January 2, 2019

Soulsville

Things to Look Forward to in Memphis in 2019

As we look forward to 2019 we have a ton of exciting things to anticipate! Here are some of our picks:

Memphis' Bicentennial

It’s our bicentennial year! The city of Memphis was founded in May 1819. Memphis in May has already announced that the month-long celebration will be dedicated to the Bluff City in honor of its 200th bday. Beyond that, there’s a slew of festivities leading up to May and lasting through Shelby County’s bicentennial in November still to be announced. Stay tuned.

Powerhouse Cinema to open in Downtown Memphis

It’s been a minute since we first heard about the new Malco theatre opening in Downtown Memphis, but the time is almost here! Dubbed Powerhouse Cinema, this theatre will be part of a bigger project for Central Station, located at G.E. Patterson Avenue at Front Street. The theatre will provide a more VIP experience with smaller screening rooms, a cafe with a brick oven for pizza, and an outdoor cafe patio screen for movies and broadcasting events like Grizzlies and Tigers games.

Memphis 901 FC 2019 Season Schedule

Whether you’ve always been a soccer fan or not, it’s time to get ready because Memphis’s first USL team has announced their season schedule, with their opening game taking place on March 9, 2019, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The season will run through October 19th highlighted by some exciting matches against regional rivals like Nashville, St. Louis, and Atlanta, and games against two-time defending USL Cup champions Louisville City FC.

INSPIRE Community Café to open January 4th

When INSPIRE Community Café opens to the public on January 4th at Binghampton Gateway Center, it will be a welcome addition to a neighborhood in need of another affordable fresh, healthy food option. The cafe is committed to paying a living wage to full-time employees and has adopted an employee profit sharing model. INSPIRE will be donating ten percent of its net profit back into the community, supporting a different nonprofit partner each month (the 2019 partners have already been selected). They also have an apprentice program that will help young people develop culinary and small business skills. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Mike Millers' "Let It Fly" sports bar to open in early 2019

Memphis might not have Topgolf yet, but a venue inspired by the popular combination of sports bar and driving range is on its way to Germantown, thanks to our very own Mike Miller. Let it Fly is set to open in early 2019 in the old McAlister’s Deli space at 9091 Poplar Ave. Learn all about it here.

Yopp's Pub Pinball Bar To Open on Broad Ave

Pinball enthusiasts rejoice! There will soon be a bar just for you. Yopp’s Pub is set to open in February and will host 30 pinball machines, all of them recently restored. You’ll be able to grab beer and sandwiches in between games. The TVs in the bar will allow you to watch the games from anywhere and keep an eye on the competition. Learn more here and follow on their Facebook page for updates.

The CMPLX Grand Opening January 11th

The CLTV is an organization dedicated to honoring and propelling African American culture in Memphis by supporting Black artists and providing a platform to showcase their work. The nonprofit has opened a home base in Orange Mound called The CMPLX where they will continue to aid in the creative and professional development of the city’s Black artists. The Grand Opening celebration on January 11th will feature a group exhibition with art by some of the city’s most exciting young artists and a pretty amazing music lineup. You can read more about The CMPLX with The Daily Memphian.

Phillip Ashley Chocolates expanding to a new location

Phillip Ashley Rix has operated his boutique chocolate store in Cooper-Young since opening in November 2013. He is now expanding his store and will be moving to a new location in January. The exact location has not been announced yet, so follow him on his Facebook page for updates! Until the new store-front opens in 2019, Phillip Ashley Chocolates are available online.

The Container Store Coming to Memphis

Grind City Brewing Co to open in Uptown

Memphis beer lovers rejoice: Another brewery is opening soon in Uptown. Grind City Brewing Co, owned and operated by Jeff White, Mark Patrick, Tyler Nelson, William “Hopper” Seely, and Bill Seely, is set to open by July 1st if construction continues as planned. Located at 83 Waterworks, the brewery will overlook the harbor and CN Railroad below, as well as offer a panorama view of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and the Downtown skyline. Each beer the brewery sells will support a local charity, and the beers will range from lagers to porters to Belgian styles.

Memphis Music To Gain Exposure in 2019

Several local initiatives are working together to bring awareness and exposure to Memphis music. Named Year for Memphis Music, the campaign is being led by Visible Music College’s Center for Memphis Music. Seven teams from all over the local industry are working in seven areas: artist development (management and education), publishing (songwriting), music production (studios), marketing (media and social media), events (venues, booking, touring), sales (merchandise and retail) and rest (artist care). Partner organizations currently involved in the projects include The Consortium MMT, Royal Studios, DittyTV, Levitt Shell, Stax Music Academy, and Memphis Tourism, but everyone is invited to participate. You can also follow their Facebook page for updates.

Comeback Coffee to open in Pinch District

Comeback Coffee, located at 358 N. Main, is set to open in March 2019. Owned and operated by husband and wife, Hayes McPherson and Amy McPherson, the shop’s name comes from their mission to be a place people come back to often. Stay tuned for more info on their menu and hours.

Long Road Cider Co to expand to Cooper-Young

Long Road Cider Co., which opened in Barretville in 2016, is moving its main production facility to 871 Cooper St in the Cooper-Young district. Their new location will have a taproom featuring several cider brands, along with their own. Food will also be available with a menu created by Helario “Harry” Reyna, formerly of Kwik Chek and Elliott’s Downtown. The increased space will allow them to expand their production, focus on some of their flagships, and eventually package their cider. Right now, you can find Long Road Cider on tap all over Memphis including the local growler filling stations, but someday soon it’ll be even easier to keep in stock at home. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Fresh energy and more millennials being involved in local government

In 2017 Memphis was already leading the way in millennial growth, and in 2018 we saw a wave of young professionals taking more ownership in local government, getting involved in campaigns, and being elected to office. In 2019 we will continue to see fresh energy and growth spearheaded by passionate and talented young people.

Memphis Riverfront continued development

Since The Memphis River Parks Partnership took over for the Riverfront Development Corporation, things have moved along a bit faster in terms of development and activation for the riverfront. Led by Kresge Foundation fellow Carol Coletta, things are changing. The River Garden Park and River Line trail system opened this past fall. The Memphis riverfront will continue to be transformed, so stay tuned! Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Shelby County Film Commission to launch incentives for pilot programs

The Shelby County Film Commission is hard at work to attract filmmakers from all over the country, as well as here at home. They recently introduced two pilot initiatives: the Memphis Production Incentive Program and the Shelby County Production Crew Workforce Development Program. Interested filmmakers can learn more and apply here.

More movies to be filmed in Memphis

After the successful filming of Christmas at Graceland, it was announced that Hallmark plans to film two more movies in Memphis. Netflix’s “Uncorked” series is also currently being filmed here. Stay up to date with local film announcements and casting calls by following The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission on their Facebook page.

We are excited to enter 2019 as we continue to feature Memphians doing important and fun work, share all the fun things happening, and connect Memphians to job opportunities here in the Bluff City.

What are you looking forward to in 2019? Let us know in the comments!