Over the past decade, Hendersonville’s eating out landscape has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when there were just a handful of eateries offering limited menus. Instead, many new restaurants and bars have come to the city, providing a variety of dining options.
While the enhanced dining landscape has been good for local foodies, it has created somewhat of a quandary for local restaurants – how to differentiate themselves from their competition. To survive in this climate, they have to offer more than just good food and customer service if they wish to grow and prosper.
Entrepreneur and restauranteur Geoff Reid, owner of The Local Hendersonville, understands this calculus well. Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle caught up with Geoff to see how things are going, and to find out what we can look forward to in 2026.
How has The Local changed over the past year?
“During 2025, The Local continued to evolve while staying true to what made it special in the first place. We’ve refined our programming, leaned further into live music and improved our food and drink offerings to better reflect what our regulars and visitors are looking for. We’ve also focused more on creating memorable experiences – not just a place to grab a drink, but a place where people feel connected, welcomed and part of something familiar.”
How does live music in an intimate venue like The Local help unite the community?
“Live music in an up-close setting creates a shared experience that can’t replicated in larger venues. At The Local, artists and audiences are close enough to truly connect, which breaks down barriers and brings people together. Locals, tourists, musicians and industry professionals all end up sharing the same space, listening to the same songs and having the same conversations. That sense of closeness builds relationships and strengthens the community around music.”
How has the Thursday night WHIN live radio show impacted your business?
“The Thursday night live radio show has been a great opportunity to extend The Local’s reach beyond our walls. It brings new listeners into the venue, introduces our space to a broader audience and reinforces our role as a hub for live music and storytelling. The energy of a live broadcast adds something special to the night and helps strengthen our connection to the local music scene.”
How does The Local give back to the community?
“We at The Local have always believed that being a neighborhood bar means being an active part of the neighborhood. We regularly support and host community-driven events, charity fundraisers and special gatherings that bring people together for a cause. This past year, we supported a variety of local activities, including a fundraiser for The Next Response Foundation, Andy Gilley’s Ugly Sweater Party and several special events for first responders. We are also a sponsor for the annual Hendersonville Pigfest, and we also participate in the annual Hendersonville Christmas Parade. Regardless of the occasion, we try to show up wherever the community is gathering. We also work closely with local artists, musicians, and small businesses to give them a platform and help keep Hendersonville and Nashville’s creative spirit thriving.”
Do you have any special events coming up in 2026?
“Yes, we do. 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year. We’re planning a mix of activities including special live music showcases, community events and collaborations with local partners. While some details are still being finalized, guests can expect more of what The Local does best – great music, food, drinks and events that bring people together.”
At its core, The Local is about connection - through music, conversation and shared experiences. Our goal is to make everyone feel like they belong."
Geoff Reid
Owner, The Local Hendersonville
Since opening its doors, The Local Hendersonville has transformed the nightlife scene in the City by the Lake dramatically. If offers customers a comfortable combination of restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring daily performances by some of the area’s most talented singer/songwriters. Founded by Hendersonville songwriter Geoff Reid, The Local Hendersonville is the place to go to share an evening of food, drinks, music and fun with friends and family.
The Local Hendersonville
300 Indian Lake Blvd., Building B100,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.431.0381
TheLocalHendersonville.com