http://www.tennessean.com/article/20...e+restaurants+
Steve McNair hopes to open more restaurants
June 29, 2009
Steve McNair never really planned on owning a restaurant after his professional football career, even though he’s known within his family as a pretty good cook.
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But he’s got one open now — called Steve McNair’s Gridiron9 — on Jefferson Street near Tennessee State University. McNair said his place is at that location for a reason.
“I always wanted to retire and teach kids about life, and I’m still doing that with my camps,’’ McNair said. “This is something that I can still give back to the community. A lot of college students don’t have the funds to go to (upscale) restaurants, but we can still offer them good food, healthy food they can afford.’’
The restaurant has a bit of a college, come-as-you-are type feel to it, not big, but relaxed.
“We want to know (customers), their name, what they eat and drink,’’ McNair said. “If I’m in town, I’ll be here every day.’’
McNair plans to open additional Gridiron9 locations. He’ll first look to expand at other areas in and around Nashville and then, perhaps, in McNair’s home state of Mississippi.
Walter Box and Derek Campbell are the co-managers of the first restaurant located in the Price Plaza in the space formerly occupied by a Wing Zone.
Box and Campbell founded the Nuttin’ But Wings eatery, which is now in five locations including two in Memphis and one in Murfreesboro. Box said they still help manage Nuttin’ But Wings.
Gridiron9’s staple is grilled food like burgers, chicken, fish and shrimp. There is a wide range of salad offerings as well. Breakfast is served 6:30-10:30 a.m.
“We call it five-star takeout,’’ Box said. “Steve’s name is very big in this city and very well-respected.’’
McNair played 13 seasons in the National Football League. Eleven were with the Tennessee Titans organization, including the first two when the team was still the Houston Oilers. McNair’s last two years playing were with the Baltimore Ravens, retiring after the 2007 season.
The restaurant seats about 27, Box said. There are murals and images of football and McNair visible in the restaurant.
Carryout and delivery are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The restaurant is closed Sundays, but it’s likely that specials will be offered around Titans football games, Box said.