Plaza Mariachi Music City
Offers Multiple Opportunities for Cultural Experiences
Mark and Diane Janbakhsh would visit the land on Nolensville Pike where the empty Elysian Field Kroger once operated and dream how to redevelop the property to benefit both the community and Nashville. After taking a leap of faith and purchasing the property, they defined their vision and began work to create a special place unlike anything else in Middle Tennessee. In May 2017, they opened Plaza Mariachi Music City, a mixed-use development designed to be a cultural and retail epicenter that celebrates Hispanic culture and history.
The south Nashville location was a perfect site to build a family-friendly, retail and entertainment center because of the highly diverse population along Nolensville Pike. Living and working in the area are Kurdish, Salvadorian, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican families who comprise this diverse community.
The Janbakhsh, owners of Plaza Mariachi, know first-hand how to market a culturally diverse development, it’s in their DNA. Mark, born to Iranian immigrants, grew up in Nashville and has been a very successful businessman and entrepreneur. Diane, whose parents are Hispanic, grew up in Mexico and Tennessee and used her talent in the design, art and music fields to help create a visually stunning Mexican marketplace.
In 2010, Hispanics made up 10% of Nashville’s metro area population. Projections indicate that number will increase to 34% by 2040, making Nashville one of the fastest growing Hispanic cities in America. Plaza Mariachi was created to impact the local Latino community and to also educate non-Latinos. The owners view Plaza Mariachi as a place to celebrate all cultures and how they intertwine.
During trips to Mexico, Diane and Mark were drawn to the architecture and the beauty they saw in streets, archways, doors, and windows. They incorporated these designs in the 70,000-square-foot space that now resembles a traditional Mexican marketplace. The transformation took over two years and more than 10 artisans to create the five calles (streets) named for Mexican revolutionary heroes and storefronts bearing Latino names.
The opening of Plaza Mariachi created 200 new jobs for Nashville with positions in the restaurants, retail shops, service-based businesses, art gallery, dance studio, Maz Fresco -a fresh market grocery and other businesses.
The Food Hall is Plaza Mariachi’s central meeting place and is open from morning to evening. The 300-seat space provides complimentary WiFi for those having breakfast, lunch or dinner….or just dropping in to listen to live music.
For people looking for authentic cuisine, there are numerous menu options and price ranges from fine dining to a pop up cantina. All Latino communities are represented including Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan and Nicaraguan. Currently, there are 10 vendors in the food court. For a list of all food vendors, visit www.PlazaMariachi.com.
Music, dance, and art fill Plaza Mariachi on a daily basis. Musicians play from the state-of-the-art stage with LED lights in the Food Hall. Bands invite everyone to enjoy the dance floor. The most popular night is Thursday Salsa Night. Salsa lessons start at 7:30 p.m. followed by salsa music. For a list of singers and bands performing each week, visit www.PlazaMariachi.com.
Children can learn about Hispanic culture through dance classes taught at the Baila Dance Studio. To learn more about dance classes for children and adults, go to www.hispanicfamilyfoundation.com.
The Ceiba Art Gallery is a fine arts studio showcasing local and international talent. The showcased art connects people of different backgrounds. Weekend art projects are held for kids to expose them to different cultures in Latin America. For more information, visit www.ceibagallery.com.
Shoppers can find a variety of options at the various retail shops located inside Plaza Mariachi. The HFF Gift Shop features artisan gifts from Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. Sales from the shop directly support the Hispanic Family Foundation, which is located at Plaza Mariachi. Browse the shops. You can count on finding unique items in all the stores.
In addition to the retail shops, Plaza Mariachi is home to businesses designed to serve the Latino community. Businesses that provide help with purchasing cars, homes and insurance are located at Plaza Mariachi. In addition, companies that provide tax services and legal services for immigration, criminal and personal matters are available.
Plaza Mariachi is located at 3955 Nolensville Pike in Nashville. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Cristina O. Allen, Chief Marketing Officer
615-337-0624
3955 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
