile up fast during a Sunday brunch or Broadway bar rush. A high-temp dishwasher eliminates the bottleneck, boosting cleanliness and customer satisfaction.
Upgrading to a high-performance sanitization station reduces water waste, energy use, and downtime. Operators comparing systems benefit from features like built-in boosters, auto-cleaning cycles, and rack capacities. These systems enable restaurants to meet Tennessee’s high demand and stringent standards.
Hobart, Champion, Jackson, Electrolux, and FMP are top commercial dishwasher brands. The Hobart AM16VL Ventless Dishwasher delivers powerful results without requiring extra hood ventilation, making it perfect for compact urban kitchens. The Jackson WWS TempStar HH-E Door-Type Dishwasher features 4 selectable timed cycles and can handle up to 60 racks per hour during the normal cycle, making it ideal for rapid turnover.
8. Bar and Beverage Equipment
Bar and beverage equipment powers everything from espresso shots to frozen cocktails. Compact back bar coolers, tap towers, undercounter refrigerators, and coffee stations provide fast and consistent service. These systems help build a beverage station to serve drinks quickly while maintaining ideal temperatures and flavor profiles.
Nashville’s nightlife and tourism are huge: bars, clubs, and music venues abound, alongside craft coffee shops and brunch spots. Such businesses rely on swift drink service, from premium sodas at food halls to gourmet espresso martinis during rooftop happy hours. Having the right equipment means every glass is poured to perfection, whether operating in The Gulch or near the Vanderbilt campus.
Bar and beverage equipment improve speed, reduce waste, and increase revenue during peak hours. Operators outfitting new bars or coffee shops can compare glass chiller capacities, cold plate designs, and tap compatibility to ensure optimal performance. Mounting ice bins or refrigerated garnish rails enhances workflow and improves guest satisfaction during major events, such as CMA Fest.
True, Turbo Air, Beverage-Air, Hoshizaki, Glastender, and Frosty Factory are among the elite brands. The Turbo Air TBB-24-60SGD-N 2-Section Back Bar Cooler is an Energy Star-rated model with a 16.46 cu ft (466.095 L) capacity, 4 adjustable shelves, LED interior lighting, and 2 glass doors. The Glastender CBA-36R-CP10 is a compact cocktail station that furnishes bartenders with space for garnishes, spirits, and soda guns.
9. Storage Shelving & Dry Storage
Dry storage and shelving systems organize dry goods, cookware, and supplies, keeping kitchens clean, safe, and efficient. Adjustable wire shelves, dunnage racks, and solid shelving units offer high weight capacity and resist corrosion. Proper shelving not only preserves product quality but also improves kitchen workflow.
Keeping things organized is key in high-volume spots. Nashville kitchens often face space constraints in older buildings or converted spaces, so they depend on smart shelving to optimize every inch. Operators, from food trucks to brick-and-mortar establishments, need shelves that mount easily, fit snugly into tight corners, and withstand daily wear and tear. Organized storage ensures that things run smoothly during events like the Live on the Green music festival.
Mounting quality shelves increases access, reduces clutter, and helps meet local health codes. Restaurants upgrading storage can source NSF-certified units with antimicrobial coatings. These shelves distinguish businesses that work cleanly and efficiently, especially when preparing for heavy event traffic or rotating seasonal inventory.
Top brands include Metro, Advance Tabco, John Boos, BK Resources, and Winco. The Metro Super Erecta Adjustable Wire Shelving Units support high-volume dry storage with up to 5 chrome-plated shelves. The Advance Tabco DUN-2060 Dunnage Rack offers a 2,100-lb (952.543 kg) rolling load capacity to hold heavy dry goods or paper supplies off the floor, maintaining sanitation standards in busy prep zones.
10. Ice Machines
Commercial ice machines are essential in Nashville kitchens, keeping beverages cool, food safe, and guests comfortable. They come in undercounter, modular, or countertop models and produce nugget, cube, or flake ice for cocktails, sodas, salad bars, and more. A reliable ice machine ensures that the service runs smoothly.
In Nashville’s hot, humid summers, ice machines are essential. A steady ice supply is critical if cold brew coffee, whiskey sodas, or sweet teas are among the primary treats on your menu. Ice output must keep pace with demand without sacrificing quality during summer events, patio service, and festival seasons.
Nashville’s hot summers and thirsty crowds demand ice. Ice is non-negotiable for cooling cocktails in Midtown lounges or stocking to-go orders from hot chicken joints in East Nashville. Tennessee heat hits hard, and your restaurant can’t afford to run dry when guests are sweating bullets.
Leading brands include Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Koolaire, Ice-O-Matic, Atosa, and ITV Ice Makers. The Hoshizaki KM-901MRJ Ice Maker produces over 900 lb (408.233 kg) of crescent ice daily, ideal for bustling drink stations. The Scotsman HID312A-1 Nugget Ice Dispenser serves chewable nugget ice with maximum hygiene, featuring touch-free, infrared dispensing and built-in antimicrobial protection.
Conclusion
Opening a restaurant in Nashville means joining one of America’s most energetic, flavorful food scenes. The right equipment sets the stage for every service. Commercial refrigeration units, ranges, ovens, fryers, and other appliances on this list are essential for delivering Southern staples and turning great ideas into flawless execution. Investing in durable, high-performance equipment supports long-term growth.
Restaurants in Music City face intense competition, unpredictable foot traffic, and seasonal fluctuations due to festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Operators who evaluate their needs carefully and furnish their kitchens with versatile, efficient tools position themselves to stand out.
Chef’s Deal supports Nashville’s foodservice businesses with premium commercial kitchen equipment that meets the needs of every cuisine and concept. Our teams are always available to provide expert guidance on installation, financing, design, and layout.
