O’Charley’s

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is a well-established casual dining chain known for its American menu with Southern influences. The company was founded in 1971 by Charley Watkins, who opened the first location near Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. O’Charley’s quickly gained a loyal following for its welcoming atmosphere and signature pies, eventually expanding across the Southeast and Midwest. A significant milestone in its history was its acquisition by Fidelity National Financial in the early 2010s, a move that placed O’Charley’s among a portfolio of recognized restaurant brands.

As of November 2025, O’Charley’s operates approximately 100 restaurants in 16 states, with its strongest presence in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Georgia. The brand has shifted its strategy over the past five years, moving away from rapid expansion to focus on operational efficiency and market consolidation. This has involved closing underperforming locations and investing in remodels and upgrades at existing sites, ensuring the restaurants remain relevant and appealing in core markets. While O’Charley’s is not actively seeking new sites, it remains open to strategic opportunities where it already has a strong foothold.

O’Charley’s stands out as a consistent operator with decades of experience in family dining. Its commitment to upgrading locations and refining operations demonstrates a stable, measured approach to growth. The chain’s established formats and ongoing investment in its restaurants make it a dependable anchor for retail centers, supporting steady customer traffic and a reputation for hospitality.