These are rumors I heard last night… none of them are confirmed, mind you…
– Ruth’s Chris steakhouse is actively seeking a Downtown location. Wow, there are already a number of places to get a good steak down here – Majestic Grille, Capriccio, Butcher Shop, Texas de Brazil – but I guess they feel there’s room for one more.
– The Melos Taverna building on Madison, across from the Midtown Blue Monkey, is a possible relocation spot for Dan McGuinness Pub, which closed its Peabody Place location last weekend. Hmmm… with two bars nearby that have loyal crowds (the Monkey and Boscos) and another Irish pub less than a mile away (Celtic Crossing), I wonder if McGuinness would work in that location. Just because you own the building doesn’t mean your restaurant concept will work there (and I’m very tempted to cite a Downtown example, but I’ll refrain). I wish them the best of luck though. And I’ve also heard that a spot in the South Main area is a possibility, which would be a much better fit and is their only shot at retaining most of their former regulars.
– I’ve heard Itta Bena is trying to get finished up by 10 every night and not have a late night crowd. WHY? You have people sitting at the bar wanting to spend money… why would you want to close early? It took them months to build up a loyal Downtown crowd that hangs out there until 1, sometime 2 on the weekends, and now they’re going to turn that crowd away? Doesn’t make any sense.
– BBQ Fest. Rumors have been FLYING that the event is going to be re-configured next year. I know the Memphis in May people read this blog… what’s really going on? Shoot me an e-mail and let me know. Otherwise I’ll post the rumors that I’ve heard.