Chad White, alongside his business partners Josh Brooks and Cameron Forrest, is making a major mark on Nashville’s food scene with their two successful establishments: Noir Kitchen and Cocktails and Linq Social Kitchen. Chad didn’t always see himself as a restaurateur; he initially pursued medical school before finding his true calling in hospitality, where his innate entrepreneurial spirit flourished.
Inspired by a trip to Colombia where he witnessed fine dining up close, Chad envisioned a place with that same elevated atmosphere for Nashville. Together, the three Memphis natives created Noir, a restaurant that brings upscale dining to Nashville’s Black community. The name “Noir,” which means “black” in French, is not only a nod to the restaurant’s chic and sophisticated atmosphere but also a proud reflection of its identity as a Black-owned business. Noir’s menu features refined dishes like lobster tails and lamb chops paired with soul food staples like mac and cheese and yams, offering a unique blend of comfort and class.
The road to success wasn’t easy. After facing two fires, one of which destroyed their first location, Chad and his partners were left to rebuild without adequate insurance. “I tell people all the time, especially entrepreneurs, stuff is going to get hard. I promise you it’s going to get hard, but you have to keep going… I’m like a living testament. There’s nothing worse than losing it all and not having anything,” Chad reflects. “We were broke, and you just have to be creative, relentless, and persistent because there’s usually a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Despite these setbacks, their perseverance paid off. They secured a new, more upscale location and relaunched Noir with an even more refined dining experience. In addition to Noir, Chad, Josh, and Cameron also co-own LinQ Social Kitchen, a more relaxed, community-focused venue. While still refining its identity, Linq is centered around Memphis-style barbecue, offering a laid-back environment where people can connect, play games, and vibe.
Being a Black man and dealing with all the troubles in the world and still making a way is crazy. Seeing people come into the restaurants and looking around like ‘we created this,’ and then enjoying it—that’s the most rewarding thing. When things get hard, I look back and think about that; we are here for a reason.
As for what’s next, Chad and his business partners have ambitious plans. “We would love to expand what we have into other markets,” Chad explains. He’s not limiting himself to restaurants, either—he’s exploring other ventures, from fitness to a juice bar concept and more. “New ideas come up all the time; there is so much opportunity for Nashville in terms of concepts,” he says.
Chad’s journey, filled with challenges, resilience, and creativity, continues to inspire. Their vision, paired with dedication to community and a desire to lift others up, is shaping not only Nashville’s culinary landscape but also its entrepreneurial spirit.
Photos: Noir Nashville
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