Our Story

Arnt Empire was founded in 2018 by Parisian businessman Melvil Arnt with the idea of bringing to the US a different approach to local businesses and to create establishments that were unique, authentic and, after all, much needed.

After starting his career in Paris, France, Business owner and concept creator Melvil Arnt brought the first authentic French bistro in East Nashville “Once upon a time in France” which was an immediate success.

Voted best restaurant in Nashville 2022 and best French restaurant in Tennessee in 2023, Once Upon a Time in France is still one of the highest rated restaurants in the ever growing food scene of Nashville.

In 2021, Arnt Empire created the Wine bar “The Authentique” and in 2022, the cocktail bar “Overlord” (now Martha my dear) and wine store “Mel’s Wine and Spirits”.

Arnt Empire is a company that creates original concepts and businesses, and thrives as a successful hospitality group with the ambition of growing it’s portfolio across the USA.

Melvil Arnt, CEO