Raise closed, search for fresh raises on Seedstage

Nashville, TN

Raising funds to enhance operations, upgrade kitchen infrastructure, and expand the marketing reach of a top-rated Nashville restaurant.

• Award-Winning Culinary Leadership: Led by a Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning chef with a track record of success.
• Proven Market Traction: Generated $1.4M in revenue in the first year and achieved profitability at 16 months.
• Unique Dining Experience: A modern izakaya concept featuring Japanese charcoal cooking and an extensive sake list.
• Strategic Growth Location: Situated in Wedgewood-Houston, one of Nashville’s most rapidly developing neighborhoods.
• Community Investment Opportunity: Offering local supporters a chance to own a stake in the restaurant’s success.
• Experienced Founding Team: Decades of expertise in hospitality, restaurant operations, and beverage brand building.
• Strong Industry Recognition: Featured by The New York Times and Resy as a defining restaurant in American dining.

Present Tense is raising funds to support the growth and long-term success of its modern izakaya dining experience in Nashville. Known for its refined yet approachable menu, deep sake list, and minimalist cocktails, Present Tense has quickly become a local favorite, earning accolades from The New York Times and Resy. This investment will provide the capital necessary for kitchen upgrades, operational improvements, and marketing efforts to further solidify its position as a must-visit culinary destination. With a strong leadership team boasting decades of hospitality and beverage industry expertise, Present Tense is primed for expansion and enhanced guest experiences.

The fundraising effort also creates an opportunity for the Nashville community to take part in the restaurant’s success by becoming investors. Since opening in 2023, Present Tense has demonstrated strong financial performance, surpassing $1.4 million in revenue within its first year and achieving profitability at 16 months. Situated in one of Nashville’s most dynamic neighborhoods, the restaurant is strategically positioned for long-term growth. Investors will contribute to elevating a unique dining concept that blends world-class ingredients, fermentation techniques, and Japanese charcoal cooking with a curated beverage program, setting a new standard for culinary excellence in the city.

Company Info

Present Tense is a modern izakaya in Nashville, offering an innovative culinary experience with world-class ingredients, a deep sake list, and minimalist cocktails.

Present Tense is a modern izakaya in Nashville, offering a unique culinary and sensory experience inspired by Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors. Founded by acclaimed chef Ryan Costanza and hospitality expert Rick Margaritov, the restaurant has quickly gained recognition for its world-class ingredients, fermentation techniques, and signature use of Japanese charcoal. Present Tense features a shareable small-plate menu, an extensive sake selection, natural wines, and minimalist cocktails. With accolades from *The New York Times* and *Resy’s Restaurants That Define Dining in America 2024*, the restaurant has become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Opened in 2023, Present Tense has achieved $1.4 million in revenue within its first year and reached monthly profitability at 16 months. Located in Nashville’s rapidly growing Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the restaurant continues to innovate with a six-seat omakase counter and its own sake brand, Pure Land Sake. Now raising funds to expand operations, upgrade kitchen equipment, and invest in marketing, Present Tense invites its community to become investors and share in its success.