Tela Latin Grill Will Open Butler Plaza Location
Gainesville operators looking to diversify their customer base can learn from this strategic move into high-traffic retail centers.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tela Latin Grill plans to open its second restaurant location in Butler Plaza in early December 2026. The expansion marks a shift for the brand, which launched its first site on University Avenue in 2024.
Why it matters
By moving to Butler Plaza, the founders aim to reduce reliance on student-heavy foot traffic and alleviate the parking constraints that often affect businesses near the university. This location change is designed to help stabilize business volume throughout the entire calendar year.
The business is expanding to two locations just two years after its 2024 founding. The new site in Butler Plaza features a larger kitchen to accommodate higher anticipated demand compared to the initial University Avenue footprint.
The players
Tela Latin Grill
A Gainesville-based restaurant operator founded in 2024 that specializes in traditional meals.
Felipe Mayen
A founder of Tela Latin Grill who directs the company's expansion and site selection strategy.
Gerhard Matamoros
A founder of Tela Latin Grill who focuses on operational development and restaurant design.
Butler Plaza
A major retail and commercial hub in Gainesville serving as the site for the company's second location.
Dave's Hot Chicken
A commercial neighbor in Butler Plaza that serves as a high-traffic draw for the surrounding area.
The details
The founders, Felipe Mayen and Gerhard Matamoros, designed the new kitchen with increased capacity to improve operational throughput. By positioning themselves in Butler Plaza next to existing high-traffic anchors like Dave's Hot Chicken, the owners are actively moving their business model toward a broader, year-round customer demographic.
Timeline
2024: Tela Latin Grill opened its first location on University Avenue.
Early December 2026: The new restaurant location in Butler Plaza is scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
This expansion follows a trend of businesses mitigating the seasonal volatility of student-dependent retail markets in college towns. The move represents a common strategy for Gainesville operators seeking to stabilize revenue by positioning outside the immediate influence of the university.
Operators facing high competition or limited parking in university-adjacent zones should evaluate whether moving to established commercial hubs like Butler Plaza could improve year-round stability. Focus on scaling kitchen throughput before committing to larger, high-traffic footprints.
The takeaway
Expanding into diverse retail environments can act as a hedge against the seasonal downturns common in student-centric districts. Monitor your own occupancy costs and parking availability to determine if a migration toward regional shopping anchors fits your current growth stage.
Further reading
Learn more about local business changes in our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent Florida Alligator.
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