Pearl Diver, the tropical-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant at 1008 Gallatin Ave. in East Nashville, has changed ownership, with Nashville-based hospitality group Working Man Ventures now at the helm, according to the Nashville Scene.
Working Man Ventures includes Jacob Forth, Steve Perdue, and Edward Lipnickas, who also have ownership interests in One Consulting Group, Maggie’s Place, Perfectly Fine, and Tiger Bar, the Nashville Scene reported. Financial terms of the Pearl Diver deal were not disclosed.
Founding owners Ben Clemons and Corey Ladd opened Pearl Diver in 2018, and the Nashville Scene reported that they appear to have sold their remaining interest in the business.
The ownership transition brings several changes to the Gallatin Avenue destination. According to the Nashville Scene, Pearl Diver is now serving a tropical barbecue menu alongside a refreshed cocktail list, with John Humphries taking over as chef. The business also has new management and staff.
Speaking with WhatNow Nashville, Perdue said the changes extend beyond the food and drink programs, with the new ownership team adding more ways for guests to spend time at the bar.
“We have changed the drink menu to some new fresh cocktails, and the food menu is now tropical barbecue. We added a pool table and other games like darts,” Perdue told WhatNow Nashville. “We will be leaning into football this fall, as in the past they never played sports. We also are focused now on large parties and events on the patio. Happy hour and other information are all updated on our website.”
The restaurant continues to lean into the immersive tropical atmosphere that has made Pearl Diver a recognizable East Nashville destination, while the new team looks to put its own mark on the food and beverage program.
