NASHVILLE, TN (January 27, 2025) - Lona, the vibrant modern Mexican brand from globally acclaimed chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas, has officially opened in Downtown Nashville at the corner of Church Street and 4th Avenue North. Located just steps from Printer’s Alley, Lona is perfectly positioned as a destination for dinner before exploring the vibrant nightlife of this historic district. Guests can easily access the restaurant through its entrance on Church Street.
An award-winning Mexican concept with roots in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida, Lona has gained a reputation for its bold flavors, creative dishes, and lively atmosphere. The menu, crafted by award-winning Chefs Richard and Pablo, showcases vibrant, modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine inspired by their shared passion for bold, authentic flavors. The Nashville location brings this celebrated dining experience to Music City, offering a unique take on Mexican cuisine and culture. Lona is the result of a unique partnership between three key collaborators: Rockbridge, a hospitality-centered investment firm serving as the owner and investor; Makeready, the operator and hospitality brand behind Nashville favorites Noelle, Rare Bird, and Hidden Bar; and Richard Sandoval Hospitality, the culinary innovator behind the restaurant’s vibrant concept. Together, they combine Sandoval’s creative vision, Rockbridge’s investment expertise, and Makeready’s operational acumen to deliver an exceptional dining experience in Nashville.
The 2,900-square-foot restaurant, seating up to 100 guests, has been reimagined to evoke the vibrant ambiance of Mexico City. The dining room blends rich textures and earthy tones, featuring honey-colored leather banquettes, exposed columns, warm wooden floors, and vibrant accents like pops of color and bold accessories, all coming together to create an energetic yet inviting space inspired by the charm of Mexico City. The focal point of the space is a captivating mural by Dominican-born artist Ruben Ubiera, depicting a beautiful Mexican woman adorned with a traditional head covering and the state flower, the purple iris. Ubiera, recognized for his neo-figurative style and graffiti-inspired techniques, infuses the mural with urban-pop elements that reflect the interactivity between individuals and their urban environment.
Lona’s menu showcases innovative interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can savor starters like the Lump Crab Guacamole, made with lime, cilantro, tomato, onion, and a hint of chipotle, or the Tuna Tostada, featuring salsa macha, sun-dried chili mayo, and avocado. Signature entrées include the Baja-Style Fish Tacos, showcasing beer-battered mahi mahi with chipotle slaw and pico de gallo, and the Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas, topped with a creamy guajillo sauce, queso fresco, and crema. Each dish reflects the collaborative vision of Chefs Sandoval and Salas, balancing vibrant flavors with meticulous craftsmanship.
Complementing the culinary offerings, Lona features an impressive beverage program, with an expansive menu of over 200 mezcal and tequila options. Guests can explore Mexico’s rich spirits heritage through expertly crafted cocktails like the smoky Mezcal Old Fashioned, the citrus-forward Lona Margarita, and the bold, fruit-forward Sangria Rojo.
“Opening Lona in Nashville is an incredible opportunity,” said Chef-Owner Richard Sandoval. “This city’s vibrant energy and food culture make it the perfect home for Lona’s bold flavors and fresh interpretations of Mexican cuisine. We’re thrilled to welcome the Nashville community to join us for unforgettable dining experiences.”
Lona is now open with daily dinner service, followed by weekend brunch and lunch shortly after opening. The restaurant will also offer private event bookings, providing a customizable experience for celebrations and corporate gatherings.
About Lona Nashville:
Operating as an independent restaurant at the bottom of Noelle in Downtown Nashville, Lona will offer guests warm hospitality, a contemporary take on traditional Mexican cuisine, and an innovative cocktail program inspired by Mexican tradition. The restaurant will be open for dinner service Sunday – Thursday from 5-10pm and Friday – Saturday from 4-11pm, with daily lunch and weekend brunch service to launch in late spring 2025. Lona is also available for private dining and events. For more information, please visit lonanashville.com. You can also follow Lona Nashville on Instagram.
About Makeready:
Great meals and good stories satisfy. Makeready is designed from the ground up to create truly independent hotel, restaurant and bar brands that provide individual points of view and concepts that revolve around their own story. The team lends decades of experience to making sure of it. Makeready is committed to developing independent concepts that are an essential part of each community, cultivating deep, emotional connections across guests, teams, and local brands to create sustainable value. Portfolio spans seven cities with over 40 restaurant and bar brands currently, with highlights including Frannie & The Fox, Little Palm and Hank’s Seafood Restaurant in Charleston, SC as well as The French Room, City Hall Bistro, and Rodeo Bar located in Dallas plus Hidden Bar, Drug Store Coffee and Rare Bird in Nashville, TN. Find us online at www.makereadyexperience.com or Instagram at @makereadyexp.
About Rockbridge:
Rockbridge is a hospitality-centered investment firm designed to cultivate value and enrich life. The business has been investing in, partnering with, and creating opportunities in the hospitality and commercial real estate industries for more than 25 years. It has made over 310 investments in 39 states worth over $11 Billion in total capitalization and has over $4.3 Billion in assets under management. Rockbridge has built a family of hospitality, development, and management company brands, and it continues to make a difference in the markets in which it operates, being honored as a top, philanthropic community-focused organization. Learn more at www.rockbridgeholdings.com and Instagram.
###