In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Matt Ramos, owner of Common Ground — and yes, he’s quick to remind us… it’s NOT a coffee shop.

Matt takes us through his journey through some of Nashville’s biggest and best restaurants, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the experiences that ultimately shaped the Common Ground concept. From working alongside top operators to seeing what works (and what doesn’t) at scale, Matt’s path through the Nashville restaurant scene played a major role in how he built his own brand.

We talk candidly about name-brand kitchens, high-pressure environments, mentorship, mistakes, and moments of clarity, and how those experiences influenced everything from culture and hospitality to brand identity and guest experience.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Matt’s journey through some of Nashville’s most well-known restaurants

• Lessons learned from top chefs, operators, and restaurant groups

• Behind-the-scenes stories from high-level kitchens and concepts

• Why Common Ground is NOT a coffee shop — and why that matters

• Turning experience into intention when building your own concept

• Growing a brand to multiple locations without losing its soul

• Building community-first spaces in a competitive market

This episode is packed with Nashville restaurant history, real-world lessons, and honest storytelling — making it a must-listen for anyone in hospitality who’s come up through the ranks and is dreaming about building something of their own.

🎧 If you’ve ever wondered how experience at top restaurants translates into ownership — this episode delivers.