Chinwag Restaurant Will Open in Murfreesboro
Chef Alex Belew and restaurateur Shane Nasby are bringing a new dining concept to The Fountains at Gateway.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Do you believe new local restaurant openings generally improve the quality of your community?
Chef Alex Belew and founder Shane Nasby will open their new restaurant, Chinwag, on October 22, 2026. The venue is located in Murfreesboro at The Fountains at Gateway, 1440 Medical Center Parkway.
Why it matters
The founders aim to establish an inviting gathering space that prioritizes community connection through food. The restaurant replaces the former location of Burger Republic.
Chinwag occupies the former space of Burger Republic at 1440 Medical Center Parkway. Dinner service begins October 22, 2026, with lunch following on November 3, 2026.
The players
Alex Belew
He is a professional chef who gained recognition for winning Season 21 of the television competition Hell's Kitchen.
Shane Nasby
He is a restaurateur known for founding the Cledis Burgers & Beer concept.
The details
The restaurant emphasizes dishes prepared with smoke, fire, and fresh ingredients. Owners will feature seasonal food and beverage specials alongside ticketed culinary events.
Timeline
Dinner service begins at Chinwag on October 22, 2026.
Lunch service begins at Chinwag on November 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
The opening follows the broader trend of restaurateurs choosing upscale, mixed-use hubs like The Fountains at Gateway to host new concepts. This shift emphasizes creating experiential dining destinations rather than simple storefronts.
Residents can expect a new menu featuring fire-cooked dishes and seasonal specials at the site formerly occupied by Burger Republic. Diners should monitor for ticketed event announcements to participate in upcoming culinary programs.
The takeaway
The addition of Chinwag brings a new, chef-driven option to the local dining landscape. Prospective guests should prepare to book early for special culinary events as the restaurant establishes its presence at the Gateway complex.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene in our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGNSRadio.
Live Poll
Do you believe new local restaurant openings generally improve the quality of your community?
