What It Takes to Keep a Neighborhood Restaurant Alive

How does an independent restaurant evolve without losing its identity? Cees Brinkman, founder of Nashville’s Pharmacy Burger, and director of operations Daniel Frazier share how scratch-made food, a distinctive beer garden, and a collaborative culture have helped the brand grow from one East Nashville restaurant to three locations. Along the way, they discuss the post-COVID restaurant landscape, rising costs, changing alcohol habits, the impact of GLP-1 drugs on menus, and why restaurants can still offer something increasingly rare: a place to put down the phone and connect with the people at the table.