Mount Zion Acquires Historic Mary’s Bar-B-Que to Preserve Community Legacy
Mount Zion Baptist Church has acquired the property that formerly housed Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que, a cherished North Nashville landmark located at 1108 Jefferson Street in the historic Buena Vista neighborhood. Known for its smoky aroma and community-rooted spirit, Mary’s Bar-B-Que was more than a restaurant, it was a cultural mainstay for generations of North Nashville families.
The one-story building, originally constructed in 1967, spans over 10,000 square feet and sits on more than half an acre. For decades, it was home not only to Mary’s but also included a small retail tenant, most recently a Boost Mobile shop. The property had been in the same family since the early 1970s, with its roots stretching back even further. Mary “Mama Mary” Seals co-founded the restaurant in 1962 alongside Willis Childress. The business was later operated by Seals’ granddaughter, Katresa Fizer, continuing the family’s deep connection to the community.
When the property was recently listed for sale, Mount Zion acted quickly to preserve its legacy and prevent the space from being absorbed by outside developers. The church’s acquisition was made possible through the ongoing generosity of its members, reinforcing Mt. Zion’s long-term vision of stewardship, preservation, and strategic expansion.
While the restaurant will not remain operational, the site will serve a new purpose—supporting future development of the Mt. Zion Dream Center and addressing immediate parking needs for the Jefferson Street campus. More importantly, the acquisition ensures that this piece of Jefferson Street’s history remains in community hands.
“This is more than a real estate transaction; it’s an act of cultural preservation,” said Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III. “We’re honoring the spirit of Mama Mary, the history of Jefferson Street, and the generations who made this neighborhood what it is. Our goal is not just ownership, but legacy.”
With additional acquisitions under exploration, Mt. Zion is charting a path that blends vision, history, and responsibility—one neighborhood at a time.
“This is a victory for everyone who believes in stewardship, faith, and vision,” said Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III. “We’re not just acquiring property—we’re preserving history and protecting the cultural heartbeat of Jefferson Street.”
The acquisition affirms Mt. Zion’s long-standing commitment to community restoration, ensuring that North Nashville’s heritage remains in trusted, community-centered hands.
Watch a short video HERE of Bishop Walker talking about this historic moment.
By LaConteau Williams | Executive Director of Marketing and Media | Communications Specialist
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