{"id":28127,"date":"2024-08-15T11:38:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T16:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paulryburn.com\/blog\/?p=28127"},"modified":"2024-08-15T11:38:03","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T16:38:03","slug":"thursday-update-316","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.paulryburn.com\/blog\/2024\/08\/15\/thursday-update-316\/","title":{"rendered":"Thursday update"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Blind Bear was given a proper goodbye Sunday night. This week its former employees will be looking for jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to point out that ALL those people have huge followings. The bartenders. The servers. The kitchen manager. Even the barbacks. If you run a bar, and you\u2019ve wondered, \u201cWhat can I do to get more Downtown locals to frequent my establishment?\u201d, here\u2019s your chance. Hire a Bear alumnus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I tell you a quick story?<\/p>\n

In February 2007, Sleep Out Louie\u2019s, located on Union in what is now Mesquite Chop House, closed its doors. That had been the locals\u2019 spot. There was no place Downtown even close to approximating it. We didn\u2019t know where we were going to go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The people who ran the Holiday Inn at Union and Second heard about our dilemma, and they did something incredibly smart. They hired Frenchie, one of our favorite Sleep Out\u2019s bartenders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It worked. On nights Frenchie worked, the lobby bar was so full of locals that the hotel guests could barely find a seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With all the recent closings, conditions are right in 2024 for a similarly unlikely bar to make a good hire and land itself a load of neighborhood regulars.<\/p>\n

Graceland Ninjaz headline tonight\u2019s Peabody rooftop party. They combine rock, hip-hop, soul, and a touch of Elvis. If you\u2019re in VIP tonight, you\u2019ll have access to a buffet of peanut butter and banana sandwiches (Elvis\u2019 favorite) and chicken wings. $25 general admission, $50 VIP. Enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card good at any Lansky shop in the hotel.<\/p>\n

Renovations to the Civil Rights Museum, telling the movement\u2019s story post-Dr. King, are expected to be completed<\/a> in early 2026.<\/p>\n

St. Jude seeks a program coordinator<\/a> for volunteer services and special events.<\/p>\n

Tito\u2019s drinks are $5 at Birdie\u2019s all weekend to celebrate the FedEx-St. Jude golf tournament. Vodka soda, vodka tonic, screwdriver, greyhound\u2026 yes, any of those are five bucks.<\/p>\n

Community Legal Center seeks a director<\/a> for their pro se parents\u2019 clinic.<\/p>\n

Beale Street Bears has a list of NBA Cup games featuring the Grizzlies<\/a>. The NBA Cup, held in November and December, is the league\u2019s in-season tournament.<\/p>\n

The Baron Von Opperbean interactive exhibit being installed on Mud Island needs your junk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The CA has info<\/a> on the construction going on at Second and Vance. It\u2019s going to be a Home2 Suites by Hilton.<\/p>\n

Soul & Spirits will host a Halloween Market<\/a> October 5 and 6.<\/p>\n

The DM has a photo gallery<\/a> of the 70th anniversary celebration of Elvis\u2019 tune \u201cThat\u2019s All Right\u201d at Sun Studio.<\/p>\n

Today is National Hazy IPA Day<\/a>. Flying Saucer\u2019s beertenders can recommend a good one.<\/p>\n

The Memphis Flyer has a look at Fannie Lou\u2019s Gourmet Chicken & Waffles<\/a> on Tennessee Street.<\/p>\n

Alley Dayz, combining live music, local vendors, and dining deals, returns August 28. This month the alley party will be 5:30-7:30 PM on Maggie H. Isabel Street between Madison and Monroe.<\/p>\n