# Present Tense

A culinary and sensory experience celebrating the here and now in Nashville.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/present.tense
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:167155
- Last updated: 2026-06-05T05:01:12Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-05T17:57:23Z

## Quick facts
- Local favorite restaurant w/ a deep sake list, natural wines, and esoteric yet minimalist cocktails
- Influenced by the sourcing of world class ingredients, fermentation, restraint & Japanese charcoal
- N.Y. Times Best Restaurants in Nashville & Resy Restaurants That Define Dining in America 2024
- Chef/Owner awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand and Eater Restaurant of the Year for Dija Mara in San Diego
- Co-owners have decades of experience in F&B, Hospitality Operations, and Alc-Bev brand building
- Founder successfully scaled a multi-unit craft bottle shop and online DTC platform in Singapore
- $1.4M in top line revenue in first 12 months of operations; monthly profitability at 16 months
- 18-month operating history with strategic plans for growth and expansion

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:126995: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:126994: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
From Underdogs to a Local Favorite.Present Tense was born from passion, resilience, and a deep love for food and hospitality. From the moment we opened our doors, we’ve been overwhelmed by the way Nashville has shown up for us. You've filled our seats, spread the word, and helped build something truly special in Wedgewood-Houston.We launched Present Tense the scrappy way—underfunded, under-resourced, and betting everything on our vision. And despite the odds, we’ve not only survived, we’ve thrived. We’ve built a loyal following, earned critical acclaim, and created one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the city.Now, we’re ready for our next chapter—and it’s a big one.Why We’re Raising Funds NowWe’re relocating Present Tense to a new, more visible, and high-traffic space in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston. Surrounded by top-tier retail, restaurants, and a walkable community, this move gives us the exposure and infrastructure we need to operate more efficiently and serve more people—all day, every day.📍 A Better Location, Built for GrowthWe’re excited to move Present Tense to a new, centrally located space that gives us:Higher visibility and foot trafficProximity to national anchor brands like Soho House, Pastis and HermèsA layout optimized for all-day serviceLower operating costs and higher efficiencyThis is not just a move—it's a strategic leap toward long-term sustainability and growth.📈 A Smaller Space, A Bigger (and Smarter) OpportunitySmaller footprint, higher revenue. With an optimized layout and full-day service model (including lunch hours), we expect increased revenue in a space that costs less to operate.Central location. We’re positioning ourselves right in the flow of Nashville’s hottest up-and-coming neighborhood—home to anchor brands like Pastis and Hermès, and surrounded by the foot traffic we need to grow.Lower overhead, higher margins. More efficient systems and operating hours mean we can finally do what we’ve always dreamed—run Present Tense the right way, sustainably and with intention.It’s a recipe for a stronger, more sustainable Present Tense.This is where you come in.We’re raising funds to make this transition possible—building out the new space, upgrading the kitchen, and bringing Present Tense into its full potential. We’re inviting our supporters, neighbors, and Nashville food lovers to come along for the ride—not just as diners, but as co-owners.🧑‍🍳 Who We ArePresent Tense was conceptualized and founded by 2 longtime friends who met in the Los Angeles restaurant scene 15 years ago. Collectively Ryan and Rick have over 40 years of experience in F&B, Hospitality and Alcoholic Beverage brand building. They continue to contribute their years of expertise, and passion to create memorable F&B experiences at their home away from home, Present Tense.Opened in May 2023, Present Tense has quickly become a Nashville hot spot in the growing neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston for locals and a destination for out-of-towners. A modern izakaya dining experience, the menu is shaped by Chef Ryan Costanza, sourcing world class ingredients and using techniques like fermentation, restraint, and Japanese charcoal, inspired by his travels in Japan and Southeast Asia. Present Tense is currently open five days a week for dinner service with a menu focused on shareable small plates, including raw dishes like aged tuna toast, fried plates such as crispy tofu, items grilled over charcoal like red snapper, and yakitori for dinner. Additionally, Present Tense features several soft serve options, including roasted white sesame and matcha. Present Tense recently launched its exclusive six-seat omakase counter, where guests can journey through a 16-course tasting menu curated by Ryan with drinks paired by Rick. When it comes to drinks there is no one more skilled (and charming) than Kenneth Vanhooser. You've also shared a few of his delicious creations at The Optimist, Le Loup, and Four Walls here in Nashville.Guests can expect a deep sake list, natural wines, and esoteric yet minimalist cocktails. Beverage director Kenneth Vanhooser, whose Japanese-style bartending seamlessly marries western and eastern approaches to creative innovative cocktails that evoke multi-sensory experiences, while certified sake sommelier Rick Margaritov educates guests around the restaurant on the growingly popular alcoholic beverage. Present Tense is also home to our own sake brand, Pure Land Sake, available by-the-glass and to take home by-the-bottle purchased at our neighboring bottle shop, Hippo Bodega.After working with Chef Dominique Crenn in San Francisco, Ryan was awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand and Eater Restaurant of the Year for his Oceanside, CA restaurant, Dija Mara. Here are just a few of his delights from Present Tense:🏙 Why Wedgewood-Houston?This neighborhood is Nashville’s most exciting growth corridor—home to developments by Hines, AJ Capital, and Somera Road, plus iconic brands like Pastis and Hermès. We’re staying rooted in WeHo because we believe in its creative spirit, and we’re proud to be part of its story.Our experience truly sets us apartWe are excited to work with you and our Nashville community to build on our early success.Our customer testimonials and featured media continue to provide validation for our creative choices and hard work. Owning and operating a restaurant is very challenging, but we do it for our amazing team and our guests - we are incredibly passionate to provide experiences that help people connect on a deeper level and let go to forget about their everyday stresses.📈 Why This Move Will Drive Higher ProfitabilityThe new space allows us to:Serve guests all day, not just five dinners per weekTap into consistent pedestrian traffic and local footfallImprove kitchen workflows and lower overheadProvide a better experience for both guests and staffWe expect increased profitability from more service hours, a broader guest base, and more efficient operations.🚀 Use of FundsHere’s how we plan to use the funds:Primary$60k - CapEx: moving costs, kitchen upgrades & equipment, FF&E$70k - Working Capital: cash on hand, payroll, rent deposit$20k - Marketing, pre-opening expenses (training, launch ops)Secondary (if we exceed target raise)$25k - Additional CapEx: outdoor grill venting, outdoor seasonal covering (awning)$75k - Debt consolidation: additional incremental equity raised will be used to pay down debt to free up cash flow for operations💸 Investment TermsWe’re offering Class A-2 Common Units:Investors receive 80% of distributable cash until full paybackAfter payback, investors receive 20% of distributable cash in perpetuityDistributions are paid quarterlyOpen to both accredited and non-accredited investors* Forward looking projections cannot be guaranteed*Distributable cash means, for any fiscal period of the Company, the Company’s gross revenues from operations received during such period less cash funds used to pay current operating expenses (including management operation pay to Wise Visitor LLC) and to pay or establish reasonable reserves for future expenses, debt payments, capital improvements, and replacements as determined by the Managing Member.💬 Join the MovementWe want Present Tense to be community-owned. Your investment helps us build the next version of this dream—and share in its rewards.This isn’t just an investment in a restaurant. It’s an investment in the future of Nashville dining. It’s a chance to help shape a gathering space for locals and travelers alike—a place built on craftsmanship, hospitality, and creativity.We’ve done so much with so little. Now, with your support, we can move Present Tense to its next home—better equipped, more visible, and ready to thrive.Whether you're a regular guest, a neighbor, or a believer in Nashville’s creative future—now’s your chance to own a piece of Present Tense. Join us in creating the future of Present Tense.🙏🏼Thank you for your support and look forward to continue serving you for years to come.

## FAQ
1. **Will investors in this round share in profits from future locations? Is Present Tense structured as a single LLC, or will new locations be separate entities?**
   - Hi John, Thank you for your thoughtful questions. This capital raise is specifically for our first location, and investors in this round will share in the profits from that location. Present Tense is currently organized as a single LLC, but future locations will be separate entities. While this offer doesn’t include future locations, we are open to discussing ways for you to participate in upcoming openings as well. We’d be happy to explore options that align with both our goals and vision fo...

## Team
- Ryan Costanza (Chef/Owner)
- Rick Margaritov (Director of Operations/Owner)
- Kenneth Vanhooser (Beverage Director/Partner)
- Tanya Dempsey (Creative Director/Owner)

## Q&A
- Q: Will investors in this round share in profits from future locations? Is Present Tense structured as a single LLC, or will new locations be separate entities?
  - A: Hi John, Thank you for your thoughtful questions. This capital raise is specifically for our first location, and investors in this round will share in the profits from that location. Present Tense is currently organized as a single LLC, but future locations will be separate entities. While this offer doesn’t include future locations, we are open to discussing ways for you to participate in upcoming openings as well. We’d be happy to explore options that align with both our goals and vision for growth, including potential profit-sharing for new locations. Let's connect - feel free to email me directly at rick@inthepureland.com. Rick