Blanco Cocina + Cantina

We had the opportunity to build an upscale Tex-Mex restaurant, Blanco Cocina + Cantina, in the new downtown retail development Fifth + Broadway. We worked with well-known restaurateur Sam Fox of Fox Restaurant Concepts to construct Blanco, designed by Nashville-based Gresham Smith and Partners and Scottsdale, AZ-based Testani Design Troupe. It was the first restaurant to open its doors in the new retail center.

The 5,000-square-foot space features salado white limestone walls; a Euro-Wall sliding/stacking windows system; Latilla wood ceilings made from dried, wooden pine poles; blackened steel; and booths lined with brightly colored fabric. Other notable design elements include a suspended bar for liquor storage.

We hit a few COVID-related challenges along the way, such as electrical delays due to the temporary shutdown of the factory that made the electrical panels. However, once we got the panels, we doubled the manpower and worked around the clock to get the space energized. Otherwise, the project went off with very few challenges.

Now, guests can take a break from shopping to enjoy Blanco’s full menu of gourmet, Tex-Mex-inspired dishes as well as hand-crafted cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices – all within this beautifully designed restaurant space and state-of-the-art retail center in the heart of downtown Nashville.