Growing up, I always questioned my parents’ decision to settle down in Memphis. I remember this being a shared frustration amongst my friends in middle school. Both children of immigrants, like me, and generational Memphians agreed. There’s something unreasonably normalized about questioning, what’s so great about Memphis? I have grown to love this discourse and see it as it is an opportunity for us to slow down and remember it all: the community, the food, the culture.
Memphis is the kind of place that feels like home. This, I have always thought, is because of the cultural diversity and the way people connect with one another. Memphis is one of the few cities where anyone can feel immersed in community. I have found my home specifically in the countless Black, Brown, and People of Color (BIPOC) owned businesses. There is healing and joy in pouring financially into our communities and choosing to support one another.
The following spaces because of each their own cultural significance and comforting essence have become some of my favorite places in the city.
Cafes:
Cxfeeblack’s Anti Gentrification Cxffee Club @antigentrificationcoffeeclub
Aldar Cafe @aldarcafe901
Sabadito Café @sabaditocafe
Groovy Gratitude @groovy_gratitude
MoQana Yemeni Coffee @moqana.coffee
Qahwa Coffee Bar @qahwacoffeebar
Restaurants:
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant @abyssiniamemphis
Kitchen Laurel @kitchenlaurel901
Swamp Bar @swampbarmemphis
Kwik Chek @kwikchek901
La Llamarada 3103 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38112
Chukis Tacos #2 @chukistacos2
Guac Fresh Mex @guacmemphis
Mande Dibi @mandedibi
Shroomlicious Meals @veganpimpsofmemphis
Good Fortune Co. @goodfortune_co
Sexy Tacos Food Truck @sexytacos.co
Shopping:
Planta 777 Salon & Giftshop, Dalia the hairstylist is incredibly talented. @memphisplaneta777
Panaderia San Juan, authentic Mexican Bakery and Market 4668 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
Xochitl & Pink, Mexican artisanal boutique @xochitl.pink
Felipes Shoe Repair, great place to buy western style boots @felipes_memphis
Viet Hao Market, Vietnamese owned grocery store with an amazing variety 40 N Cleveland St, Memphis, TN 38104
Mega Foods, Mexican grocery store/market that always has the best produce 3151 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38115
This blog was written by Andrea Olvera
Andrea Olvera was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and has lived in Memphis ever since the age of six years old. Andrea is a national consultant who focuses on equity across all systems of care by addressing gaps and barriers to services. Her identity, work, and personal development have taught her the value of community and an appreciation for intercultural relationships. She’ll talk your ear off about how growing up in Memphis has shaped her to see the world through an inclusive and intersectional lens.
