The Harambe House is a 3-pronged hospitality destination coming to Buchanan Street. Founded by Jordan Harris, owner of Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore and Shon Harmon, owner SmoQe Signals BBQ, the new cultural destination will be situated in the heart of North Nashville and include a members-only coworking space; The Pulled Pit, a sit-down and take-out restaurant serving Harmon’s “Nashville Bred, Memphis Approved, Tennessee Tradition” BBQ flavors; and an upstairs (yet-to-be-named), female-focused whiskey lounge which will open this Fall 2026. Buchanan Street has long served as a cultural catalyst for Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and the Harambe House will serve as a hub for networking, community building, and authentic Tennessee barbecue. We had a chance to chat with founders Jordan and Shon and why they are excited about their new venture and what people can expect once doors open.
What was the spark behind creating Harambe House?
Harambe House occupies the front 6,000 square feet of our Buchanan Street redevelopment, while The Pulled Pit operates independently in the rear as a standalone BBQ restaurant. The overall building is a multi-concept project designed to serve different needs within the community.
The spark for Harambe House came from conversations that started when Jordan and his father were exploring leasing the back of the warehouse for Shon’s BBQ business. As those discussions evolved, the vision expanded, and rather than moving forward with a traditional lease, Jordan and Shon decided to form a hospitality company and partner on multiple concepts within the redevelopment.
We kept coming back to a simple question: what is North Nashville missing? We saw an opportunity to create a space that blends culture, business, exclusivity, and elevated hospitality under one roof.
We have seen spaces like Neuehouse in New York, and through Jordan’s world travels as an investment banker, he experienced how thoughtfully curated environments can influence entire districts across the globe. That perspective shaped how we began thinking about what something like that could look like on Buchanan Street and what it would take to execute it properly.
The name also carries a legacy. Years ago, Jordan’s father, Mr. Yusef Harris, operated a space called Harambe House on 16th Avenue. This project builds on that history while reimagining it for the next generation.
Why did you both decide to partner to bring this vision to life?
When Shon closed his last restaurant, he was clear that he would only re-enter the space if the operational structure was different. Around that same time, Jordan and Shon reconnected through a chance encounter and began discussing how Shon’s BBQ business could be a strong fit for the back of the building. That conversation revealed that their strengths aligned and marked the beginning of a friendship that would eventually form a hospitality development company.
Jordan brings finance, hospitality experience, and long-term real estate vision. He also previously owned a successful hot chicken restaurant in London called Stagga Lee’s. Shon brings over two decades in Nashville’s food, bar, and music scene, deep operational knowledge from the BBQ and food truck world, and a creative perspective shaped by Nashville’s entertainment landscape. Their skill sets are complementary, with clearly defined lanes and mutual respect for each other’s expertise.
The partnership is grounded in trust and a shared commitment to North Nashville. The combination of strategy, operations, and cultural understanding gives the project balance and direction.
Why was the event you hosted in October so important?
The October event marked the first public introduction of The Pulled Pit as a restaurant concept and the transition from SmoQe Signals BBQ as a food truck into a full restaurant platform. The focus of the evening was a celebration of growth and, of course, the food, with the BBQ taking center stage and setting the tone for what’s next.
Hosted by Khalil Ekulona, guests were served a curated menu featuring hickory-smoked brisket, cherry wood-smoked pulled pork, and scratch-made sides that represent the foundation of The Pulled Pit. Jordan also spoke briefly about how the concept fits within the larger Buchanan Street redevelopment, but the night was anchored in the product itself.
Tickets sold out quickly, confirming strong demand for the concept. Because of that response, we are planning a second installment in mid to late April. For updates on upcoming events, visit pulledpitbbq.com and register to receive project updates on the landing page.
What do you hope people will experience when they walk through the doors?
It depends on which door they walk through. At Harambe House, we want people to feel a sense of belonging and excellence the moment they enter. It should feel welcoming, intentional, and elevated. A place where members feel at home, where conversations matter, where careers are advanced, businesses are formed, art is celebrated, and community is strengthened.
At The Pulled Pit, we want people to experience Traditional West TN BBQ. That means as equal a focus on customer service as there is on exceptionally smoked meats and sides. We want people to experience love and consistency with each bite. We want our community to experience pride that we are in the neighborhood. We want people to experience history — the history of Buchanan St, Jefferson St, North Nashville, the true history and timeline of BBQ in America, and the Black Pit Masters’ central place in that history.
Harambe House is expected to have its soft opening in Fall 2026, pending construction and permitting. Leading up to that, they will be hosting activations and informational events for both concepts beginning this Spring as they build toward the grand opening.
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