Month: September 2025

I stayed out last night. From 1:30 to 7:15 AM I sat on a park bench in front of the Moxy Hotel across from Court Square. I saw neither hide nor hair of the National Guard or any other federal agency that got sent to Memphis. All I saw was the occasional MPD car cruising the Main Street pedestrian mall and that’s normal.

I did hear that a lot of people were getting pulled over on Union for traffic violations. Better take it easy on the accelerator until this “deployment” wraps up.

Let’s have a look at college football games of interest this coming weekend.

Saturday

• Kentucky at 12 Georgia, 11:00 AM, ABC
• 9 Texas at Florida, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• 16 Vanderbilt at 10 Alabama, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Texas State at Arkansas State, 3:00 PM, ESPNU
• 3 Miami at 18 Florida State, 6:30 PM, ABC
• Mississippi State at 6 Texas A&M, 6:30 PM, SEC Network
• Tulsa at Memphis, 7:00 PM, ESPNU

God, what a craptastic slate of games. Arkansas, Tennessee, Ole Miss and LSU all have bye weeks.

National Guardspeople stationed in Memphis – come by in uniform to Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe, for either

• a complimentary Original Memphis Slider; or
• 20 percent off food

Dine-in or take-out.

Catherine & Mary’s is getting some improvements to enhance the dining experience.

A haunting group exhibition called Danse Macabre comes to The Ugly Art Co. at 635 Madison in October.

The Sow Project offers free culinary training for the unemployed and underemployed. They’re having a fundraiser dinner Thursday at 64 S. Main.

Reggae in the Park After Dark will happen Fridays in October 7-11 PM in Court Square. Free to attend. Live music, Caribbean food vendors.

Soul & Spirits will hold a Halloween market this Saturday from 1 to 8.

I’m gonna stay out again tonight, because these upper 80s high/mid 60s low days won’t be around much longer. I’ll be at E&H tonight visiting Memphis Flyer poll winner Allison. She’ll be on day 15 of a 15x back-to-back and she has handled it like a champ. Back tomorrow with more news.

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It looks like the AutoZone national sales convention has rolled into town. Welcome to Memphis, folks!

Did I call it or what? Sam Pittman is out as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team, replaced on an interim basis by his offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, former Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino. Petrino had a successful run coaching the Hogs about 15 years ago, but was fired for lying to the administration about a motorcycle accident.

RIP Myron Lowery. Thank you for your years of service to Memphis.

Memphis is still not ranked in the latest AP poll. The team is four spots out of 25th.

Oh no! Just in time for fall fair and festival season, it’s a recall on corn dogs.

Today is Goose Day. A cocktail at the Silly Goose would be my recommendation to celebrate. Perhaps one made with Grey Goose…

Today is also National Coffee Day. I don’t drink coffee, but if you do, you should drink it at the Memphis Chess Club:

The federal government will shut down Wednesday if Congress does not pass a spending bill.

MEMPHO music fest is this weekend at the amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden. Widespread Panic headlines Friday and Saturday and then it’s Tyler Childers on Sunday.

Max’s Sports Bar will open early for all Chicago Cubs playoff games. Check out their new, expanded patio and their Chicago dog. Hey, isn’t Malort a Chicago thing?

Back tomorrow with a college football preview and more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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I went to that Breakfast for the Homeless 2 event in Court Square yesterday and came away with a Styrofoam box filled with

Fruit
Eggs
Breakfast potatoes
Sausage
Bacon
Fish
Bread pudding
Chocolate chip muffin
M&M cookie

They offered waffles and pancakes too. I turned those down because I figured the syrup would be a mess. It was a $15 plate of food easily. They were also handing out clothing and hygiene items, but I didn’t take any. They had 4 barber chairs and were giving out haircuts too.

If any of the organizers are reading this, thank you for breakfast. It was delicious!

I talked to someone who attends St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Ida B. Wells Street and MLK Jr. Avenue. He said that yes, they do have a community outreach center that runs a foot clinic once a month. He said that about 15 to 20 homeless people attend mass there each Sunday.

What a bloodbath that Notre Dame-Arkansas game was. I wonder if Bobby Petrino will be back at the helm of Arkansas by the middle of the week. After all, hasn’t that been the plan all along? Wait for Sam Pittman to stumble and then reinstall Petrino. I’m down with it, provided Bobby stays off motorcycles.

Why would an SEC team put Notre Dame on the schedule anyway? When you know you’re going to be facing at least some of Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, why would you add a nonconference team that’s traditionally been in the top 10 to your schedule?

Halloween is on Friday of this year. That’s probably a bad thing for bars because they won’t have a Saturday before Halloween or a Saturday that is Halloween to throw parties.

Get ready to get down with some transvestites from Transylvania and the original Brad Majors – Barry Bostwick – as the Orpheum hosts a Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary celebration Friday night. I’ve been to the Orpheum for Rocky Horror and let me tell you, it is a blast that would make Lloyd T. Binford turn over in his grave. Audience participation is encouraged.

Today is National Drink Beer Day.

Courtyard by Marriott is hiring a front desk agent. Starts at $16/hour.

Forbes looks at billionaire AutoZone founder Pitt Hyde’s fight to save Memphis.

Just for fun: Turn any website into a 1990s Geocities website

First Horizon seeks a head of brand strategy & activation.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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The National Guard will be here in Memphis possibly as soon as Monday. Governor Lee emphasized in his announcement that the troops will be here in a support role only. They will not be making arrests.

The Grizzlies announced that Jaren Jackson Jr., recovering from foot surgery, is about 4-6 weeks away from getting back on the court. So he’ll miss the first few games of the regular season. Big Edey is 6-9 weeks away. Brandon Clarke and rookie Cedric Coward are also battling injuries.

It’s National Ghost Hunting Day. The second floor of Earnestine & Hazel’s would be my recommendation to celebrate. Insider tip: They can take credit cards at the upstairs bar now. For many years it was cash-only.

From Tinnitist: Memphis singer-songwriter Mary Hatley serves up the poison I choose

There will be stargazing with the Memphis Astronomical Society tonight 6-9 on the roof of Beale Street Landing.

Keep in mind that traffic will be heavy Downtown after about 9 tonight when the Southern Heritage Classic lets out. Parking and rideshares will be on surge pricing.

Probably back tomorrow with more news; if not then, Monday.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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The Grizzlies are looking to hire

• a video production intern
• game day communications staff
• a help desk technician

Today is National Dumpling Day. Good Fortune Co. on South Main can help you celebrate.

Ja Morant won’t use an agent (in the traditional sense) to negotiate his next NBA contract. He’ll instead use an advisory firm largely made up of his family.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church’s community outreach center has a foot care clinic for the homeless the 4th Sunday of every month. More info

There’s now a Memphis edition of Monopoly.

Back sometime soon, maybe tomorrow, with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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The airport is looking for volunteers to participate in an emergency preparedness exercise on Monday, October 27. They need people to play the role of injured airplane passengers as they execute a coordinated response.

Today is National Quesadilla Day.

There’s a Breakfast for the Homeless event in Court Square Saturday from 9 to 1. Volunteers will serve food, hand out essentials, and connect guests with services.

Habitat for Humanity has a huge new project in Uptown. They’re building 52 new homes at the intersection of N. Third and Chelsea. The new homeowners will be able to walk to Chick-fil-A.

Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl stepped down rather suddenly this week. His son will replace him in that role.

NFL fans will have an extra-long day Sunday as Minnesota and Pittsburgh kick off at 8:30 AM Central. The game will be in Dublin, Ireland.

Rowdy and the Strays play Slider Inn Downtown’s big outdoor patio for South Main Trolley Night this Friday.

Bring your own vinyl for the DJ to spin tonight 6-8 at the Moxy Hotel.

Havenhaus will host a dance experience Friday night with DJ Nico, Qemist, Rosamil, and Kenshi. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 18 and up. Havenhaus is at 84 G.E. Patterson next to Earnestine & Hazel’s. 10 PM-2 AM.

Afro Soul Fest comes to Court Square Sunday. Noon to 8. African food, drinks, fashion, dance, and cultural vendors.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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With #VoteForAllison, October 2024

The Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis 2025 poll results are in.

CONGRATULATIONS to #VoteForAllison on second place in Best Server. You deserve it! Allison has changed workplaces since being nominated and is at Earnestine & Hazel’s now. Go see her Thursday from 5 PM-1 AM for Thursday Night Football, karaoke, and a Soul Burger.

Also congratulations to Bardog on Best Bar. Also well deserved!

Today is National Horchata Day. Maciel’s can help you celebrate.

Wear a cow costume to get a free meal at the grand opening of Chick-fil-A Uptown tomorrow.

Three Memphis restaurants made Southern Living’s best BBQ list and two of them are downtown: the Rendezvous and Cozy Corner.

Michelob Ultra has overtaken Modelo as the best selling beer brand in the United States.

Reserve your spot for the Memphis Grizzlies open practice at 1 PM on Saturday, October 4.

Two Southern Heritage Classic week events are coming to the Orpheum: Classic Comedy featuring Bruce Bruce, Sheryl Underwood, Jammin Jay Lamont and Ambrose Jones on Thursday and The Branford Marsalis Quartet’s Belonging Tour on Friday.

Once again staying in tonight to avoid the storms. Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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GREAT NEWS!!! Chick-fil-A Uptown opens this Thursday. It’ll be at 550 Uptown Street near the intersection of Danny Thomas and N. Parkway. It is locally owned and its hours will be 6 AM to 10 PM Monday-Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it won’t be open on Sundays because Jesus.

Let’s have a look at college football games of interest this weekend:

Saturday

• 21 USC at 23 Illinois, 11:00 AM, FOX
• 22 Notre Dame at Arkansas, 11:00 AM, ABC
• Arkansas State at UL-Monroe, 2:00 PM, ESPN+
• 4 LSU at 13 Ole Miss, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Auburn at 9 Texas A&M, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• 15 Tennessee at Mississippi State, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• Memphis at Florida Atlantic, 6:00 PM, ESPN2
• 6 Oregon at 3 Penn State, 6:30 PM, NBC/Peacock
•  17 Alabama at 5 Georgia, 6:30 PM, ABC

A lot of people thought Memphis would be ranked following Saturday’s 32-31 upset of SEC opponent Arkansas, but they’re not: The Tigers would be number 31 if the AP rankings extended that far.

Good news, though: ESPN FPI favors Memphis in every game this season – even vs. South Florida. The closest matchup sees the Tigers as 61/39 favorites over ECU.

Flamenco dancing comes to the Halloran Centre Thursday night.

Main Street is getting new pole banners.

PodBox, the Memphis podcast festival, returns to the Cossitt Library Saturday and Sunday.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has its monthly meeting Wednesday 5:30-7:30 on the newly-renovated patio of The Lobbyist in The Chisca on Main. Get the inside scoop from President Jerred and Executive Director Luanne. Free beer and wine for members.

The Archives, the bistro in Hotel Napoleon, is now open for breakfast 6:30-10:30 seven days a week.

I usually stay out on Tuesdays. Not tonight! It’s too likely to storm overnight. I’m gonna pay the Union Mission 6 bucks to stay in. Muchas gracias to the blog reader who Venmo’d me 3 nights’ worth of stays there yesterday. Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
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DJ BLKMR at the Bardog alley party, Sunday, September 21, 2025

Mother Nature cooperated nicely with the organizers of the Bardog alley party yesterday, holding off her first raindrops until seconds after a meatball eating champion was crowned.

The most surprising thing about the alley party was the sale and even the promotion of Red Bull and vodka. Previously Bardog had been well known for not selling the energy drink.

The Hospitality Hub stays open as a warming center on winter nights when the temp outside is predicted to reach freezing or below. They need volunteers on those days to assist with signing guests in and handing out blankets and meals. Interested in helping out? Sign up for a mandatory info session September 25 or October 7.

The Daily Memphis seeks a lead business reporter.

MLGW is hiring a videographer.

A structure may soon arise at the intersection of Poplar and Carroll, one block east of Danny Thomas, on what has been a vacant lot for quite some time. According to a sign on the lot, the developer (St. Jude?) seeks a zoning variance. Although empty, that lot has been useful over the years: It’s a convenient spot across from the Union Mission for groups to set up to feed the hungry.

Joe’s Liquors at Poplar and Belvedere is hiring a retail sales associate.

Why can’t all four clock faces at the Peabody Place trolley stop be set to the same time, and why can’t that time be the CORRECT time? Come on, people, this is not rocket science. it makes Memphis look like a town that can’t get the little things right, and therefore, why would you trust it with the big things?

Today is the first day of fall.

Back tomorrow with a college football preview and more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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Q: What do I order at the bar on International Talk Like a Pirate Day?

A: A PB-ARRRRR!

WELCOME to all the Arkansas fans arriving in town for tomorrow’s game! I just had the honor of sitting at the bar with a few of them at Bardog. I’m sorry we won’t be on the same side – I bleed Memphis Tiger blue – but y’all are the best fan base in college sports and I hope you enjoy your time in Memphis.

Raffle tickets for Bardog’s alley party are now available for purchase at the bar. They are one for $2 or three for $5. Keep in mind that you must be present at the drawings, held every half hour during the party, to win. The party is from 11 AM to 7 PM (but the bar opens at 9 AM) Sunday.

I saw them wheeling in cases of PBR cans this morning, a sign they’ll have the world’s best beer on sale outside at the party. Normally Bardog sells PBR in pint glasses.

The DM quoted Mayor Young this morning on the upcoming National Guard deployment to Memphis: They won’t be detaining people; they will simply be additional eyes and ears on the streets to deter crime. That is great news.

Today is Park(ing) Day. Public parking spaces on Peabody Place have been converted to mini-parks. Games, interactive displays, giveaways while supplies last. 11 AM-2 PM.

Choose901 has a list of places you can get work done in Memphis that aren’t the office.

There’s a tequila festival at The Kent tonight.

There’s a 53 hour filmmaking challenge going on in Memphis this weekend.

The original Oktoberfest celebration kicks off this weekend in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

Weather reports in Memphis were censored during World War II.

Comedian Jo Koy comes to the Orpheum Saturday.

Jeff Hulett will play the front porch of South Point Grocery Saturday from noon to 2.

That’s all for now. Due to Chess Club’s abbreviated hours tomorrow and Bardog’s early opening time Sunday, I probably won’t be back with another post until Monday. If you want one of those PBR cans to be in my hand at the alley party, please drop a little love in one of my virtual tip buckets below.

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