I’ve eaten my fair share of smashburgers. As a tenured food writer, I’d even argue I’ve turned “sampling greasy patties” into a fiduciary responsibility. So, in 2024, I set out on a mission to crown my favorite in town (tough work), and after countless grease-stained napkins, the original Cledis walked away with the metaphorical trophy.
Color me thrilled when the closer-to-me Bellevue location opened, rumored to match the same unapologetic mess of a burger with a vibe meant to transport diners right back in time. Destination: 1980.
The Bellevue location delivers not only the familiar taste of a Cledis smashburger but also surprisingly stellar wings, a full bar, and enough pop culture artifacts to keep you reminiscing throughout your entire meal… and through every return visit.
Shane Nasby’s career as a restaurateur began at another now hometown favorite, HoneyFire BBQ. He entered a cooking competition in 2009 and realized that he was skilled in the kitchen. His goal was always mission-based, and he started a nonprofit to provide meals for people in need. It was a burger operation that has grown to feed some 500 per month.
The original Cledis is located off Elm Hill Pike, but being a longtime Bellevue resident, Nasby was eager to bring the brand home.
“Meat and fire is my background,” Nasby says, this time swapping pulled pork for smashed beef. “My grandfather’s name is Cledis. My earliest memories were watching him cook in the kitchen. Cledis gives us the ability to get really creative with our menu and come up with stuff nobody else has.”
Case in point: on my first visit to Cledis Bellevue, I sampled a caprese salad-inspired burger complete with fried mozzarella, sliced tomato, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze that *almost* beat the classic smasher with grilled onions and secret sauce (I’m a creature of habit).
While the menu at both locations is comparable, Bellevue has almost triple the square footage, a 50-foot bar, and a theme so well-executed it’ll make seasoned collectors clutch their action figures.
“I’m a child of the ‘80s, and that’s probably the time when I remember the most joy,” Nasby says. “It was also when I got to spend the most time with my grandpa, Cledis.”
Nasby’s goal is for guests to walk in and see all the things they might have had as a child.
“Plus, if I’m going to be stuck somewhere six or seven days a week, I want to enjoy it,” he quips.
Among the collectibles are Nasby’s childhood He-Man collection, Snake Mountain, a Pee-wee’s Playhouse complete set, an ALF doll, and a complete Voltron. “The pay phone is a lot of fun, too, but a lot of the younger kids have no idea what it is,” Nasby says.
Such a cool spot has captured the attention of more than just hungry customers — country music star Russell Dickerson recently filmed a music video at the Bellevue location for his song “Worth Your While,” and Nasby says he’s thrilled for the space to continue to be featured.
But while a successful second location up and running and attention from celebrities are reasons enough to be proud, Nasby is most grateful to be serving his community right at home.
“It’s one thing to be from Nashville, it’s another thing to be from this particular community and be truly locally owned,” he says. “This is where we are doing life and where we’re raising our family. Our kids don’t know anything else.”
Visit the new (but retro) Cledis location in Bellevue at 7648 Highway 70 South and learn more online at Cledis.com.
“Bellevue will always be home to us, so it’s extra special being here.”