A new restaurant plans to bring Latin flair with a modern edge to midtown, directly across from UF on West University Avenue.
101 Cantina is scheduled to open in late May or early June, said Alex Thomas, owner of 101 Downtown.
The bar will feature live music, which may include a Mariachi band, a type of Mexican music group, said Erik Zika, general manager of 101 Downtown and 101 Cantina.
"It's going to be a really fun atmosphere with people dancing on tables, dancing everywhere," he said. "A free-for-all."
101 Cantina's menu will feature modern Mexican food, which will include "Tex-Mex" and Southwestern influences.
About 50 brands of tequila will be offered, as well as 35 types of margaritas, with flavors including chocolate, mint, Jagermeister and assorted fruits.
Zika said Cantina will provide the only outdoor bar in Gainesville, which will be in a tiki hut behind the restaurant.
Thomas is comfortable expanding because he feels that Gainesville is safe from the recession, he said.
The restaurant's owners believe students aren't as affected by the recession due to the consistent income from loans, grants or scholarships, and make a good target audience, he said.
The 101 Management Group has started hiring for 101 Cantina and is seeking bartenders, servers, hostesses and cooks. Applications are being accepted at 101 Downtown.
