The Memphis Daily News reports that a new concept will move into the former Pat O’Brien’s space at 310 Beale. The building will be renovated into three banquet halls, plus a corner bar called Dancing Jimmy’s that will seat about 40. The business will be operated by two veteran Beale Street property owners. Read more here.
There’s some encouraging news at the bottom of the article – Performa, the company that manages Beale Street, is working with the Memphis Police Department to get a substation opened at Fourth and Beale. That area has seen a lot of problems, due to Club Crave and its predecessors. A permanent police presence would certainly make the block of Beale between Third and Fourth feel much safer.
The Daily News also has a good blog post about South Main Fever. South Main is booming with new businesses, the most recent of which is Grawemeyer’s which opened this past weekend. At the end of the blog post, they mention that a “celebrated name” in Memphis BBQ hopes to open in the coming months, as soon as they get permits worked out. I’ve heard the rumors about this and it’s a HUGE name. Multiple winner of the Memphis Flyer poll, not Corky’s, not Rendezvous. I remember getting dry rub all over my clothes a couple of years ago when I ate hot wings on the patio at one of the restaurant’s existing locations.
Speaking of wings…
I stopped by Double J SmokeHouse and Saloon last night to try their wings. They are smoked and grilled rather than fried, for a lighter meal. You get 8 of them for $9, or 12 for $13. Comes with celery and your choice of ranch or blue cheese.
The Majestic Grille posted this morning that they are hiring experienced servers. Patrick and Deni are great and this is one of the best places to work Downtown. You make good money too, especially on days when there are Orpheum events. If interested, apply in person Monday-Thursday between 2 and 4 PM. No emails or phone calls.
Memphis Roller Derby is hosting the Honky Tonk Stomp on the 31st at the Pipkin Building at Tiger Lane. The Stomp is the annual Tennessee state derby championship tournament, so they’ll have teams from Memphis, Johnson City and Knoxville competing. Tickets are $20 for the day or $12 after 4 p.m. They’ll also have beer and food. More info here.
After I ate at Double J last night, I stopped by Max’s Sports Bar. I ordered a PBR then exclaimed “MICHELEINEEDABOX!!!” when I saw a custom 1-hour Buzztime poker tournament about to start. Didn’t win though, nor the second tournament I played. Good catching up with some of the South Main folks. Wish I could’ve stayed for the entire Grizzlies game.
Earlier in the day, I was at the Saucer. It was “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” with a Bloody Mary bar set up. Odd thing, they didn’t sell one Bloody Mary from noon to 1, then as they were breaking it down at 3 the place got packed and a swarm of people ran up to order one more as they were breaking it down. Maybe they need to keep it going until 5 like the Goose does.
Louisville vs. Kentucky? All Calipari-hate aside, I’m rooting for Louisville. I’m grateful for Pitino’s years of lobbying to get Memphis in the Big East.
Monday. That means I’ll be at Pint Nite at the Saucer. I have yet to decide whether I’ll feel like walking over to the Goose for poker with Poker Jon at 7:30. I’ll be out tonight about 6.