Lipscomb University announces new eateries, coffeehouse expansion in retail space across from campus

Lipscomb University announces new eateries, coffeehouse expansion in retail space across from campus

Burrito restaurant, Nashville Pie Company to provide places to 'sit and stay a while' in Green Hills

Kim Chaudoin | 01/13/2026

Lipscomb University announced today two new tenants and an expansion in the university-owned retail space located directly across from campus, bringing new dining options and enhanced gathering spaces for students, faculty, staff and the surrounding Green Hills neighborhood.

The additions include the expansion of The Well Coffeehouse and the arrival of two new eateries - Victor Tango and Nashville Pie Company - in spaces that have been vacant for an extended period.

"We have been strategically working for months on these new offerings. It is exciting to see this retail space come to life in ways that serve both our students and our surrounding community," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "These spaces are designed for students and neighbors alike to gather, study and connect, enhancing the student experience while contributing to a vibrant Green Hills community. We look forward to the positive impact these additions will have on campus life and the neighborhood we share."

The Well Coffeehouse, which has been located across from the Lipscomb campus since 2014, will expand into the space previously occupied by Subway. The 995-square-foot expansion is designed to increase seating and improve overall flow. Plans include an open, light-filled environment with seating for group study and meetups, a grab-and-go pickup area with app integration, and additional integrated power access throughout the space. Construction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. The Well was co-founded in 2012 by Rob Touchstone, Lipscomb alumnus and director of its Center for Vocational Discovery, with the mission of funding clean water projects to address safe water needs globally.

Mark Barns, CEO of The Well Coffeehouse, said the expansion will deepen the coffeehouse's role as a community hub.

"We are excited that this expansion will give students a more comfortable place to study, connect and spend time throughout the day while strengthening our partnership with the Lipscomb and Green Hills communities and advancing our mission of Turning Coffee Into Water," he said.

Two new eateries are scheduled to open in early spring. Victor Tango is a new dining concept that will offer burritos and bowls made with house-made salsa, chips and tortillas. The concept and menu are being developed by a chef with leadership experience within a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand award-winning group.

Nashville Pie Company, a popular online gourmet pie brand based in Nashville, will open its first physical retail location in the development. The shop will serve as the company's home base for both retail sales and its online business, offering a variety of pies along with frozen yogurt.

Reid Wakefield, an investor in both Victor Tango and Nashville Pie Company, said the concepts are intentionally designed to encourage people to linger and connect. Wakefield, who owns cattle ranches in Tennessee and Colorado, developed the concept for Victor Tango and plans to source premium beef for the restaurant from his ranches in the future.

"We are excited to bring Victor Tango and Nashville Pie Company to the Lipscomb and Green Hills communities," said Wakefield, whose children attend Lipscomb Academy. "Both places will be designed as 'sit down and stay' spaces. We want them to be places where people can meet, hang out and build community, and we are really looking forward to being part of this neighborhood."

In exploring tenants to fill the vacant retail space, McQueen worked with her team to strategically seek businesses that align with student interests and community needs.

"Our goal has been to thoughtfully curate businesses that fit the character and mission of Lipscomb and serve both our campus and our neighbors well," said Jerold Givens, Lipscomb's chief revenue officer. "These additions reflect that strategy and bring new energy and vitality to this retail corridor."

The retail center is located across the street from Lipscomb University along Granny White Pike. In addition to the new and expanding food establishments, Draper Jewelers also operates in the retail center and has been a mainstay for over 50 years.