Kid Rock’s Nashville Restaurant Refuses to Shut Down During Coronavirus Outbreak

 – by @kaylabrantley

Kid Rock’s Nashville restaurant is refusing to shut down despite the city’s orders.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper requested all bars close, and restaurants cut their capacity in half in an effort to stop the coronavirus from spreading.

But Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse co-owner Steve Smith put out a message Sunday, refusing to follow Cooper’s orders and said they won’t shut down until there’s a state-wide mandate forcing them to do so.

“We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there’s a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses,” Smith said in a statement.

“[A] Tootsie’s patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn’t recall such extreme measures being handed down in history,’ Smith said.

Kid Rock’s joint isn’t the only restaurant and bar refusing to close its doors.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner will continue to remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Governor of Tennessee,” the message said.

Though Kid Rock’s business partner has spoken out, the rock star himself hasn’t issued a statement yet.