DAVID BISHOP
888, an innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge, will open in Downtown Nashville in September.
Catering to sound and vinyl connoisseurs, foodies, and design enthusiasts alike, 888 will offer an intimate, communal dining experience. The restaurant is located at 800 Clark Place with a private entrance (look for the red light). The concept takes inspiration from the traditional Jazz kissas of Japan, where consumers would convene for food and exceptional musical listening experiences. With a seating capacity of 100 people, 888 will include two sushi bars, a private dining room, and central cocktail island.
Signature dishes include nigiri, maki, cured salmon onigiri, donabe fried rice, and hot karaage. The beverage service showcases an extensive selection of Japanese products including craft beers, rare whiskies, and a curated sake program. Sushi chef Deden Bandi will lead the sushi bar program. Benny has worked with renowned chefs worldwide including chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu, in addition to serving as the private chef for Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez, and Cameron Diaz.
“As the appetite for experiential dining grows, 888 emerges as a beacon for those seeking an unparalleled fusion of exceptional cuisine and curated music,” says Philip Stewart, the concept’s general manager. “888 is a haven where culinary mastery converges with musical artistry. We’ve created a sensational culinary and musical odyssey for our guests that will intrigue both foodies and music-lovers alike.”
The acoustics and sound system at 888 were crafted by award-winning Steven Durr, Soundlux Audio, and OJAS. Durr, a local Nashvillian, is known for his work with leading artists and recording studios ranging from Lenny Kravitz and Taylor Swift to Electric Lady and Fame Studios. At the heart of this setup are OJAS’ crafted horn-loaded speakers. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with breathtaking aesthetics, the speakers are based on vintage Altec Lansing designs, considered by expert musicians as the most musical speakers ever created. The space yields a high-performance, handmade sound system composed of a wall of brutalist speakers, a turntable, and a series of amplifiers.
The interior design for 888 was completed by Los Angeles-based design studio Commune. For the project, Roman Alonso, co-founder of Commune, looked for inspiration in the kissa bars he visited while working in Japan. 888 was created by Turnberry, the operators of Bourbon Steak and the JW Marriott Nashville.