A night out in downtown Nashville could have led to disaster on Wednesday, April 23, after a bomb threat was made against Morgan Wallen’s bar.

WKRN reports that according to court documents, the situation unfolded after bar security at This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen received a note written on a receipt that read: “I have a bomb!! Don’t be a hero SYBAU.”

Security quickly cleared the bar, located on Fourth Avenue North, while Metro Nashville Police Department officers responded to the scene. Luckily, nothing relating to the threat was found during the sweep of the six-story building.

Morgan Wallen’s This Bar; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

The suspect, who was later found to be 26-year-old Reginald Smith, had already left the premises by the time police arrived. He was eventually located at another bar on Broadway. When confronted, Smith reportedly told officers that the note was a “joke” and that he “didn’t mean anything behind it.”

Police took the situation very seriously, however. Since the threat disrupted public safety and pulled three officers off active patrol, Smith was booked into Metro jail and charged with felony false reporting of an emergency. His bond was set at $15,000.

The incident came at a time when Nashville’s Lower Broadway district is generally bustling with tourists and country music fans, especially at Morgan Wallen’s bar, which has become one of the area’s hotspots since opening its doors.

The popular bar, restaurant and live music concept will celebrate one year of officially being open on June 1, 2025. As soon as TC Restaurant Group announced the news, fans expressed their excitement and flocked to the establishment as soon as possible.

“Morgan Wallen is one of the most sought after stars in the music industry, and we are thrilled that he has trusted us to deliver a concept that will bring him closer to his fans, hold fast to his roots and enshrine his name among an exclusive group of artists who can claim international stardom with a Lower Broadway destination fans all over the world seek out,” said Adam Hesler, President at TC Restaurant Group, at the time.

This Bar is situated on 4th Avenue, near the iconic Ryman Auditorium and just steps away from the bustling strip of neon lights on Broadway. The venue is approximately 30,000 square feet and features three live music stages, six bars and an open-air rooftop.

Inside, guests can admire a large collection of memorabilia and decor on every floor, highlighting Morgan Wallen’s rise from his East Tennessee roots to stardom. Even the bar’s name, This Bar, is a nod to his record-breaking Dangerous: The Double Album, as it was inspired by the fan-favorite track of the same name. Visitors can also shop exclusive Morgan Wallen merch in the gift shop, including items that honor his favorite Tennessee team.

The menu was curated by the country star himself alongside Chef Tomasz Wosiak, Vice President of Culinary Development for TC Restaurant Group. It features an array of southern delectables, bar bites, Tennessee favorites, and some recipes from Wallen’s own mom, Lesli.