The American dream, Nashville style
The story behind RAE'S Gourmet
Back in 2002, my brother Daniel built his own little mom-and-pop shop downtown, filled with character and the booming personality of his soon-to-be best friend, Fred.
Fred’s signature greeting, "What you having, Baby?" instantly made you feel like family. The food? Even better.
Word spread like wildfire, and soon, lines snaked out the door of RAE’S Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe, a testament to their incredible sandwiches — think Seinfeld's Soup Nazi, but way friendlier.
Then came 2020. We lost Daniel to cancer, and a few months later, Covid hit us like a gut punch. It could have been the end of this Nashville staple, but my sister-in-law Kim wasn't about to let that dream die. She held down the fort, even when Fred himself was hospitalized with Covid, on top of battling a kidney transplant and a heart attack. Fred also faced the unimaginable loss of his wife and later his son. Talk about strength.
This past May, a new chapter began. With a mix of pride and bittersweet emotions, Kim passed the torch to Fred and his daughter, Isaaca. Fred, practically a member of the family after nearly 25 years at Rae's, officially became the owner alongside his go-getter daughter. (We call Fred our brother from another mother!) Isaaca, an ICU nurse with an impressive work ethic, is diving headfirst into this new venture. They're a united team, committed to preserving the legacy and continuing to serve up the best sandwiches in Nashville.
This isn't just our family's love story with Rae's. Thousands of Nashvillians feel the same way. With countless glowing reviews on Google, Yelp, Trip Advisor and more, Rae's has earned its reputation as a local gem. Reviewers rave about the quality ingredients, the creative and delicious combinations, and the friendly service that makes you feel like a regular.
One reviewer perfectly captured the magic of Rae's:
"Two sandwich shops sit across the street... But across 5th, sits Rae's Gourmet. For all intents and purposes it's the only place on this corner that matters." He goes on to praise the "fresh bread, high quality meats and cheeses," and the legendary "beer cheese soup."
Another customer loved how Rae's remembers its regulars! They mentioned that when you enter, you might be asked to call out your order. But if you're a loyal customer, they'll even ask if you want the same thing you had last time. They said it's this kind of personalized service that makes you feel welcome and want to return again and again.
“Ask any of the 55,000 downtown employees what their favorite downtown spots are, and you’ll hear Rae’s on almost every list.” — Travis
This story is about more than just delicious sandwiches (although, let me tell you, those are worth the wait!). It's about a community rallying around a small business, about the unwavering support of friends who become family. It's about the American dream, Nashville style. In a world that often focuses on what divides us, this story reminds us that deep down, we Americans still care for each other. So this Fourth of July, let's celebrate the good stuff. Let's celebrate Nashville strong, and the way a simple sandwich shop became a testament to the American spirit.
Love ya, Fred!
Can’t wait to try it next time I’m in town!
Such an uplifting story. I'm sorry I never made it to Rae's before your brother passed, but it's so good that Fred is continuing the legacy of his beloved downtown sandwich shop. I'll be getting lunch there soon - those sandwiches sound delish!