A staple of East Nashville's Five Points neighborhood, Nuvo Burrito just marked its two-year anniversary with a series of fresh ideas to complement an already
successful campaign.
In early 2008, owners Sean Perry and Tom Justice (along with former owners Andy Knight and Shane Yocom) began work on their dream of opening an American burrito restaurant. When the store debuted in August 2008, East Nashville residents swarmed the new restaurant, and word quickly spread to other Nashville neighborhoods. Without a doubt, this venture was a winner.
The Nuvo menu reflects American culture with unique combinations such as the 90210 ques-idea, with seasoned chicken, artichoke hearts, mozzarella and goat cheese, roasted red peppers and cilantro pesto. Another healthy choice is the Plymouth burrito, with ground turkey, dried cranberries, spinach, whole-grain rice, cheddar cheese and a low-fat, poppyseed dressing.
With a creative menu that caters to any appetite, Nuvo Burrito offers a fun atmosphere for a long lunch or a night out with friends. In building their burrito restaurant, the owners want to be accommodating to all guests.
"It's not just about the food, but the experience," says Perry. "We want to know not just people's faces, but their names. It's good for business, but it also makes this more meaningful. Every day is different, but we want to develop friendships with the customers."
The restaurant's name, deriving from the French “nouveau” meaning "new," is just one sign of the offbeat nature fostered inside. Nuvo even features its own music network with the latest and greatest pop, rock and dance tunes.
"We try to find music that's edgy and light-hearted and fun," Perry says. "Most of it comes out of Europe, but there are songs even from South America and Scandinavia."
On Tuesdays, Nuvo offers weekly Glee parties so customers can gather to watch the hit show and win prizes during commercial breaks. That same concept has now been applied to American Idol, which featured two Nashville residents during the 2011 season.
Nuvo has offered their services for philanthropic causes as well. A number of "fun, different and well-attended" fundraisers have given assistance to local charities including Nashville CARES. The restaurant also acts as a sponsor of the Pink Panthers softball team, and has catered events for the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Ballet.
"We think it's really important to give back to the community," Perry says. "The neighborhood has been so great to us and we want to return the favor."
A “Nuvo After Dark” menu for customers who may want to enjoy a cocktail and snack. Signature drinks include the Margarito and the Scru Nuvo (an upgraded screwdriver), both sure to please the palate on a warm summer night.
COCKTAIL SELECTIONS
Margarito Fresh Fruit Juices and 100% Blue Agave Tequila, with Gran Gala & Fresh Mint.
Scru Nuvo Russian Vodka, Orange and Pineapple Juices with Triple Sec.
The Nuvo Bloody Mary Russian Vodka, Tomato Juice, Worchestershire, Schiracha, Horseradish, Sean's Spice and Coffee.
Mimoso California Brut, Orange and Cranberry.
Tres Leches Vodka, Triple Sec and Vanilla/Caramel Liqueur. BraiTai Vodka, Iced Tea and Lemonade.
FUN FACT
In 2009, Nuvo created a “wet burrito” contest at East Nashville's popular Tomato Festival. An array of quirky contestants wear their most oddly-designed costumes and consume burritos while being hosed down.