129 replies to this topic

[Rardy]

Let's discuss where to eat in Memphis, both chains and local flavor.

Taco del Mar, a Seattle-based chain known for fish tacos, recently announced plans to expand into the Mid-South, with 64 planned restaurants (?how many in Memphis?) per MBJ.  The first two stores will be on Goodman in Southaven and Kirby in Memphis.

Abbay's recently opened on Germantown Pkwy. near I-40, and Blue Coast Burrito expanded to Carriage Crossing in Collierville.

[idlewild]

It seems as though a lot of restaurants have entered the Memphis market in recent years, but I'm still waiting on a Panera.....along with Blue Coast Burrito other notables include: Carabba's, Firebird's, Swanky's, Mo's, Mama Fu's, Fleming's Steakhouse, Stix, Texas De Brazil, Ben & Jerry's, and Pei Wei. I believe some of these national chains have finally realized the potential income possible in the Memphis Metro, and while it's a great thing, I fear it will hurt some local small restaurants. Pei Wei is great though and I hope it expands ASAP.

[northernbizzkit1]

idlewild, on Oct 30 2006, 03:52 PM, said:

It seems as though a lot of restaurants have entered the Memphis market in recent years, but I'm still waiting on a Panera.....along with Blue Coast Burrito other notables include: Carabba's, Firebird's, Swanky's, Mo's, Mama Fu's, Fleming's Steakhouse, Stix, Texas De Brazil, Ben & Jerry's, and Pei Wei. I believe some of these national chains have finally realized the potential income possible in the Memphis Metro, and while it's a great thing, I fear it will hurt some local small restaurants. Pei Wei is great though and I hope it expands ASAP.

I work at Moe's...and trust me...you aren't going to find a cup of queso anywhere in the city that is as good as what we serve!!! Apparently there are two Panera locations that are going to be announced at some point (according to my boss)...he claims that one is going to be at Forest Hill Plaza while the other is going to be in East Memphis. Also, apparently John Callipari has the rights for Dunkin' Donut franchises here in MEM...anyone know details about this? I love Dunkin!!!

[idlewild]

While that will be great if those Panera locations open up, i love that place!

[Rardy]

idlewild, on Oct 30 2006, 02:52 PM, said:

It seems as though a lot of restaurants have entered the Memphis market in recent years, but I'm still waiting on a Panera.....along with Blue Coast Burrito other notables include: Carabba's, Firebird's, Swanky's, Mo's, Mama Fu's, Fleming's Steakhouse, Stix, Texas De Brazil, Ben & Jerry's, and Pei Wei. I believe some of these national chains have finally realized the potential income possible in the Memphis Metro, and while it's a great thing, I fear it will hurt some local small restaurants. Pei Wei is great though and I hope it expands ASAP.

We lost Mama Fu's.  

Pei Wei is good, but their assigned seating gets on my nerves.  

Red Robin is also entering the Memphis market, per MBJ.  We also are targeted for expansion of the Crepe Maker (currently in Carriage Crossing.  Awesome, btw).

Atlanta Bread just opened up in G'town.

Does anyone know the status of Schlotzky's on G'town Pkwy. in Cordova??

[northernbizzkit1]

Rardy, on Oct 31 2006, 10:14 AM, said:

We lost Mama Fu's.  

Pei Wei is good, but their assigned seating gets on my nerves.  

Red Robin is also entering the Memphis market, per MBJ.  We also are targeted for expansion of the Crepe Maker (currently in Carriage Crossing.  Awesome, btw).

Atlanta Bread just opened up in G'town.

Does anyone know the status of Schlotzky's on G'town Pkwy. in Cordova??

IMO, mama fu's wasn't successful because of P.F. Chang's and MOSA Asian Bistro. For just a few more dollars, you could go to a much nicer restaurant and get better food and portions (P.F. Chang's). For about the same amount, you got a better atmosphere, better food, and a local staple (MOSA...owned by the people who own Formosa)

[jmduke]

Chains I want to see here:  Caribou Coffee, Cheesecake Factory (discussed in other boards), Corner Bakery, Dunkin Donuts, Fuddruckers, Johnny Carino's, Maggiano's Little Italy, McCormick & Schmicks, Morton's Steakhouse, Nathan's Famous, Oceanaire, The Palm, Pizzeria UNO, and Smith & Wollensky.
  
However, I'd still rather support the locals.  Favorite places across all price ranges:  Felicia Suzanne (one of the best restaurants I've ever been to), Cafe Society, Stella, Fresh Slices, Young Ave. Deli, Beauty Shop, A-Tan (great sushi value), Showboat BBQ (Knight Arnold/Lamar), Tsunami, Majestic Grille, Meditrina, and Wolf River Cafe in Rossville - home of the best fried catfish in the area.

[tennreb]

northernbizzkit1, on Oct 31 2006, 10:57 AM, said:

IMO, mama fu's wasn't successful because of P.F. Chang's and MOSA Asian Bistro. For just a few more dollars, you could go to a much nicer restaurant and get better food and portions (P.F. Chang's). For about the same amount, you got a better atmosphere, better food, and a local staple (MOSA...owned by the people who own Formosa)

Mama fu's was just plain horrible.  It's easily the worst fast casual chain.  It's not even in the same class of Pei Wei.

jmduke, on Oct 31 2006, 03:34 PM, said:

Chains I want to see here:  Caribou Coffee, Cheesecake Factory (discussed in other boards), Corner Bakery, Dunkin Donuts, Fuddruckers, Johnny Carino's, Maggiano's Little Italy, McCormick & Schmicks, Morton's Steakhouse, Nathan's Famous, Oceanaire, The Palm, Pizzeria UNO, and Smith & Wollensky.
  
However, I'd still rather support the locals.  Favorite places across all price ranges:  Felicia Suzanne (one of the best restaurants I've ever been to), Cafe Society, Stella, Fresh Slices, Young Ave. Deli, Beauty Shop, A-Tan (great sushi value), Showboat BBQ (Knight Arnold/Lamar), Tsunami, Majestic Grille, Meditrina, and Wolf River Cafe in Rossville - home of the best fried catfish in the area.

We don't need any more chains.  We already have too many.  Chain restaurants have ruined small towns like Jackson.  I don't understand the obsession with Cheesecake Factory.  I've eaten at ones in several cities, and the food is always bad.  It's an Applebees with a pretty bow.  The only chain we need is an upscale seafood place like McCormick and Smicks because no locals have been willing to fill that void.

[gaushell]

I'll put in a plug for my friend, Trey Jordan, and Holiday Deli. Great stuff. Much better selection than another unnamed national chain deli.

He is in the process of expanding. Wish him luck.

[northernbizzkit1]

gaushell, on Oct 31 2006, 10:17 PM, said:

I'll put in a plug for my friend, Trey Jordan, and Holiday Deli. Great stuff. Much better selection than another unnamed national chain deli.

I second this! If any of you haven't had a cookie from Holiday Deli, go get one! The oatmeal raisin is PERFECT!!!!!!!!!! I also like how all of the locations have been updated...they are quite nice and tasteful!

[Rardy]

Zoe's downtown is for sale (but remaining open).

Has anyone been there?

[idlewild]

If we are thinking of the same one, there had been one downtown at Main/Gayoso that closed down. If they are geared up for expansion plans, then why was this one closed?

[Rardy]

idlewild, on Nov 2 2006, 11:04 AM, said:

If we are thinking of the same one, there had been one downtown at Main/Gayoso that closed down. If they are geared up for expansion plans, then why was this one closed?

I don't know of one at Main/Gayoso, but there is one at Main/Monroe that is open (as of yesterday) and for sale.  This is the article that was in MBJ.

[idlewild]

Rardy, on Nov 2 2006, 12:21 PM, said:

I don't know of one at Main/Gayoso, but there is one at Main/Monroe that is open (as of yesterday) and for sale.  This is the article that was in MBJ.

sorry i was talking about holiday, not zoes.

[tatersmith]

idlewild, on Nov 2 2006, 02:26 PM, said:

sorry i was talking about holiday, not zoes.

I believe Holiday was giving it a try downtown at the urging of a major developer. It didn't make money. Lunch spots down there are hard (see all the restaurants that have attempted the corner of Main & Union).

[Rardy]

tatersmith, on Nov 6 2006, 01:18 PM, said:

I believe Holiday was giving it a try downtown at the urging of a major developer. It didn't make money. Lunch spots down there are hard (see all the restaurants that have attempted the corner of Main & Union).

I didn't realize Holiday Ham was local!  I thought it was some national conglomerate.  I'll definitely have to go try them out...

Recent article in MBJ says they're expanding, opening 3 new stores in Knoxville and one here.

[Rardy]

northernbizzkit1, on Oct 30 2006, 05:55 PM, said:

I work at Moe's...and trust me...you aren't going to find a cup of queso anywhere in the city that is as good as what we serve!!! Apparently there are two Panera locations that are going to be announced at some point (according to my boss)...he claims that one is going to be at Forest Hill Plaza while the other is going to be in East Memphis.

Per Panera Bread's website, we're one of the markets targeted for expansion:

Markets Available for Franchise Development

    * Salt Lake City, Utah
    * Reno, Nevada
    * Memphis, Tennessee
    * Little Rock, Arkansas
    * Shreveport, Louisiana
    * Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    * New Orleans, Louisiana

I guess now we just have to sit back and wait.

[gaushell]

Rardy, on Nov 6 2006, 03:32 PM, said:

I didn't realize Holiday Ham was local!  I thought it was some national conglomerate.  I'll definitely have to go try them out...

Recent article in MBJ says they're expanding, opening 3 new stores in Knoxville and one here.

Actually they were downtown on Main. Trey had to close it since the daytime crowd couldn't ultimately support it. He is however opening in midtown.

He has big expansion plans. Pimentos will be the out of town name. Actually working on his new website now as well.

[Rardy]

Olive Garden is opening a new restaurant in Poplar Pointe, Poplar @ I-240, per MBJ.

This will be their fourth restaurant in the Memphis area.

[gaushell]

Rardy, on Nov 7 2006, 04:38 PM, said:

Olive Garden is opening a new restaurant in Poplar Pointe, Poplar @ I-240, per MBJ.

This will be their fourth restaurant in the Memphis area.

Gross! LOL. Just kidding. Not a real fan though.

Jim's Place East has opened Jim's Place Grill or something similar to that name in Collierville. Wife went for lunch last week and said it was great. I can speak highly of the original. Glad to see something a bit closer to home.