Nashville’s dynamic food scene has a new addition with the recent grand opening of Nacho Daddy. Located in Midtown at 800 19th Ave S., Suite 104, the Las Vegas-based restaurant brings its distinctive take on nachos, offering an extensive menu that turns the popular appetizer into a gourmet entrée. Co-founders Paul Hymas and Fred Mossler attended the event, sharing their excitement about bringing their unique dining concept to Music City.
Reimagining Nachos as a Main Course
Nacho Daddy was founded with the goal of elevating nachos beyond their traditional role as a starter. “Nachos were always an appetizer. And we thought, 15 years ago, why doesn’t anybody make a restaurant where nachos are the entrée? Let’s give nachos respect,” said co-founder Fred Mossler. This vision led to a menu featuring more than 20 gourmet nacho varieties, including Lobster & Crab Nachos, Filet Mignon Nachos, and Vegan Chick’n Nachos, catering to a broad range of dietary preferences.
A commitment to fresh ingredients is at the core of Nacho Daddy’s philosophy. “We don’t have microwaves in our kitchen. Everything’s fresh… nothing’s frozen,” Mossler emphasized. From house-made salsas to signature queso, the restaurant ensures that every dish is prepared from scratch daily.
A Dedicated Vegan Menu
Nacho Daddy also prioritizes plant-based options, going beyond simple substitutions to create an inclusive dining experience. “Vegans are underserved… We love our vegan customers,” Mossler noted. The restaurant’s executive chef is continually developing new vegan dishes, ensuring that bold flavors and creativity extend across the entire menu.
The Scorpion Shot: A Signature Experience
Among Nacho Daddy’s unique offerings is the Scorpion Shot, a tequila shot featuring an edible scorpion. This daring tradition began as an inside challenge among the founders. “When we first started Nacho Daddy in 2010, we had one nacho that was kind of insect-based. It had mealworms, crickets, scorpions… the nacho didn’t do that great,” explained CEO Paul Hymas. “But since we had the insects, myself and my partners would grab a scorpion, throw it in a shot glass, and dare each other to do it.” Over time, it became a signature attraction, with more than 100,000 Scorpion Shots served to date.
For those hesitant about consuming a scorpion, safety measures are in place. “We snip every single scorpion, we snip the end of their tail. Technically, it’s not venomous after a certain period of time, but we’d still snip it anyway,” Hymas said. This attention to detail ensures a safe yet thrilling experience for guests willing to take on the challenge.
More Than Just a Meal
Beyond its food and signature drinks, Nacho Daddy aims to be a vibrant entertainment destination. “We stay up late, we serve a lot of alcohol, we have a lot of fun, the music’s up loud,” Mossler said. The Nashville location embraces the city’s musical culture, featuring live performances to enhance the atmosphere. The grand opening weekend included a performance by Sierra Black, setting the stage for ongoing entertainment offerings.
With operating hours extending to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Nacho Daddy provides a lively late-night option for food, drinks, and entertainment.
Community Engagement and Expansion
Nacho Daddy seeks to integrate into the Nashville community by forming partnerships with local breweries and organizations. Expansion plans are also in motion, with the next location set to open in Miami’s Wynwood district, followed by potential sites in Charlotte and Raleigh.
A Grand Opening to Remember
The launch of Nacho Daddy in Nashville was marked by an enthusiastic crowd enjoying gourmet nachos, handcrafted margaritas, and the restaurant’s signature high-energy ambiance. For those looking for a unique culinary experience, Nacho Daddy offers an exciting mix of bold flavors, entertainment, and adventurous dining.
📍 Visit Nacho Daddy at 800 19th Ave S., Suite 104, Nashville, TN
🔗 For more information, visit Nacho Daddy’s official website.
