Key Takeaways
- The Wedgewood Entertainment District is a new development in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, featuring a range of entertainment venues and businesses.
- The district is being led by Ollie Gabriel, founder of Aura Holdings Group, who aims to create a luxury entertainment destination that respects the neighborhood’s history and creative roots.
- The district includes a state-of-the-art event and entertainment venue called Aura Lounge, a luxury sports bar concept called BHOPS Sports Zone, and several other businesses, including a luxury cigar lounge and a pizza restaurant.
- The team behind the project includes Gabriel, Micah Berg, and Cory Mason, who bring a range of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship to the table.
- The district is expected to open in phases, with Aura Lounge scheduled to open in January and BHOPS Sports Zone opening in the spring of 2026.
Introduction to the Wedgewood Entertainment District
Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood has undergone significant changes in recent years, with multiple developers investing in new projects for the area. One of the most exciting developments is the Wedgewood Entertainment District, a multi-building complex that aims to create a luxury entertainment destination. The district is being led by Ollie Gabriel, founder of Aura Holdings Group, who has a vision for a walkable hospitality compound where experiences, music, and community come together. Gabriel’s plans for the district include a range of entertainment venues and businesses, including a state-of-the-art event and entertainment venue, a luxury sports bar, and several other establishments.
The Concept and Vision Behind the Wedgewood Entertainment District
The idea for the Wedgewood Entertainment District started with a small idea – opening a speakeasy-style bar in Nashville. However, when Gabriel discovered the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, his vision quickly expanded to include a larger entertainment complex. The area’s proximity to downtown, easy access, and creative energy made it the perfect location for the project. Gabriel’s partner, Micah Berg, shared his vision, and together they began to develop the concept for the district. The plan is to transform the formerly industrial area into a luxury entertainment destination that respects the neighborhood’s history and creative roots.
Components of the Wedgewood Entertainment District
The Wedgewood Entertainment District includes several components, each at a different stage of development. Aura Lounge, the centerpiece of the district, is a state-of-the-art event and entertainment venue that can host up to 1,500 people. The venue is scheduled to open in January and has already generated significant interest and demand. BHOPS Sports Zone, a luxury sports bar concept, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026. The district also includes other businesses, such as Single Malt Cigar Bar, The Wedge Pizza, and Whiskey Jam, which will help to keep the area active beyond nightlife hours.
The Team Behind the Wedgewood Entertainment District
The team behind the Wedgewood Entertainment District includes Gabriel, Micah Berg, and Cory Mason. Gabriel and Berg met organically in the neighborhood and quickly discovered that they shared similar backgrounds and interests. They started working out together and began discussing business ideas, which eventually led to the development of the Wedgewood Entertainment District. Mason, a well-respected industry veteran in hospitality, was introduced to the team and quickly became a partner in the vision. The team’s combined experience and expertise in hospitality and entrepreneurship have been instrumental in bringing the district to life.
Ollie Gabriel’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey
Gabriel’s entrepreneurial journey began with his music career. As an artist, he had to learn how to build his own opportunities, from producing music and touring to creating content and experiences. This mindset naturally translated into business, and Gabriel has since become involved in several ventures, including media projects, live programming, and educational initiatives. He believes that entrepreneurship is an extension of his creativity and that music has taught him how to create moments. Designing the district has taught him how to scale those moments and become a more powerful leader.
Balancing Multiple Businesses and Creative Pursuits
Gabriel balances his multiple businesses and creative pursuits by being intentional about his time and relying heavily on strong teams. He believes that when the vision is clear, the balance becomes much easier. Music and business are connected for Gabriel, and he finds that one feeds the other. He is able to stay creatively involved in his music career while also pursuing his business ventures, and he sees the district as a platform that can support both.
Future Plans and Long-Term Expectations
The focus for the Wedgewood Entertainment District is on building something sustainable and meaningful, rather than rushing expansion. Gabriel wants to prove that the model works at a high level, operationally and financially, before thinking about what’s next. Long-term, the goal is to create experiences and brands that can evolve with the city, whether that means expanding the district, adding new concepts, or taking the model into other markets. Gabriel is always looking for new ideas and opportunities but is intentional about pace and focused on creating a lasting impact in the Nashville community.
