Developer Elia plans to open 10 upscale eateries and bars by 2027 in Nashville

Infusion of Over $25 Million in Local Hospitality

High-end real estate and hospitality group, Elia, with headquarters in Detroit, announced grand plans this week to purchase and inaugurate 10 bars and restaurants around Nashville during the next period of three years. Elia sets to begin the project with The Valentine, a four-story Lower Broadway bar, live music venue and reimagined Western-style eatery designed to replace an existing boot shop. Furthermore, a new site is in the works for Detroit’s upscale favourite, Zuzu, an Asian bar and restaurant.

Zaid Elia, the CEO and founder of Elia, expressed his excitement and dedication towards this venture. Relaying that Elia came into existence almost 20 years ago and has evolved to shoulder the responsibility and commitment of such an expansive project.

Elia’s Commitment Towards the Nashville Community

According to Elia, “Ten is a number, but for us, it’s a commitment to a community that we can hopefully enhance.” The company’s initial focal point would be the downtown area, gradually expanding in a “spider web” pattern. The immeasurable commitment would inevitably be a colossal investment. While a precise figure goes unannounced, expectations overpass $25 million.

Alluding to other flourishing cities such as Miami and Las Vegas, Elia suggested that Nashville still has a long stretch of growth ahead in the area of development and hospitality. The operational blueprint is drawn, inciting his spirits and portraying their dedication to Nashville.

Looking into Elia’s Expansion: The Valentine, Zuzu and Beyond

The Michigan based developer has an earlier history of dealing with restaurants and nightlife premises in Detroit. The diversity of Elia’s portfolio includes an Italian-American restaurant situated in a historic building and a modern cocktail bar designated as a summer favourite.

During the 2021 expansion discussion, the city of Nashville topped Elia’s list. The team drove to and fro between Michigan and Tennessee over the last few years, hoping to introduce themselves better to the community and understand the market conditions.

The Valentine, a four-story Lower Broadway bar, which the company recently secured from the previous owner, will be the first among the stateside ventures. The firm is currently working with the local team of The Valentine’s to transition management. Elia aims to refresh the place while maintaining its Nashville music vibe.

Elia’s first fully-fledged Nashville project features a new manifestation of Zuzu, a sophisticated Asian-inspired bar and restaurant. The Detroit headquarters announced in March that the Nashville Zuzu will commence later in the year on First Avenue South. Projections promise at least eight more Elia food and drink establishments in the pipelines after Zuzu.

Two more properties are in the concluding stages of finalization and might be announced this summer, according to the CEO. Notwithstanding the challenging task of identifying suitable locations in the robust Nashville market, the company has managed to build strong local connections to see it through.