Babalu Tacos & Tapas inked a 5k SF lease at the Eighth South mixed-use project being developed on part of the former site of Colonial Bakery at 2407 Franklin Pike in the Melrose area. The restaurant concept, which started in Jackson, MS, takes inspiration from Spanish tapas, but adds a Southern twist, serving small plates such as shrimp and grits, braised beef short rib, tamales and tacos.

Babalu, which is owned by Eat Here Brands, has locations in Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, Birmingham and Charlotte, the Tennessean reports. Besides Nashville, it's planning new locations in Atlanta; Chapel Hill, NC; Lexington, KY; and East Memphis (and yes, it's named after the song Desi Arnaz popularized in the 1940s).

Colliers International's Tony Vaughn repped Babalu. Eighth South will have 18k SF of restaurant and retail space, plus 52 condos. It's being developed by an entity that includes Bobby Kirby, Jewell Hale, Mark Tarver, Jim Caden, Kent Kirby and Dave Arnholt as developers and partners. [Tennessean]