The Shops at Carriage Crossing has officially announced the seven finalists in its Pop Local competition – and you can meet them in person this month! The excitement all leads up to a Showcase Day at Carriage Crossing on Saturday, Dec. 13, where the public can explore each business and experience their products and services firsthand.
Pop Local began at Carriage Crossing in 2023 as a platform to elevate Mid-South entrepreneurs and give them a chance to test their ideas in a traditional retail space. Now, the competition returns with even more momentum, offering small business owners a pathway to grow, thrive and become part of Carriage Crossing’s vibrant community.
“This year’s finalists were selected through a thoughtful review process that considered several key factors, including overall business readiness, concept strength and long-term potential as a Carriage Crossing tenant,” said Ramzi Hassan, president of Edwards Realty Company. “Our inaugural Pop Local competition in 2023 resulted in four permanent tenants to the center, so we can’t wait to see what this next group of finalists will bring to our growing community.”
Get to know this year’s finalists! With nearly 75 applicants, Carriage Crossing saw an exciting mix of diverse business concepts, making the selection of finalists extremely competitive this year.
- AYCO Memphis Catering & Eatery: A well-known contract catering company proudly serving the Memphis area. Specializing in large-scale food events, they bring flavor and excellence to weddings, corporate functions, family reunions, birthday celebrations and repasts.
- Everlasting Bride: From stunning bridal dresses that capture your unique style, to elegant jewelry and dreamy veils that complete your look, they offer everything you need to feel beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle.
- The Good Dog Dish: A Memphis-based, family-owned company creating fresh, human-grade meals for dogs – crafted with the same quality ingredients you’d use in your own kitchen.
- Monkeygrass Mayhem Coffee: A Memphis-based mobile coffee and food trailer serving fresh, handcrafted drinks and house-made eats with a playful twist. They specialize in creating high-quality espresso beverages, seasonal specialties and scratch-baked goods
- Rolfe Customs: A Memphis-based bespoke clothing brand specializing in custom suits and apparel designed to each client’s exact measurements, preferences and needs.
- The Song Shack: An award-winning, privately-owned music school in East Memphis that specializes in music and songwriting lessons for students of all ages and stages of talent.
- Tyler’s Way Foundation: A hybrid holistic autism center and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children on the autism spectrum – and the parents, caregivers and educators who support them – through inclusive education, life skills training and holistic wellness.
Finalists have the opportunity to receive six rent-free months for them to test their products or services in a premium retail storefront and up to $5,000 to make their dream a reality. In addition, they will receive PR and marketing support, including promotion on Carriage Crossing social media, e-blasts and a robust media relations platform. A winner (or winners!) will be announced in January 2026 and officially open for business in their new space later that spring.
To learn more, visit www.shoppoplocal.com/carriage-crossing. See you at The Shops at Carriage Crossing for Showcase Day on Dec. 13, and congratulations to this year’s finalists!
This blog was written by The Shops at Carriage Crossing
