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Sopapillas’ owner, Steve Dale, came from Phoenix and Albuquerque to pursue his love and passion for music in the late ’90s. As a Nashville bass player, Dale was nominated for three Grammys and two Dove awards and was constantly touring. He later became the bass player for the country group Little Big Town for five years.
Even though Music City was kind to Dale, he really missed the traditional foods and flavors he loved out west. He longed for something that tasted like home, but he couldn’t find it. So he began cooking many of his favorite dishes and often shared them with his bandmates. While touring, Dale and Little Big Town would throw special post-show Fiesta Nights where he would cook his southwestern delights. These gatherings became increasingly popular, and his dream of opening a New Mexican restaurant started to take shape.
With the encouragement of the band, friends, and family, Dale opened the first Sopapillas in 2010. After expanding the Franklin restaurant and doubling its space in 2011, Sopapillas continued to grow and has won multiple awards, including “Best Mexican Restaurant” in Nashville. This year, Sopapillas proudly celebrates 15 years of serving the community with fresh, authentic southwestern flavors. Dale and his wife, Emily, who work together in the restaurant, are passionate about providing the freshest southwestern food to their guests.
Although this may not have been the most conventional path to becoming a restaurateur, Dale is thankful for the journey and the blessings along the way. When asked if he misses the music, he replies, “Yes, I do, but I love creating what people enjoy to taste, hear, smell, and see when they come to Sopapillas. It’s the ultimate creative process. The guests are everything—and when their faces come alive to a new flavor, it’s all worth it.”