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Sinema Restaurant & Bar Welcomes New Executive Chef 

Sinema Restaurant & Bar Welcomes New Executive Chef 

Chef Shelby Briggs brings more than 13 years of experience in fine dining to Sinema as it enters its 10th year in business

NASHVILLE, TN (Nov. 28, 2023)Sinema Restaurant & Bar welcomes Shelby Briggs as the new executive chef for the established Nashville restaurant beginning this month, announces Ed and Sam Reed and Q Taylor of Reed Hospitality. The former Executive Chef of Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, MD, and Chef De Cuisine at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL, Briggs will bring her culinary expertise and knowledge of international cuisine to Sinema’s kitchen. Guests can expect previews of Briggs’ updated dishes to be offered as specials leading up to the new year.

The announcement comes after longtime chef Kyle Patterson’s departure from the company to pursue future endeavors. Patterson had been employed at Sinema since the restaurant’s opening in 2014, serving as executive chef since 2016.

“As an original team member, Kyle helped shape Sinema’s culinary experience, and Sinema and the Reed family are grateful for his contributions,” said co-owner Q Taylor. “I’m thrilled to welcome our new chef, Shelby, to our Sinema family and kitchen. Our team has perfected the guest experience and our attention to detail over the past ten years, and I am excited about the next chapter. Our team is filled with passion, creativity and excitement, and I am confident Shelby’s leadership will further push our dining experience to the next level.”

The Sinema menu will be updated at the start of the new year, drawing from Briggs’ experiences and influences from studying in Italy and Southeast Asia. A few dishes will be previewed to guests as specials leading up to the menu change. Briggs shared, “I want to celebrate the history and tradition of the special space, along with giving our guests a superb, unforgettable experience that makes them want to return. I am excited to blend the inspiration I’ve gained from my studies and travels worldwide with a refined menu approach, providing our guests with an elite culinary experience.”

Briggs has relocated to Nashville for this role and looks forward to entering the Nashville community by connecting with other chefs and businesses and immersing herself in the Music City scene. Briggs elaborates, “I was drawn to Nashville as a chef due to the blossoming restaurant scene and talent from both local and outside markets. I look forward to bringing my culinary viewpoint to the city and learning from the robust talent in Nashville.”

Sinema is open Tuesday – Saturday for happy hour, dinner and weekend Bottomless Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.sinemanashville.com or follow them on Instagram at @sinemanashville.

About Sinema Restaurant & Bar

Sinema Restaurant + Bar is housed in the historic Melrose Theater, which, since its 1942 opening, has a storied history of delighting movie-goers and creating long-lasting memories. Today, housed in the same space, Sinema aims to keep that tradition alive. The guest experience is inspired by the history of the theater: the architectural design, the patrons and the stars who graced its big screen.

The culinary experience at Sinema has evolved in its decade of business, now led by Shelby Briggs, who draws inspiration from her experiences in world travel. Her fresh focus merges with Sinema’s core values of culture and community, leading to an innovative food and beverage experience. Sinema helps facilitate memorable moments for friends and neighbors, near and far.

Sinema’s cocktail program celebrates over 150 years of craft libations and includes a rare whiskey program with over 100 selections, thoughtfully selected wines and craft beers.

Whether you’re looking to have a mid-week dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or host a red-carpet private dining experience, Sinema takes guests back in time with an opulent and nostalgia-inducing atmosphere, timeless dishes, and unrivaled service.

Each weekend, we host Bottomless Brunch. Enjoy an array of gourmet brunch dishes made to order and delivered to your table at Sinema’s most popular service. Feast on the entire menu – as much as you’d like – served family-style and brought to you while you relax at the comfort of your table.  Our Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys are a wonderful accompaniment to your experience.

Our space features two levels of dining space, including a bar and private dining areas. The décor, developed by Anderson Design Studio, combines preserved elements of the original building and modern, custom design. The grand lobby, including the curved staircase, have been restored and complemented by exposed brick walls, cozy velvet tufted booths, and legendary music photography by Robert Knight and Mary Ann Bilham.

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