Michael McIlroy and Sam Ross, the award-winning New York bar owners who launched Attaboy Nashville (2017) and Lakeside Lounge (2019), are bringing a third project to the East side before summer of 2020. The duo announced today that they’re opening (alongside Ross’ twin sister Kate) Hearts — a Melbourne-inspired all-day café in East Nashville.

Located at 914 Gallatin Avenue, the cafe is inspired by food and coffee of Melbourne, Australia — a city known for its coffee culture, with more cafes per capita than anywhere else in the world. It will serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch — with a menu of “outstanding breakfasts” and egg-based dishes using locally-sourced produce. Lighter lunch-y options will include salads, sandwiches, and healthy bowls, plus some takes on classic Aussie dishes.



Liquids served include coffee, coffee alternatives, juices, and smoothies, plus beer wine, cocktails, and spritzes. Owners promise a regular happy hour, too.

With a 50-seat capacity and a sun-filled outdoor area, Hearts will open seven days a week, sometime in early summer of 2020, with an interior they promise to feel intrinsically Melbourne, with modern clean design.

Sam Ross, co-owner of Attaboy & Lakeside Lounge and Hearts co-founder said: “The café is the central meeting point for us in Melbourne. We start our day there, pop back periodically for caffeine and often finish up there for a glass of wine. To have the opportunity to add this to the already vibrant food and drink scene of East Nashville makes us very excited. And to have my twin sister Kate at the helm is a bonus.”

Melbourne-born operating partner Kate Ross added: “I’m thrilled to bring a taste of my hometown to East Nashville. Melburnians love their food and coffee and often spend hours a day at their favorite neighborhood spot. It’s not just a fuel to get through the day but it’s a lifestyle. It’s an excuse to get together with friends to enjoy quality dishes and excellent coffee in a place that feels like home.”

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