As work on forthcoming entertainment venue Aura Lounge continues in Wedgewood-Houston, owner Ollie Gabriel has a new project in the works. He is bringing a sports bar concept, BHOPS Sports Bar, to 2018 B Lindell Ave., situated near his private events space The Corner Wedgewood.
Gabriel has partnered with former NFL player Brad Hopkins, who played with the Tennessee Titans, and his son Brycen, who snagged a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. The name BHOPS is a nod to both Brad and Brycen.
“We all felt a good synergy to create something and we got the idea for BHOPS and creating this one-of-a-kind sports bar that combines sports with the versatility of the entertainment district,” Gabriel told What Now Nashville.
BHOPS is designed to complement Aura Lounge and The Corner Wedgewood in the developing Wedgewood Entertainment District.
“We wanted to diversify out and have a place where people can frequent on a day-to-day basis,” Gabriel said.
BHOPS will offer an upscale, sophisticated sports lounge experience, featuring a 6,000-square-foot space with wall-to-wall televisions and one of the longest bars in the city. The legacy and spirit of the Hopkins will inspire the design of the space, which will intertwine sports, nostalgia and modern elements of Nashville.
“We’re designing it in a way that every guest has the best seat in the house,” Gabriel said.
The spot will feature a chef-inspired menu with elevated bar food and craft beverages.
Currently, construction is underway on the space and the team is hoping to open in early Q2 of 2026.
For Gabriel and his business partners, BHOPS ties back to the ultimate goal of the cluster of concepts they are bringing to Wedgewood-Houston — they are all designed to foster community.
“At the forefront of everything we’re doing at Aura Holdings Group is community and culture, so what I hope Aura, BHOPS and The Corner Wedgewood bring to the community is not just elevated experience opportunities, but also a great space where people come together,” Gabriel said. “It feels inclusive. It feels like something that was done with the intention to bring together the community.”
More is on the horizon from Gabriel once Aura Lounge and BHOPS open. His company is also focusing on media and entertainment and is looking forward to partnering with other brands and companies to continue to further their mission.
“As a company, we feel like we’re just getting started,” Gabriel said. “We definitely have a lot of big visions.”
