Our Story

Kurt Smith and Adler Lentz of Smith & Lentz Brewing and Pizza

Here’s the story:

When Adler and I launched Smith & Lentz brewery in 2015, we weren’t looking to corner the beer market. We just wanted to bring something special to East Nashville.

Adler was already chief brewer at a different establishment, and I worked as an environmental and risk consultant while brewing beer at home. We collaborated over our formulations, got pretty good at creating flavors and combos no one else was doing, and decided it would be wrong to hog all the magic.

With less than a dozen brew pubs in town, we knew we could add something to the scene. When we found this location on Main Street, and a lot of the materials we needed for the brewery side of the business were already in place, Smith & Lentz quickly went from an aspirational business plan to a popular place for people to meet up, sip some locally brewed suds, and share some good times.

Things were going well, but we knew our humble brewery was meant for more. We wanted to develop the food side of the business but were already so busy ramping up operations and crafting delicious beer, we had to put those ideas on hold.

Then, in 2020, the tornado hit. While it pummeled our building it also shook up the business. We gave our layout a rethink, added a kitchen, and shifted our focus toward locally sourced food to complement our locally brewed beer.

Once we found like-minded local farmers and suppliers producing everything from lettuce to cheese to stoneground flour, our vision was complete. We created a menu loaded with fresh appetizers, salads, the world’s most outstanding pizza made from our own sourdough recipe, and ice cream that we also make from scratch. The menu changes frequently so there’s always something new to look forward to, and ingredients are always fresh.

Looking for a higher-end pizza experience paired with a clean crisp pilsner, some biscuity lager goodness, a hop forward IPA or a half pour and amaro shot? You’re in the right place.