Country music star Luke Combs is on the verge of launching his new venture, a bar named Category 10, located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The announcement was made via a video message shared on social media, where Combs, an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, expressed his excitement. Filmed backstage at the Opry, he revealed his partnership with the Opry Entertainment Group in this new endeavor.
Category 10, set to be a vibrant honky-tonk, promises a dynamic mix of food, spirits, and entertainment. Combs explained the name’s significance, drawing inspiration from the maximum strength of a hurricane, Category 5, and ambitiously doubling it. This choice of name subtly nods to his debut single “Hurricane,” which metaphorically equates an unexpected encounter with an ex to a powerful storm. Released in 2016, “Hurricane” marked the beginning of Combs’ unprecedented success, with all 17 of his official radio singles topping the country charts.
The venue, located at 120 Second Avenue North, occupies the former site of the popular Wildhorse Saloon. The transformation of this space into Category 10 is set to create the largest entertainment complex in the area, boasting a 69,000 square foot facility capable of accommodating nearly 3,200 guests. The complex will feature three interior levels and a proposed rooftop bar, offering ample scope for Combs to infuse his personal touch.
Further enhancing the venue’s allure is “The Still,” a dedicated area inspired by Combs’ songwriting. This space aims to spotlight performances by emerging songwriters, fostering new talent. The announcement of Category 10, first hinted at by Combs in April 2023, places him among a growing list of country music luminaries like Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Dierks Bentley, who have all established popular hot spots in downtown Nashville. With Category 10, Combs not only extends his influence in the music world but also cements his place in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
