Fountain Square restaurant set for October opening

A local businessman plans to turn part of Fountain Square into a restaurant and entertainment center.

Vernon Acklin plans to open Bermuda's Restaurant and Entertainment Complex in October in the space once occupied by Heartthrobs nightclub.

Acklin, a Nashville native and a veteran in the restaurant business, said he came up with the idea of opening a restaurant-entertainment venue two years ago and believes Fountain Square is a gold mind.

"I envisioned this area a long time ago and thought that it was an area where people in this neighborhood could have a meal that would be affordable, yet enjoyable," Acklin said. "We feel people in this area are ready for something a little bit better and we hope to surely supply it."

Acklin believes having the Titans training camp close by as well as major companies like Northern Telecom and Sprintz as neighbors, along with the fact there are so few restaurants in the area, will benefit the new establishment.

He compared the area, which has been nicknamed, "the mistake by the lake," to 100 Oaks Mall. He said for years there was a death kiss on the 100 Oaks shopping center until a major player invested in the area. He believes his new establishment will take on that role at Fountain Square.

While this is Acklin's first solo venture, he has been involved with many start-up restaurants in the past and has worked at Bennigan's, Opryland Hotel, Cascades and Fifth Quarter.

Acklin promises Bermudas will be much more than a place to eat. It will also serve as an entertainment venue, bringing in all types of musical acts.

"The concept is the ability to go from just being a restaurant that serves staple foods