Common Ground, with two vibrant locations in Nashville, is redefining what it means to be an actual neighborhood bar and restaurant.
Founded by hospitality veterans Matt Ramos and Wes, the concept combines years of experience with a deep commitment to community-focused dining and drinks. Matt’s journey into hospitality began behind the bar while he was in college. He went on to become a certified sommelier, eventually combining his passion for wine and hospitality with his business education. What Now recently interviewed Matt and Wes to learn more about the success of Common Ground and how they achieved it.
“After receiving a bachelor’s degree in business, the idea of beverage and operational management was a way to combine the passion for wine and hospitality with a business background,” Matt tells What Now Media Group.
Wes entered the bartending world nearly ten years ago and dove headfirst into learning the craft, studying technique, recipes, and industry trends. His dedication led to a corporate beverage director role where he trained young bartenders and developed original cocktail programs.
“I took it upon myself to study technique, recipes, and current trends,” Wes tells What Now Media Group.
Matt and Wes began working together in 2016, when they were running operations at M Street Entertainment Group. After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on separate paths, the pair began discussing the possibility of creating something of their own.
“Eventually, the conversation resurfaced of creating our own concept, and what was then born is what you now experience as Common Ground,” Matt said.
Their decision to focus on neighborhood locations rather than downtown was intentional. They wanted to create a space that locals could return to again and again.
“After spending a combined 15 years operating downtown restaurants, the idea was always to get out into neighborhoods and open a concept for locals,” Matt said.
Getting people through the door initially remains one of the biggest challenges in the restaurant business, particularly in a city with an ever-growing food scene.
“Simply put, getting guests in the door for the first time is the most challenging part of the restaurant industry,” Matt says. “Especially in Nashville, there is seemingly a new restaurant opening on every corner every week.”
To stay relevant, the team continually evolves its offerings to keep things fresh for both regulars and first-time guests.
“The need to constantly pivot and innovate is more important now than ever,” Matt says. “Even with a brand that has been present in the market for a few years, it is still crucial to always be innovating so even our most passionate regulars feel like they have new options to try.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Common Ground, Matt says, is building and supporting their team. From the beginning, they’ve been fortunate to have a loyal and engaged staff who remain invested in the business.
“We have been fortunate to have a great team from the very beginning; a number of them are still with us three years later,” Matt says. “Staffing is typically a big hurdle to overcome in our industry, but we have been blessed with a team of passionate individuals who are motivated by providing input to elevate our business continuously. The most rewarding thing for us is to be able to employ and provide a living for everyone on our team.”
Looking ahead, Common Ground was designed to grow in flexible ways. The team envisions adapting the core concept to meet the diverse needs of different neighborhoods, whether that’s a cocktail bar, a dinner restaurant, or a smaller bistro.
“We are always looking for new opportunities for Common Ground,” according to Matt. “The idea for the concept from the beginning was to create a model that could easily be broken into multiple concepts. Whether that be a cocktail bar, a higher-end dinner restaurant, or a smaller neighborhood bistro, the structure of Common Ground provides an opportunity to fit a concept into an area that has a need.”
With a strong foundation, a committed team, and a clear vision for the future, Common Ground continues to grow as a staple for locals. As Nashville’s food scene evolves, Matt and Wes remain focused on building something lasting—a place where the neighborhood feels at home.
Common Ground has two locations in Nashville, one at 345 40th Avenue N. in Sylvan Park and another at 734 Thompson Lane in Berry Hill.
