When brothers Houston and Dick Thomas opened a little steakhouse in Belle Meade back in 1974, they built something that would evolve from a local favorite to a multi-location brand. Named after their great-grandfather Burton W. Sperry, the restaurant has long been beloved for its cozy charm, incredible steaks, Nashville's very first salad bar, and, my personal favorite, an excellent happy hour (IYKYK).
It was something special from Day I.
Upon entry, the Belle Meade steakhouse transports diners to an elegant Old English pub. a precursor to the service and flavors they’re about to experience. From premium cuts of beef with all the best accompaniments to seafood and chops, it’s the type of place modern restaurants seek to emulate but rarely do. An impressively close-in-design replica opened in Cool Springs in 2006.
Today Houston's son, Al, carries on the family tradition, as the Sperry's story continues to unfold. (Until her recent passing, Al's wife Trish was a supportive and steady presence, noted for her warmth and kindness.) The Belle Meade Mercantile, a community store offering customers a way to enjoy Sperry's quality at home with signature items and fresh, ready-made meals, opened in 2015. Prominent local caterer Anne Clayton helped craft many of the shop’s beloved dishes.
When the pandemic hit, community support helped the shop grow faster than expected, leading to a second location in Bellevue inside the long-vacated building at 7745 Highway 70 South that once housed a Shoney’s restaurant. After seeing how much the Belle Meade community embraced the shop, expanding felt like the logical next step. While Belle Meade will always be a Nashville sweet spot for the family, the Bellevue location has quickly become another place that feels like home. The expansion decision was met with much excitement.
“Over the years, Sperry’s has grown, but that same spirit of hospitality has never changed,” says a Sperry's representative.
The Bellevue Mercantile has an in-house butcher who is a chef by trade, a gourmet grocery, and an expanded selection of top-quality and exotic meats and seafood. The shelves are filled with local Pick TN products, freshly grown produce, and ingredients the community can be proud to have lining their pantry.
Across the hall sits Café Sperry's, the family's drive-thru coffee concept that serves as a perfect complement to the Mercantile. It has become a warm and familiar stop for the Bellevue community, offering a cozy cup of coffee for those in-between moments.
For weeknights and busy schedules, the Mercantile offers freshly prepared take-home meals that can be warmed in the oven for simple dinners. Plus, there are grab-and-go options that are ideal for after-school snacks, quick lunches, or on-the-go meals.
But if you’re looking to don your apron and whip up a meal to wow, you may be surprised to find a selection of exotic meat, including elk, bison, kangaroo, ostrich, emu, and rabbit. If you’re new to these, the butcher stands ready to help you explore new flavors by chatting through preferred tastes, sharing cooking tips, and guiding you toward the perfect cut and preparation.
“We see food as an adventure, and we’re here to make it approachable, exciting, and delicious,” says the Sperry's representative. “It's all about discovering great flavors, learning a little along the way, and enjoying every bite.”
During the holidays, Sperry's becomes a one-stop shop for festive entertaining. From specialty-cut meats to the beloved Sperry's Prime Seasoning, the Mercantile has everything needed for hosting like a pro. The signature seasoning blend creates that delicate, salty crust on rib roast but works just as well on chicken and vegetables.
There are a few ways to embrace the season with Sperry’s. Again this year, the Mercantile is offering an online presale of prepared foods packaged with Sperry's favorites and ready for pickup. Bring them home, warm them in your oven, and enjoy a stress-free, restaurant-quality meal. For easy gifting, Sperry’s is running its annual gift card promo, which pair nicely with a bottle of Sperry's Chardonnay or Cabernet.
And for a cup of cheer, Café Sperry's will release holiday drink specials that capture the spirit and warmth of the season.
Whether picking up something familiar or venturing into new culinary territory, the Sperry's team stand ready to help make your spirits brighter this season. Warm coffees, hearty steaks, gourmet feasts, delicious wines, and old-time charm, Sperry’s is the cozy season personified, whether you choose to dine in or grab and go.
“At Sperry's, the season is all about sharing joy, flavor, and time together,” says the Sperry's Mercantile team.
For more information on Sperry’s Restaurant, Mercantile, Café Sperry’s, or to place an order for prepared holiday meals, visit Sperrys.com and SperrysMercantile.com.
“It's all about discovering great flavors, learning a little along the way, and enjoying every bite.”