Nashville Barbecue Legend Jack Cawthon Dies at 80
The celebrated restaurateur founded the iconic Jack's Bar-B-Que on Broadway in 1991.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Barbecue
Jack Cawthon, the restaurateur who founded Jack's Bar-B-Que, has died at the age of 80. His passing follows a career marked by 50 years of business operations in Nashville.
Why it matters
Cawthon is credited with revitalizing the Broadway district in the early 1990s, transforming an area dominated by pawn shops into a thriving culinary destination. His work established a landmark institution that defined Nashville's barbecue scene for decades.
Jack Cawthon celebrated his 80th birthday in July 2026, the same year he marked 50 years of doing business in Nashville. His flagship restaurant first opened at the corner of Broadway and First Avenue in 1991.
The players
Jack Cawthon
He was a prominent Nashville restaurateur who founded the renowned Jack's Bar-B-Que and operated businesses in the city for five decades.
The details
Cawthon entered the restaurant industry by initially operating a catering company before expanding his footprint on Broadway. He famously reinvested in the district when it was primarily filled with novelty stores and pawn shops, helping to reshape the local neighborhood.
Timeline
1991: Jack's Bar-B-Que opened at the intersection of Broadway and First Avenue.
July 2026: Cawthon celebrated his 80th birthday.
October 21, 2026: Jack Cawthon died.
Culture Shift
Cawthon's early investment in Broadway follows the pattern set by the historical redevelopment of Nashville's Lower Broadway district. This shift converted a commercial corridor of pawn shops into a premier tourist and dining destination that defines the modern city.
Residents and tourists familiar with the Broadway district will continue to see the legacy of Cawthon's reinvestment in the area's current dining landscape. The long-standing restaurant remains a staple of the downtown experience for local diners and visitors alike.
The takeaway
Cawthon's career demonstrates the long-term impact an entrepreneur can have on a city's urban identity through early investment. Residents can honor his legacy by supporting the local businesses that help maintain the historic character of downtown neighborhoods.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene in Nashville Barbecue.
