Eric and Jennifer Covell are preparing to open their first location as franchisees for American-style sushi restaurant Rock N’ Roll Sushi. They will be bringing the brand to a new development called Everette Downs at the intersection of Division Street and Mt. Juliet Road in Mt. Juliet.
Eric told What Now Nashville that they were drawn to the brand as they began to search for investment opportunities in the franchise world. Eric is passionate about sushi and he and his wife both enjoy the rock n’ roll aspect of the brand.
“The branding of it was really cool — an atypical vibe for a restaurant,” Eric said. “So we just started doing the research and jumping in. After talking to the Rock N’ Roll team, it felt like a good fit.”
The first location in Mt. Juliet, which they hope to open in early 2026, will join six other Rock N’ Roll Sushi spots in the Middle Tennessee area operated by existing franchisees. The Covells are in the last steps of finalizing the lease for their Mt. Juliet location.
The Covells wanted to bring the brand to Wilson County for their first location because the community holds a special place in their hearts. They have lived there for 12 years and raised their children there. Now, the Covells view Rock N’ Roll Sushi as a way to give back.
“We love that community. We’re not going anywhere,” Eric said. “We have embedded roots in that area, and we want to develop some deeper roots in the neighborhood and we now have the resources to develop more community. We want to give back to our community and generate some excitement and new restaurant opportunities for our neighbors and friends.”
Rock N’ Roll Sushi finds its roots in Mobile, Ala. Husband-and-wife duo Lance and Gerri Mach founded the brand in 2010, and it now has more than 75 locations across the Southeast. The menu falls in line with the rock n’ roll theme, with menu sections like Opening Acts, Classics, Green Room, Headliners (with Raw Tracks), Back Stage Hibachi, Kids Rock and After Party. Menu highlights include crispy wontons, punk rock roll, VIP roll and back-stage hibachi.
“Rock N Roll Sushi is different from any other restaurant,” Eric said. “There aren’t a lot of sushi franchises across the country, and having the branding of the nostalgia of rock n’ roll [is great].”
The Covells will continue to expand with additional locations.
