Chinwag, a new restaurant from Murfreesboro chef Alex Belew and Nashville restaurateur Shane Nasby, has opened at The Fountains of Murfreesboro.

The restaurant began welcoming guests October 22 at 1440 Medical Center Parkway, adding another destination to the city’s growing dining scene.

Belew, known for winning Season 21 of the television cooking competition Hell’s Kitchen, has designed the menu around playful combinations of American bistro dishes and Asian-inspired flavors.

Offerings include wood-fired Wagbread, a house variation on pizza, alongside short ribs, miso salmon, pasta and other entrées.

The name Chinwag refers to conversation, reflecting a dining room designed to encourage guests to connect over a meal.

Operators say the bar has no televisions and the concept encourages diners to put away their phones.

Early interest has been strong, with more than 1,300 reservations reported before or around opening.

Dinner service is underway, while lunch is scheduled to begin November 3.

The restaurant plans to close on Mondays, with dinner offered the other six evenings.

For Rutherford County residents, the arrival marks a notable local-business opening led by a chef with strong hometown ties.

Prospective guests should check reservation availability and current service hours before visiting.

A new place to eat is also positioning itself as a place to talk.