Building Community One Burger at a Time: M.L.Rose Owner Joins the Podcast
We’re joined by Austin Ray, owner of M.L.Rose and a longtime leader in Nashville’s hospitality scene. With the newest M.L.Rose (location #8!) opening soon on Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro, Austin sits down with us to share the story behind the brand, his roots, and what makes M.L.Rose such a beloved neighborhood spot.
In this episode, we cover:
- The grand opening of the new Murfreesboro M.L.Rose on November 24th
- Austin’s Nashville + Murfreesboro family history
- How his hospitality journey began (and how he didn’t fit in corporate interviews)
- Opening his first bar in the Gulch before it was even the Gulch
- Hilarious early-days stories — including Peyton Manning checking IDs at the door
- What makes M.L.Rose “the heartbeat of the neighborhood”
- Why community, connection, and people are the true core of their business
- The smell of burgers hitting the grill for the first time in a new restaurant
- The “kid & dog corral” and design choices that make guests feel at home
- Love stories, friendships, and even marriages that started inside an M.L.Rose
- Their incredible team culture and the long-term staff who’ve grown with the brand
- Supporting hyper-local brewers like Cedar Glade and offering 36 taps at every location
Whether you love local restaurants, Murfreesboro growth, or inspiring entrepreneur stories, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and great behind-the-scenes moments.
