For Immediate Release

August 13, 2024

888 DEBUTS ON THE DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE 

DINING AND MUSIC SCENE THIS SEPTEMBER

NEW VINYL RESTAURANT PROVIDES AN IMMERSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE FUSING JAPANESE CUISINE AND CURATED LISTENING SESSIONS

Download visual assets here

Nashville, Tennessee – 888, an innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge, announced today its highly anticipated debut in Nashville's vibrant downtown. Set to open early September, the concept provides Nashville with a refined fusion of Japanese cuisine and curated music, adding a dynamic beat and high-fidelity sensorial experience to the heart of Music City. 888 was created by Turnberry, the operators of Bourbon Steak and the JW Marriott Nashville.

Catering to sound and vinyl connoisseurs, foodies, and design enthusiasts, 888’s introduction to Nashville represents a reprieve from the crowds. It offers an intimate, communal dining experience akin to listening to a mixtape being made in real time. Nestled at the corner of 8th Avenue South, at 800 Clark Place, with a private entrance (look for the red light), 888 invites guests to an immersive experience that challenges both culinary and creative conventions. 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 — including two sushi bars, a private dining room, and central cocktail island — the venue delivers an atmosphere that is both exciting and distinctive. 

Signature dishes that complement the menu 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, elevating the overall dining experience. Sushi Chef Deden “Benny the Blade” Bandi, who has adopted sushi as an art form for more than 20 years, will lead the sushi bar program. Benny has worked with renowned chefs worldwide including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, 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,” said 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 meticulously crafted by award-winning Steven Durr Designs, Soundlux Audio, and Devon Turnbull – aka 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. These systems can be found in Public Records in NYC and Supreme Stores, as well as in the homes of Mark Ronson, Nigo, and many other well-known record producers. 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 – a true shrine to music.  

The interior design for 888 was done by highly recognized 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. 

To learn more, visit 888nashville.com and @888nashville on Instagram.

Download visual assets here

ABOUT 888

Created by Turnberry, 888 is an innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge located in Nashville's vibrant SOBRO district at the ground level of the JW Marriott Nashville. Offering a unique fusion of exceptional Japanese cuisine and meticulously curated music, 888 provides an immersive and unparalleled dining experience. Inspired by traditional Jazz kissas of Japan, the venue features 100 seats, two sushi bars, a private dining room, and a central cocktail bar, creating an atmosphere that is both exciting and authentically distinctive. With a focus on high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge design, 888 stands as a premier destination for food and music enthusiasts, delivering a dynamic blend of culinary mastery and musical artistry. Visit 888nashville.com.

Turnberry develops, owns and operates award-winning luxury destinations, from iconic hotels and restaurants to design-driven residential, retail and mixed-use projects. Its hospitality portfolio includes hotels like the JW Marriott Nashville, the 800-room Miami Beach Convention Center hotel in development, and The Seagate in Delray, Florida, as well as fine dining establishments like Bourbon Steak. Most recently, Turnberry announced it would develop a St. Regis hotel and residences in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit: Turnberry.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Music Related Inquiries

Ken Weinstein | weinstein@bighassle.com 

Jim Merlis | jim@bighassle.com 

Madi Florence | madi@bighassle.com 

Food and Hospitality Related Inquiries

J/PR | jwmarriottnashville@jpublicrelations.com 

###

Project Name: 888

Official Address: 800 Clark Place, Nashville, TN 37203

Architect: SMALLWOOD

Interior Designer: Commune (Commune Design | Selected Projects)

Sushi Chef: Deden ‘Benny the Blade’ Bandi

Audio Design: Steve Durr Designs (STEVEN DURR DESIGNS)

Project Size:

3,200 Sq. Ft.

Restaurant Capacity - 100 

Private Dining Capacity - 20 (included in restaurant capacity)

The Concept: 888 offers a fusion of exceptional Japanese Omakase-style cuisine and curated vinyl music. The concept took inspiration from traditional Japanese Jazz kissas and its name is derived from the slang usage of the number 8 to represent clapping.

Signature Programs: Omakase Menu, Highly Curated Sake Program, Japanese-Influenced Craft Beer Program, Highly Curated Vinyl Listening Sessions

Signature Menu Items: Temaki, Maki, Nigiri, Udon, Onigiri, Tataki, Karaage, Yakitori

Signature Drinks: Umami Martini, Ume Old Fashioned, Toki Highball

The Sound: The acoustics and sound system at 888 were meticulously crafted by award-winning Steven Durr Designs, Soundlux Audio, and Devon Turnbull – aka 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, which take at least four months to make in a facility in Brooklyn Navy Yards. Vintage Lansing parts are sourced from an old manufacturer in Oklahoma City. These systems can be found in Public Records in NYC and Supreme Stores, as well as the homes of Mark Ronson, Nigo, and many well-known record producers. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with breathtaking aesthetics, the speakers are based on vintage Altec Lansing designs, considered by most experts 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 –a true shrine to music.  

The Space: The interior design for 888 was done by highly recognized 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. Particularly inspiring was the imaginative use of humble materials — construction-grade plywood, washi/papers, linoleum, acoustic batting, sonotubes —detailed in unexpected ways. These material selections enhance the custom hi-fi soundscape designed in collaboration with Turnbull and highlight each note in the extensive 3,000+ record collection. Thorough research led to partnerships with Japanese artisans, including custom washi paper made from record sleeve pulp by Senda Takanori applied to a Japanese-inspired lantern above the bar designed by artist and designer Yuseke Nagai. Other Japanese touches include vintage dried persimmon paper, commonly used as construction tarp in Japan, on dining tabletops; traditional tatami mat on wall surfaces; and textiles by Akira Minagawa for Mina Perhonen throughout. American talent was also thrown into the mix, including Japanese-inspired lanterns by Los Angeles textile artist Adam Pogue and a sushi-bar-com-DJ-stand wrapped in custom tile by ceramicist Sofia Londono.  

Visual Assets: Linked here