Category: Uncategorized

Over the past week, several of my readers have noticed that the interior of the former Blind Bear space has been painted white. They have wondered if it’s a sign a new concept is getting ready to go into that space.

I tend to doubt it. I think the paint was merely a sprucing-up.

It’s much easier for commercial real estate agents to get potential lessees to envision their future business if the walls are a neutral color. If left all black, what could be imagined there besides a speakeasy? Maybe a goth nightclub or haunted house?

If I hear anything I’ll let you know. I’ll be honest with you, though, this is a rough time to open a bar that appeals to neighborhood local residents in the Downtown core. Rising costs have made it very hard to turn a profit, and attracting a crowd after 9 or so PM that doesn’t create more trouble than it’s worth is a real challenge.

One business that has reopened is New Orleans-style restaurant Ben-Yay’s. They are not on Main anymore; they are sharing a location with sibling restaurant Sugar Grits on Second near Gayoso. Yay’s is open noon to 9 PM Thursday through Sunday. Sugar Grits is open 8 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday and 8-4 Saturday and Sunday. At this point there’s not yet street-visible signage for Yay’s; you just have to know it’s in there.

Today is Great American Pot Pie Day. Wear your “CHICKENPOTPIE: Three Things I Love” T-shirt you bought at the Tennessee Brewery a decade ago to celebrate.

With Memphis and Northern Illinois both losing Saturday, Boise State moves into the driver’s seat for the Group of Five playoff spot. The Broncos entered this week’s AP poll at 25.

Let’s have a look at this coming Saturday’s games of interest:

• Kentucky at 6 Ole Miss, 11:00 AM, ABC
• 20 Oklahoma State at 23 Kansas State, 11:00 AM, ESPN
• Northern Illinois at NC State, 11:00 AM, The CW Network
• 15 Louisville at 16 Notre Dame, 2:30 PM, Peacock
• Arkansas at 24 Texas A&M, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• 21 Oklahoma at Auburn, 2:40 PM, ABC
• Mississippi State at 1 Texas, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• 2 Georgia at 4 Alabama, 6:30 PM, ABC
• 19 Illinois at 9 Penn State, 6:30 PM, NBC
• Middle Tennessee at Memphis, 6:30 PM, ESPNU
• Washington State at Boise State, 9:00 PM, FS1

That’s all for now. Back tomorrow or Wednesday probably.

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Just got several inches of hair chopped off by the fabulous Amanda at Gould’s at Main and Union. I feel great! Go see Amanda if you’re looking for someone to cut your hair. 

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will hold its September meeting on the 4th Wednesday evening of the month, the 25th, at Carolina Watershed. DNA members will enjoy free chicken from the new pop-up restaurant at the Watershed, Gangsta Fried Chicken, as well as one free beer or wine. City Council chairman J.B. Smiley will speak. There will be neighborhood news from President Jerred Price and Executive Director Luanne Yeley.

Dr. Johnny Fever: “I don’t know, Les… what do women want?”

Les Nessman: (thinks for a moment) “… TUPPERWARE!”

Well, they may not be able to get what they want much longer. Tupperware has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last night Shohei Ohtani of the L.A. Dodgers

• had 10 RBI in one night
• had 5 extra-base hits in one night
• became the first member of MLB’s 50-50 club, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season

Today is National Fried Rice Day. Get the duck fried rice at SOB to celebrate.

Today is also National Pepperoni Pizza Day. Aldo’s Pizza Pies is the place to go.

The first 1500 at the Redbirds game tonight get a Lars Nootbar bobblehead. 7:05 first pitch.

You can now renew your passport online.

YogaSix Downtown hosts Puppy Yoga Sunday, September 29. YOGA!

Cordelia’s Market will hold its Oktoberfest Saturday at 4.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies weekend football specials

• Happy Hour prices 11 AM-4 PM
• $12 one-topping bar pies 11 AM-4 PM
• $20 pitchers all day
• $5 limoncello all day

The restaurant will pick up your tab (up to $20) when you dine at Aldo’s, Slider Inn, Momma’s, or Bardog between 6 and 10 PM on your birthday. I’m assuming booze is not included and you have to show proof of birthday.

Frankie Hollie with Taylor McManus, Clay and Donnie from Gasoline Lollipops, and Joe Johnson play South Main Sounds Saturday at 7.

New shops on Monroe just east of Front that are part of the Open on Main initiative:

• Champion’s Herbs – grand opening Sunday 1-4
• Ionia’s Closet – grand opening both days this weekend – small bites, giveaways, 20% discounts

We had a real treat at the Union Mission Wednesday evening. West Point Mennonite Church of east Mississippi came out to feed us and preach. They brought a delicious cheesy chicken and rice casserole with green beans, dinner rolls, and chocolate chip cupcakes.

They brought butter and grape jelly for the dinner rolls. We have bread with every meal at the Mission, but butter to put on it is rare – and much appreciated. No, the Mennonites did not make the the butter themselves. It was prepackaged.

Their youth group sang six beautiful hymns, and their pastor invited us to experience the comfort and peace they have in Jesus. Every word they spoke, every movement they made had so much gentleness and kindness behind it. That was my first encounter with Mennonites and they were not at all what I expected. It was a pleasure to spend an hour with them.

Probably gonna take the weekend off posting. Back Monday.

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Read it online

Bardog won Best Bar. Allie Cat wants me to remind you that they have waffles for breakfast now.

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Yesterday I mentioned that Northern Illinois and Boise State were Memphis’ biggest competition for the College Football Playoff. Memphis has no Top 25 or Power Four opponents remaining. What about those schools?

• NIU: Has a win over 5 Notre Dame and plays NC State on September 28
• Boise State:  Plays both Washington State and Oregon State, the remnants of the Pac-12

Tigers fans need to root for those two teams’ opponents.

And now, BREAKING NEWS: The Pac-12 is meeting to consider Memphis and Tulane for membership. That conference already has (for a future season)

• Oregon State
• Washington State
• San Diego State
• Boise State
• Fresno State
• Colorado State
• … and needs 2 more to meet the minimum NCAA requirement of 8.

The new Pac-12 is not ideal, but it beats being in a conference with Rice.

Games of interest this weekend (Saturday unless otherwise noted):

• 24 Illinois at 22 Nebraska, 7:00 PM Friday, FOX
• Florida at Mississippi State, 11:00 AM, ESPN
• Arkansas State at 20 Iowa State, 1:00 PM, ESPN+
• 11 USC at 18 Michigan, 2:30 PM, CBS
• UCLA at 16 LSU, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Arkansas at Auburn, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• Memphis at Navy, 2:30 PM, CBS Sports Network
• Buffalo at 23 Northern Illinois, 2:30 PM, ESPN+
• 12 Utah at 14 Oklahoma State, 3:00 PM, FOX
• 6 Tennessee at 15 Oklahoma, 6:30 PM, ABC
• Georgia Southern at 5 Ole Miss, 6:45 PM, SEC Network
• UL-Monroe at 1 Texas, 7:00 PM, SEC Network
• Portland State at Boise State, 8:45 PM, FS1

Soul & Spirits has its annual Oktoberfest party this Saturday.

The DMC’s Alley Dayz event comes to The Pinch District next Wednesday, September 25.

DMC Chief Operating Officer Brett Roler won the 2024 IDA Inspired Leader Award at this year’s International Downtown Association Annual Conference. Congratulations, Brett!

A former Peabody Hotel employee is accused of stealing more than $80,000 from the hotel.

I posted two news updates yesterday, so if you haven’t seen both of them, keep scrolling.

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Well, not THIS day, as in today.

November 1, rather.

You see, the drawing for a real funeral hearse is returning to Bardog Tavern at approximately 11:59:59 PM on Halloween.

This was a tradition for the bar’s first 11 years. A stretch Cadillac DeVille or Fleetwood would be parked outside the ‘Dog for the month of October. As the month ended, someone would win it in a raffle.

Then COVID ruined everything.

More details to come.

A month after New Wing Order shut down its food truck, its wings have made their return. The Ghost River taproom at Main and Crump now has nWo specialty wings on its updated menu.

Ghost River, by the way, is having a book fair on Saturday.

Oktoberfest glasses have not yet arrived at the Flying Saucer, but a little birdie told me this year’s glass will be “a silly glass” – a rubber stein.

There will be a halfway to St. Patrick’s Day party this Friday at Silky’s. Wear your Irish gear to get in free.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. in The Edge will have a vegan comfort food/BBQ pop-up this Sunday. From the Facebook post:

Menu highlights include Fried Chickun, Smoked Meats, Mac N Cheeze, Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burgers, Jambalaya, Po Boyz, Cajun Corn, Totchos, and more!

Our menu is Nut-Free with several Gluten-Free options.

Also in The Edge, The Jack Oblivian Band will be at High Cotton on Saturday.

Edible Memphis reported today that Kinfolk on Harbor Town Square is back open.

I’m back on Facebook! I sorted out that 2-factor authentication mess today. Add Facebook Messenger back to the ways you can contact me.

That’s all for now. Back soon!

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Action News 5 has a look at Memphis Filling Station (MFS), the new Downtown brewery on G.E. Patterson. Patrons can see the beer being brewed.

RIP Tito Jackson, member of the Jackson 5 and older brother of the late Michael Jackson. Tito was 70.

Today is National Guacamole Day. Maciel’s is the place to celebrate… or the Saucer, which puts a generous scoop of guac atop its carne asada fries.

It’s also World Play-Doh Day.

The National Association for State and Community Services has its annual training seminar at the Renasant Convention Center this week.

Good news: ESPN and the other TV channels owned by Disney are back on DirecTV after the two sides struck a deal this weekend.

Max Kaplan plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station Thursday evening.

Waffles have been added to Bardog’s breakfast menu.

Congrats to the football Memphis Tigers on what some are calling a signature win over Florida State on Saturday. It’s a step toward the College Football Playoff, but Memphis still needs to win the AAC championship and end up ranked higher than the champs of the Mountain West, MAC, Sun Belt, etc. In particular, Memphis fans need to keep their eyes on Northern Illinois (AP #23 this week; Memphis is not ranked) and Boise State. The Tigers have no ranked or Power Four teams left on their schedule.

Saints 44, Cowboys 19… LOL @ “America’s Team.” As in past seasons, they beat up on the bad teams but lose to the good ones.

I’m starting to unravel the two-factor authentication mess that occurred when I lost my MacBook and iPhone within a day of each other. I have a new (to me) iPhone and this weekend I got it working with my Apple ID and got my data restored from iCloud. Progress!

I’m not back on Facebook yet but am working on that today. Best ways to reach me in the meantime are Apple Messages if you’re on there (ID is paul@paulryburn.com) or Gmail (paul.ryburn@gmail.com).

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

A new brewery, MFS Brewing on G.E. Patterson near BB King, opens today.

Both the Southern Heritage Classic and Cooper-Young Fest are Saturday. That’s gonna create a traffic snarl in Midtown. Uber and Lyft surge pricing will get huge, I bet.

There will be a pep rally for the Classic tonight at Handy Park on Beale from 6 to 8.

Tickets go on sale Saturday for the St. Jude Tip-off doubleheader at FedExForum on Oct. 15: Penny’s men’s Tigers vs. North Carolina at 6, women’s basketball Tigers vs. South Carolina at 8:30.

The Orpheum seeks a manager of individual giving.

Memphis in May seeks an events operation coordinator.

Memphis vs. Florida State football is on ESPN at 11 AM Saturday.

Amelia Gene’s seeks back of house staff and front of house staff.

MJ the musical comes to the Orpheum next week.

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra will perform Rachmaninoff and Copland Saturday night at the Cannon Center.

Still in two-factor authentication hell. I have a new (to me) iPhone and am in the process of getting signed in with my Apple ID. Once I get that mess unraveled I will work on getting another computer.

Thanks for sticking with me.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com

On a fact-finding mission, I went by Bardog this morning to see what additional info I could glean about its alley party this Sunday, September 8.

• It’ll start around the time the bar opens (11 AM) and will go all afternoon
• Melissa tells me downstairs (The Underdog Room) will be an NFL watch party with nachos and other gameday menu items. Outside will be a DJ and live music, and inside upstairs will be, Bardog as we know it
• They’ll have Bardog Sweet Sixteen shirts for sale. They feature a view of Bardog from the corner of Monroe Avenue and Center Lane, navy print on a light gray shirt, BARDOG in bright yellow
• I saw their distributor bring all kinds of swag in for giveaways and raffles

This is gonna be an old-school good time. Come hang out. Weather should be perfect, with a low in the mid-50s Sunday morning, then a high about 80. Even October wants to come to the alley party!

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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The DM reports that Michael Patrick, the former namesake/chef at Rizzo’s in the South Main district, is opening a new restaurant in the former BT Prime Steakhouse space in Nesbit, Mississippi. It’ll be called Magnolia Bend Grille. The chef says to look for “elevated Southern fare” but it will not be “Rizzo’s 2.0.” The Lobster Pronto Pup will be back, though.

Today is National Baby Back Ribs Day.

Dredging is happening on the Mississippi River to keep commercial barges moving during times of low river levels. Beaches along the river are exposed.

Don’t forget: The Bardog alley party (“Sweet Sixteen”) is this Sunday. Music, food, and fun are promised. I hear Sunday bartender Magic Mike will be DJing. He has fabulous taste in music. I plan on being there.

Music Export Memphis is throwing a party in The Ravine this Thursday from 6 to 9. The party will be a preview of the organization’s presence in Nashville for the international AmericanaFest. Wyly Bigger, Josh Threlkeld & Alice Hasen, Alexis Jade and Talibah Safiya will be among those performing.

Laid-off Memphis Trolley employees and South Main business owners are asking Memphians to sign a petition to bring the trolleys back in service.

There was a Race for Reconciliation Downtown on Labor Day morning.

Downtown stayed safe over the long holiday weekend. That is fantastic news!

GloRilla received a key to the city over the weekend.

Alcenia’s chef B.J. Chester-Tamayo plans a ’70s bash for her 70th in Fourth Bluff Park this Saturday. There will be guest chefs in town for the party, including Chef Okr and Coconutcup NYC. Bonus reason to click the link: a recipe for Alcenia’s candied yams.

Terrace at the River Inn will be closed Wednesday for a private event.

Update on me

• I have a phone, but I’m currently in two-factor authentication hell trying to get everything restored from iCloud
• I have a plan to get another computer, but I need to get the phone figured out first
• Still can’t access text or Facebook; best way to reach me is paul.ryburn@gmail.com
• FML

Not sure when I’ll be back with another post. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com

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

• Arkansas 70, Ark-Pine Bluff 0 (yesterday)
• 14 Clemson vs. 1 Georgia in Atlanta, 11:00 AM, ABC
• Chattanooga at 15 Tennessee, 11:45 AM, SEC Network
• 19 Miami at Florida, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State, 5:00 PM, SEC Network
• Western Kentucky at 5 Alabama, 6:00 PM, ESPN
• Furman at 6 Ole Miss, 6:00 PM, SEC Network
• Central Arkansas at Arkansas State, 6:00 PM, ESPN+
• North Alabama at Memphis, 6:00 PM, ESPN+
• 7 Notre Dame at 20 Texas A&M, 6:30 PM, ABC
• 23 USC at 13 LSU, 6:30 PM Sunday in Las Vegas, ABC

Nice to see a few matchups that aren’t Power Four powerhouse vs. cream puff in Week 1.

Welcome to Memphis will host a Hospitality Night on Beale Street Tuesday, September 3 from 6 to 8 PM. Servers, housekeepers, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, cooks, bussers, come on out. Free food & drinks to the first 100. Discounts, giveaways, live music at Alfred’s, history tour of the street. RSVP

Beer recommendation: Old Nation Boss Tweed, a New England IPA. I tried one at Pint Nite at the Saucer on Monday and it was the most delicious IPA I have had in years. 97 score on Beer Advocate.

In other Saucer news, they’ll have half-priced wings (dine-in only) during NFL Thursday Night Football games this season. Also, the Saucer will have the NFL Sunday Ticket package again this season.

It’s National Mai Tai Day.

St. Jude has purchased Tom Intrator’s properties in the Pinch. They were expected to be developed into 900 hotel rooms as well as office space. The purchase will give the children’s hospital a presence on North Main.

The DM has a list of ways to celebrate 901 Day on September 1.

The CA has a look at Tom Lee Park’s first year.

Why people put rubber ducks on Jeeps

South Main Trolley Night is tonight 6 to 9.

That’s it for now.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com