Kid Rock Steakhouse Shuts Down Amid ICE Fears

Nashville’s Kid Rock’s Big A– Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse experienced a sudden service shutdown Saturday night as employees without legal work authorization left the premises amidst heightened fears of immigration enforcement. According to a report by the Nashville Scene, the restaurant, owned by conservative restaurateur Steve Smith, along with two of his other establishments, was significantly impacted by the impromptu departures.

Managers reportedly directed employees lacking legal immigration status to leave to avoid potential detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One employee described the situation as chaotic, noting the restaurant was already understaffed due to ongoing ICE raids throughout the weekend. The timing coincided with peak business hours, following events at nearby venues like the Ryman Auditorium and a Savannah Bananas baseball game, leaving the kitchen unable to fulfill orders.

The increased ICE activity stems from a joint operation that began May 3, resulting in at least 196 arrests in South Nashville, according to the report. Notably, 101 of those arrested had no prior criminal record, a statistic that challenges previous assertions by the Trump administration regarding the focus of immigration enforcement on violent criminals.

This incident highlights a reliance on undocumented labor within Smith’s restaurant group. The Nashville Scene’s reporting suggests a direct connection between the business’s operational needs and the employment of individuals not authorized to work in the United States.

The situation is particularly noteworthy given Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, having performed at his inauguration and recently visiting the White House.

Smith has not publicly commented on the matter. The full report from the Nashville Scene is available online.

This situation is deeply troubling. While enforcing immigration laws is the purview of federal agencies, the disruption to businesses and the fear instilled in communities are significant consequences. The reliance on undocumented labor, even within businesses owned by prominent political supporters, reveals a complex economic reality often overlooked in political rhetoric. It’s a stark reminder that immigration isn’t simply a policy debate; it impacts real people and the businesses that depend on their labor. The fact that over half of those arrested had no criminal history raises serious questions about the proportionality and effectiveness of the current enforcement strategy.