Nick Jonas Reveals How Trips To Mexico With John Varvatos Inspired Their New San Diego Restaurant

Nick Jonas is known for dominating the music world, while pal John Varvatos is an icon in the fashion industry. So, when they collaborate on an idea together, you know it will be exciting. And while the duo has already released a fragrance and tequila brand together, now they’re venturing into hospitality by opening a Mexican tequila-focused restaurant in San Diego this spring called Villa One Tequila Gardens.

The rooftop bar, restaurant, and nightlife destination will feature more than 160 tequilas and Mezcals and modern Mexican fare with stunning views from the rooftop of Theatre Box in the Gaslamp Quarter. “Villa One Tequila Gardens was formed as a destination oasis where one can unwind and experience the ultimate after-work or weekend Tulum getaway right in the heart of San Diego,” said Jonas.

Speaking of creating a Tulum getaway in the heart of SoCal, I was able to chat with Jonas and Varvatos about the inspiration behind the space and the role their trips to Mexico played in the inception of the space.

Why San Diego for the first restaurant?

Nick Jonas: I have so many great memories in San Diego, and obviously, it just feels like the perfect place – the sunsets there, the environment, the people. It will make for an incredible experience at the Villa One Tequila Gardens.

John Varvatos: The Villa One Tequila Gardens are outdoor and rooftop spaces for the most part. The location in San Diego is absolutely magical. It has incredible views and magical nights, and the cool Gaslamp Quarter vibe just made it the perfect spot.

What was the inspiration behind the design and menu?

NJ: I think the design was really inspired by many things. John and I worked very hard on the aesthetic for Villa One as a whole tequila brand based on our love for Mexican elements and paying homage to the heritage there on the tequila and agave farms. So we wanted to bring some of that flavor to it. But also, with a little bit of showbiz. We both love to put the show on, and this was a perfect venue for that.

JV: Nick and I wanted to vibe off our trips to Mexico. The idea is to make the menu as tasty and special as possible and create an experience for the diners. As they say, “God is in the Details,” which is our approach with the Tequila Gardens.

What inspiration did you take from your travels to create this space?

NJ: I think the inspiration I take from my travels is really just about being eyes wide open to everything around you and finding inspiration in every little detail, everything you see, everyone you meet. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to some incredible places and had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who inspired me and helped me grow as an artist and a creator.

JV: Lots of natural finishes, artisanal details, and at the same time bringing modern touches that make this an electric space.

What have you learned about Mexican culture from creating this tequila brand?

NJ: The thing I’ve learned by working with Arturo Fuentes, who is our incredible master distiller, is just about the art form of making tequila and how far it goes back, and the attention to detail — which is something John and I both care very much about. So, it was great to think about that while designing the Tequila Gardens.

JV: There is a big sense of pride in quality and experience. Our master distiller, Arturo Fuentes, is all about perfection!

What’s your most memorable experience in Mexico?

NJ: We’ve had so many shows that were just out of this world, but on our most recent tour there, we could go and play a couple of nights in Mexico City and film it for our concert film, which was so fun. The fans just made it for us, and it was one of the most memorable experiences on the tour.

JV: The night Nick and I, with family and friends, celebrated the birth of Villa One. It was a truly magical evening that ended with Nick’s now-famous toast celebrating “Life As It Should Be.”

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

NJ: I went to Greece a few years back and had an amazing time there. We went to Crete, and I had never been before. Just the food, the views, the water, everything was magical.

JV: A couple of years back, I took my family to Venice, Rome, Athens, and the Greek islands. It was such an incredible trip with so much history, beauty, and the best food on the planet!