Month: July 2025

The folks at The Peanut Shoppe posted yesterday morning that the store will be closed until further notice, and asked their fans to keep them in their prayers. They said they would post an update to social media today.

They are most definitely in my prayers.

The CA reported this week that ramen restaurant Good Fortune Co. is expanding into the space next door formerly occupied by Sauce Marketing. In addition, they will launch a new fast-casual pizza kitchen concept in part of the space.

In Summer League action, the Grizzlies play Portland at 9:30 PM on ESPN2.

The Memphis Chess Club now has pizza martinis.

Downtown Neighborhood Association is launching an 8-week summer movie series on the patio of Slider Inn. 20% off food during movies for card-carrying DNA members. First up: Taylor Swift Eras Tour this Wednesday at 7:30. Come make a free friendship bracelet.

There’s a Tennessee Titans Takeover tonight at the Redbirds. Meet mascot T-Rac and the Titans cheerleaders. Enter for a chance to win a Tony Pollard jersey. Fireworks after the game. First pitch is 6:35.

Gia Welch and JD Westmoreland play the front porch of South Point Grocery today at noon.

Spies in the Cemetery, a presentation by Kim Bearden, happens Sunday at 2 PM at Elmwood. Come meet the spies buried there and hear tales of espionage.

That’s all I’ve got.

Many bloggers take weekends off. I don’t. I gratefully accept tips:
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The Grizzlies are having a Summer Blowout Sale in their store at FedExForum today with prices up to 50% off. Doors open at 11. DJ, smash burger and snow cone food trucks.

The Grizzlies play the Boston Celtics in Las Vegas Summer League action today at 3. TV: NBAtv

The Cabinet Shop apartments at 436 South Front St. are being converted into a boutique hotel.

The city’s riverboat landing, currently located at the foot of Union, will be relocated half a mile north to be near Bass Pro at the Pyramid.

StyleBlueprint put the Edge Motor Museum on its list of 24 epic experiences for car enthusiasts.

The Ed Murphey Classic track and field competition is on Beale Street today and tomorrow.

Tonya Dyson plays Soulin’ on the River at Fourth Bluff Park tonight at 8.

Tamara Jones Monger plays Sunset Jazz in Court Square Sunday at 6 PM.

The new MPD command center near Beale Street is leading to more arrests.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
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DJ A.D. and the Vibe Tribe headline tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of jumbo wings: buffalo, honey, golden, BBQ, and seasoned. Tater tots and fried pickles will also be on the menu.

Doug MacLeod will have an album release party for his new CD, Between Somewhere and Goodbye, at South Main Sounds Friday at 7. The new CD will be half price for this one show only.

Today is National Piña Colada Day. Wet Willie’s is the place to celebrate.

There will be a wiffleball tournament in The Ravine Sunday, July 27.

The Downtown Memphis Commission brings its Alley Dayz series to Uptown the evening of Wednesday, July 30.

ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, has named a new president.

The Edge District will host an art crawl July 26.

There are plans to turn the Old Daisy theater, recently damaged by fire, into a historical education center.

There’s $2 PBR tonight as the Redbirds host Charlotte. First pitch is 7:05.

Vlad Putin is no longer the Trumpster’s BFF as the president pivots toward Ukraine.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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The Memphis Union Mission has told the men who stay there that effective Tuesday, July 15, everyone must pay regardless of what time they check in. Admission to the Mission, including lunch, dinner, a shower, a bed for the night, and breakfast the next morning had previously been free for those checking in before 10:30 AM. Now it’s gonna be $6 for everyone.

Monday, July 14 was originally planned to be the implementation date; however, they decided to wait until Tuesday because it’s a day when both supervising pastors are in the office.

As most of you are aware, I’ve been staying at the Mission most nights the past year. I will probably stay out all night about half the time and pay the $6 cover charge the other half.

I understand what the Mission is trying to accomplish with the new admission policy, but I believe it will have a side effect of increasing minor crimes like aggressive panhandling and disorderly conduct.

Today is Cow Appreciation Day. I recommend you appreciate the part of the cow known as the filet at the Majestic Grille. The Porterhouse steak at Blues City Cafe is another way to appreciate cow.

We’ve been watching bike courier races through NYC and San Francisco the past few Sundays at Bardog. Fun way to explore those cities.

Loflin Yard will present a country music version of music bingo this Thursday.

There will be an Ease on Downtown Dine Around July 21-27. Collect three or more punches on your card to be entered for a chance to win a special downtown experience. Inspired by The Wiz at the Orpheum.

People were shooting fireworks out of a moving car into downtown buildings this past weekend.

Choose901 has more information about Ritual Bistro which is opening in the old Bluff City Coffee space.

Canopy by Hilton seeks a general manager.

The Metal Museum seeks a museum educator.

RIP Concourse A.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Cheri Lie Maid hosts Drag Queen Bingo Friday at 7 at the Moxy Hotel. That is one of the best drag queen names I have ever heard.

Elon Musk is forming a political third party.

Ozzy performed a farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham UK this past weekend.

Today is International Dive Bar Day. Momma’s would be my recommendation. $3 Busch, Coors Banquet, and Miller High Life to celebrate the holiday. They have redneck trivia tonight at 7 and every 7th burger that comes out of the kitchen is free.

Soul & Spirits Brewing is having an Asian & Pacific Islander Happy Hour Friday 5 to 7.

The Memphis Summer Cocktail Fest is Saturday evening at The Kent. Money raised benefits Volunteer Memphis.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Quote of the weekend:

Deviled eggs are like Flintstone vitamins… you just throw them back, one after the other.

Today is National Fried Chicken Day. Gus’s, Uncle Lou’s, and Pirtle’s are great places to celebrate.

Jay Huff is no longer a Grizzly. He’s off to NBA Finals runner-up Indiana in exchange for a second=round pick and a second-round pick swap.

The Grizzlies followed that move by signing free agent center Jock Landale.

Pulse, a tribute to Pink Floyd plays the Ghost River taproom at Main and Crump Friday. I have heard this band play and they are outstanding.

Enjoy a curated DJ set and $20 Mich Ultra buckets every Sunday on Slider Inn Downtown’s patio 5-8 PM.

Cozmo, DJ AD, DJ Tree, Gogh Scotty, ILL STU, and Vibeology will supply the sounds at SummerWeen at the Cadre Building Saturday 7 PM-2 AM. Lights by Illumination. Full bar with spooky drinks. 18+ to party, 21+ to drink. Why wait til October to celebrate Halloween?

Wednesdays are Wine Wednesdays with Luc 5-7 PM at JEM Fine Dining. JEM’s wine director Luc handpicks fine wines for you to enjoy, in conjunction with the restaurant’s neighbor Rootstock Wine Merchants.

I’ve been asked to remind my readers that Earnestine & Hazel’s is now open for lunch Wednesdays-Sundays. Go have Megan or #VoteForAllison make you a Soul Burger.

Volunteer Odyssey hosts VolunCheers at the office of Memphis Medical District Collaborative, 656 Madison, this Wednesday 5:30-7:30. Grab a drink and learn how you can get involved with this nonprofit.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:e
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Today is National Bikini Day.

The Lobbyist will have a Bastille Day dinner Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 PM. Four-course meal with fine wines and classic French cocktails. $100 plus tax and grat. What is Bastille Day? I wonder if one of the courses will be cake, since Queen Marie Antoinette allegedly said “Let them eat cake.”

Tonight The Lobbyist will have live music by Southern Sky and a backyard-themed menu. Frozen drink specials all day. Happy hour 5 to 7.

The Memphis Flyer has a look at local breweries that have installed their own kitchens, including Wiseacre Downtown’s Little Bettie pizza kitchen as well as the kitchens at Memphis Filling Station and Flyway Brewing.

Wiseacre is hiring a front of house manager, line cook, dishwasher, and
assistant kitchen manager. They also have a Nashville-based sales position.

If you missed the fireworks at the Redbirds last night, they’ll have them again after tonight’s game vs. the Nashville Sounds. First pitch is 6:35. The first 1500 fans get a Redbirds basketball jersey inspired by the City of Memphis flag.

Joey Chestnut is back on top of the competitive eating world.

First Sunday Jazz Jam comes to the Center for Southern Folklore tomorrow.

There will be a WWE 2K video game tournament with a $500 cash prize today at 2 at the Ghost River taproom at Main and Crump. Live Memphis wrestling.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

With the long weekend approaching, I want to remind my readers that Bardog opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays… and that includes tomorrow, Friday, July 4. The only two days of the year they do not open in the AM are Thanksgiving and Christmas. The sign on the door says open 8 AM Monday through Friday, but ignore that… it’s actually 7:30.

I plan on being there from open until about 9:30 … maybe longer if I find a compelling reason to stay. Come hang out! Get you a Bardog Breakfast (eggs cooked to order, toast, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, option to add pancakes) or some bacon, egg and cheese sliders.

Today is International Eat Your Beans Day. I recommend the frijoles at Maciel’s or the Burracho Beans & Rice at Flying Fish. A Huey burger made with a black bean patty would be a solid move as well.

The Brass Door will be closed July 4-14 and will have an exciting menu refresh when it reopens on the 15th.

Memphis Made has 12-packs of beer for $17.76 today. Tomorrow, on July 4, from 4 to 7 they will have cases for sale for the same price. This deal is taproom only.

Register your pet with this free, AI-powered pet finding service. You can upload a photo of them in case they ever get lost.

Starbucks has a new holiday-themed Fireworks Frappuccino.

Diddy was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution yesterday. He was found innocent on more serious racketeering charges. Still, he could face up to 10 years in prison. He was not granted bail and a sentencing date has not been set.

The Peabody and Central Station Hotel made USA TODAY’s list of top 10 pet-friendly hotels.

Probably gonna take the 4th off from blogging unless some major news comes up. See you Saturday.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. has suffered a turf toe injury on his right foot. There is not yet a timeline for his recovery.

A writer for the Beale Street Bears website believes that the Grizzlies got tremendous value in recent free agent signing Ty Jerome. Jerome, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, could be the heart of the Grizzlies’ second unit.

What Now Memphis has a look at the latest plans for 18 S. Main. They include pop-up shops and event spaces.

BrainFood is hiring chefs for its downtown location. Send resumes and plating photos to brainfoodmemphis@gmail.com.

The Archives Bar & Bistro in Hotel Napoleon is closing, the DM reports.

RIP televangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Today is National Chicken Wing Day. It would be a good day to visit The Crazy Coop at Main and Madison; they have more flavors of wings than any place I’ve ever seen.

A car crashed into Midtown bar Celtic Crossing yesterday morning and did some serious damage. The driver was said to have had a medical issue.

 

The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating championship is at approximately noon Friday on ESPN. Kooky Canuck is my recommended place to watch.

The Grizzlies are said to have offered Jaren Jackson Jr. a 5-year, $240M max deal. Santi Aldama has an offer too – 3 years, $52.5M. Cole Anthony was let go to make cap room.

Debbie Harry of the band Blondie is 80 today.

Another queen of disco, Evelyn “Champagne” King (“Shame”), turns 65 today.

ZIP codes turn 62 today.

I learned a new word this past weekend: A Yooper is someone from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Yoopers consider any climate south of Iowa to be miserably hot.

Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are getting expansion WNBA teams.

Congratulations to Felicia Suzanne’s on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their NBA summer league schedule. Action tips off Saturday at 6 on ESPNU versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.

That’s all for today.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com