Flight restaurant at Main and Monroe was closed for dinner last night following multiple allegations of racism on social media. Protesters stopped there, then moved to Flight’s sibling restaurant Porch & Parlor. I have heard Flight may be closed for brunch today too; best advice if you plan on going is to call the restaurant first and confirm they are open.
The Daily Memphis covered the protest, and told the story of a man who applied for a server job at Flight. Based on the fact that he had a certification from the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality, and he thinks possibly because his name was Grant (as opposed to, say, Antwann or Quintavius), he was invited in for an interview. However, once he arrived for the interview, the open position mysteriously vanished. Then his roommate, who was white and had no prior experience as a server, applied and was offered a job.
I have read that employees at Flight were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. I have never heard of a restaurant requiring NDAs, but then I’ve never worked in the service industry, so what do I know. I have some unsolicited advice for Flight co-owner and my former neighbor Russ Graham: If you want to make a bold first move in protecting your reputation, release your current and former employees from their NDAs. That would be a boss daddy move that shows you have nothing to hide.
Oh, Russ, one other thing – I don’t date much, but the next time I ask a black woman out, I’m bringing her to dinner at your restaurant, and we’re going to want a patio table facing Main Street where everyone can see us. Make it happen, captain.
Looks like the charity poker tournament for Alive! Rescue Memphis, hosted by the River Rat Rounders poker league, is back on today for 3 PM at the Green Beetle. They are playing 5-to-7 handed tables for a total of about 40 seats, when means two things:
- You will want to get there early to ensure you get a seat
- You will be able to play a lot more hands than you would at a full 9- or 10-handed table. First to act, I’d probably fold 9♥7♠ at a 9-handed table; at a 5-handed table, I’d consider raising with it.
$300 will be guaranteed to first place, along with double league points. 2000 chip bonus for dealers (2 per table) and 1000 chip bonus for featured food, beers, and liquors. The focus will be on donations to the pet rescue during the tournament, and there will be dogs onsite for you to meet.
Adam McClelland brings southern rock to Sunday brunch at Slider Inn Downtown today from noon to 3. The brand new stage is ready for his performance.
Paulette’s restaurant will have Father’s Day dine-in and to-go specials on the 21st, including 3-course dinners family meals that feed 2 to 4. To-go family meal orders need to be placed by 7 PM this Friday.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association is pushing for Riverside Drive to be completely reopened. Starting tomorrow it is scheduled to be open, but only on weekdays. DNA members point out that it’s the only street where you can drive alongside scenic river views and see pretty decorative objects like sculptures and “SPEED LIMIT 35” signs.
A Downtown resident reported on Nextdoor that cars were doing donuts at Front and Beale last night. MPD finally cleared the scene around 1:45 AM but the lot next to AutoZone immediately filled up with partiers after the cops left. To the developers of One Beale: This is what your tenants will have to deal with every weekend.
ShitFest, a double feature of the worst movies ever shown, will happen at Black Lodge tonight. First movie at 10, second at midnight.
Drag brunch returns to Atomic Rose today. Brunch starts at 11, drag show with Holly Walnutz at 12. At 2 PM there will be drag bingo hosted by Pattie O’ Furniture and co-hosted by Imagene Azengraber. $4 Bloody Marys, $4 mimosas. Ms. Rona is not invited so they’re doing social distancing and all that other stuff that makes health department officials happy.
Trump canceled the campaign rally scheduled for Tulsa on the Juneteenth holiday because his advisers told him to out of respect.
That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.