Upscale lounge to open in old Lot 7 space

Mai, a lounge opening in the space formerly occupied by Lot 7, is the latest business to make its way to The Gulch.

The venue, at 125 12th Ave. N. and across from 12th & Porter, is undergoing complete renovation for a late-December opening. Mai will feature a simple flatbread and tapas menu.

"We've had this concept for a while and didn't have the right location," said Doug Green, one of the owners. "We are trying to bring ideas from places we like in other cities."

Mai will have a dance floor and an exclusive VIP area complete with its own restrooms.

"We don't classify ourselves as a nightclub, but an upscale lounge," Green said. "Our concept works well with The Gulch. Those people moving into the area also enjoy going out on the weekend, and this will be perfect for them. We're trying to bring the big-city feel to Nashville."

Despite the struggling economy, Green doesn't anticipate it will impact his business.

"We won't be so upscale that we price ourselves out of the market," he said.