Keiser
Keiser, AR · Lifestyle
The Commercial Appeal
Culver's to open first Memphis-area location at Lakeland development
Midwestern fast-food restaurant staple Culver's is expanding its footprint to Lakeland, its first location in the Memphis area. The Wisconsin-based restaurant chain is coming to the 100-acre Ashmont mixed-use development under construction at Canada Road and East Davies Plantation Road, while an unnamed grocery store is also being planned for the site. The location in Lakeland will be the chain's first Memphis-area restaurant, according to Ashmont developer Vince Smith. Smith told The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 22, that Culver’s has plans to break ground at an outparcel at Ashmont in early January 2027. Lakeland Planning Director Paul Luker told The Commercial Appeal in an email that Culver’s has filed a site plan application to be heard at the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting Nov. 12. Culver’s is touted for its signature ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard (a new flavor daily) and Wisconsin cheese curds. The company — which was founded in 1984 by George, Ruth, Craig and Lea Culver in Wisconsin — has more than 1,000 locations across 26 states. Culver's has plans to add almost 60 new locations in 2026, according to BizTimes.com. More commercial announcements could be coming to Ashmont in the near future. Smith said a grocery store
The Commercial Appeal
Memphis restaurants earn Michelin Guide honors
Two Memphis restaurants that opened in 2025 were among those honored during the Michelin Guide American South ceremony held Oct. 21 at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Fawn , a tapas-style restaurant in Cooper-Young, was honored among the guide's 2026 "recommended restaurants." It joins these four Memphis restaurants that earned "recommended" status in 2025 and retained it: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen , Felicia Suzanne’s , The Lobbyist and Petals of a Peony (the Cordova location.) Meanwhile, Bao Toan Kitchen & Bar — a Vietnamese restaurant in Crosstown Concourse — was honored among the 2026 Bib Gourmand restaurants. This award is given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that serve exceptionally good food at an affordable price. This award was first introduced in 1997 and is reassessed annually. BEST IN BARBECUE: Memphis dominates list of best BBQ restaurants in Tennessee Bao Toan joins Hog & Hominy as the only Memphis spots to receive Bib Gourmand honors. Hog & Hominy received the distinction in 2025 and upheld it in 2026. Across the six-state American South region, 22 restaurants earned Michelin Stars (none of which were in Memphis) in 2026 — 21 received one star, while one — Emeril's in New Orleans — earned
thedeltareview.com
Flyway Brewery Is More Than Just Beer
Craft beer has been having something of a struggle recently, and a number of small craft brewers have failed around the country. Theories range from young people choosing to drink less to competition from hemp-based beverages, but at least some of it likely has to do with how squeezed the American consumer feels these days. Nothing is affordable anymore.
takingthekids.com
This Tennessee Buffet Serves Hearty Carved Meats And Southern Desserts Worth Saving Room For
More than 100 homemade dishes hit the buffet line here every single day. That number alone made me read it twice. Then there’s the carving station. Prime rib and North Atlantic salmon show up on Friday evenings and all weekend long. On Sundays, roasted leg of lamb joins the...
fastfoodclub.com
Seven Tennessee Diners That Locals Have Loved For More Than Half A Century
Some Tennessee diners have been flipping burgers and pouring coffee since before your grandparents could drive. The seven spots on this list have all been serving their towns for more than 50 years, and a few have crossed the 100-year mark. They stretch from Memphis to Knoxville, with stops in...
The Commercial Appeal
Memphis dominates list of best BBQ restaurants in Tennessee
Memphis has long been known as the barbecue capital of Tennessee, if not the world. Now, a popular social media food influencer has confirmed what many Memphians already know. Discovery Matt travels across the country to curate the top food experiences. He then shares his findings, results, restaurant recommendations and rankings on Instagram and TikTok to his large number of followers, which is well into the six figures. Discovery Matt has ranked everything from the 10 Best Ramen in New Jersey to the 10 Best Pizza Spots in Rhode Island . MEMPHIS BARBECUE: The story behind Memphis BBQ and how it conquered the world Earlier this month, the food influencer tackled a list that really hit close to home for us Memphians. He named the Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in Tennessee . No surprise here, Memphis accounted for half of them, including the top-ranked barbecue restaurant in all of Tennessee: Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous . The list's No. 2 spot also went to a famous Memphis barbecue spot: Central BBQ . Payne’s Bar-B-Q came in at No. 4, followed by The Bar-B-Q Shop at No. 8 and Cozy Corner at No. 10. Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nolensville and Bluff City each accounted
actionnews5.com
Culver’s location planned for Mid-South
LAKELAND, Tenn. (WMC) - The Mid-South’s first Culver’s location is in the works. The City of Lakeland says its received a site plan application for a Culver’s in the Ashmont development at Canada Road and Davies Plantation Road. The application is scheduled to be reviewed by the...
whatnow.com
Taco Spot Makes Cordova Plans
Memphis-area diners, get ready to open your hearts and prepare your stomachs for a new home for arguably the most universally beloved Mexican food. A restaurant called Taco Spot has filed papers to open a location in Cordova, bringing residents a fresh way to revitalize their taco Tuesdays, any day of the week.
actionnews5.com
Memphis in May announces dates for 50th anniversary World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to Liberty Park May 12-15 as part of Memphis in May International Festival’s 50th anniversary in 2027. Festival organizers say the world’s largest pork barbecue cooking contest will welcome more than 50,000 attendees back to Liberty Park...
takemetotn.com
Big Flavor Hides Inside These 14 Humble Tennessee Restaurants
Do not let plain storefronts, modest dining rooms, or no-frills menus fool you. These 14 humble Tennessee restaurants serve the kind of unforgettable food that keeps locals returning week after week. Inside, diners will find smoky barbecue, crispy fried chicken, juicy burgers, country-style plates, and other comforting favorites prepared with plenty of care.
The Commercial Appeal
First Watch plans to open new restaurant in Memphis
This story has been updated with additional information from First Watch. First Watch plans to open a second restaurant in the Memphis area. A permit filing with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development shows plans for the restaurant chain to open a new location in the Wolfchase area at 8101 Giacosa Place, previously home to On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina . Expected to open in summer 2027, the new restaurant will be approximately 6,600 square feet and will feature a bar, more than 200 seats and a locally inspired mural, according to First Watch. WHERE TO EAT IN MEMPHIS?: 5 surprising dining spots you may have missed The Wolfchase restaurant's opening will create about 30 jobs, with hiring for a new restaurant typically starting about one month before opening, First Watch said. According to the permit filing dated Oct. 15, the project is estimated to cost $1 million. First Watch opened its first Memphis-area location at 7810 Poplar Ave. in Germantown on Sept. 22, 2025. The Bradenton, Florida-based First Watch is known as a daytime dining concept, serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch. Popular items include avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and the "Million
tri-statedefender.com
Collage Dance celebrates Memphis culture, soul with “Origins”
Collage Dance, one of the 50 largest ballet companies in the nation, will perform “Origins,” at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Oct 23-25, opening the 17th repertory season for the pre-eminent, Black-led performing arts organization. Company artists will bring four contemporary ballets to the stage for three...
wknofm.org
Theatre Memphis brings rock 'n' roll history to life with "Million Dollar Quartet"
Theatre Memphis brings the legendary sounds of Sun Records to the Lohrey Stage with "Million Dollar Quartet," running through November 7. The musical recreates the historic night of December 4, 1956, when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins gathered for an impromptu jam session at Sun Studio in Memphis, making music history.
WREG
MIM barbecue contest slated for Liberty Park in 2027
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis in May says it will bring its World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest back to Liberty Park in 2027, from May 12-15. The annual festival, which will mark its 50th year in 2027, made the announcement Wednesday. Applications for teams to enter the barbecue contest and The Great American River Run will […]
newsnetmedia.com
Lenny’s Day Returns Wednesday, October 21
Lennys Grill & Subs celebrates 28 years with $2.99 sandwiches. MEMPHIS, TN / ACCESS Newswire / October 16, 2026 / Lennys Grill & Subs, your favorite neighborhood sub shop, is celebrating 28 years with the return of Lenny’s Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21. As part of Lenny’s Day, guests can get any 7.5″ sandwich for just $2.99 with the purchase of a drink at all Lenny’s locations nationwide. To find your neighborhood Lenny’s, visit Lennys.com/locations.
wknofm.org
Next generation of Memphis musicians take center stage at Germantown Baptist Church
For more than 30 years, the Conservatory of Music at Germantown Baptist Church has offered music and dance instruction to the community. Kacky Walton spoke with Conservatory Director, composer, and pianist Dawson Hull about the first performance in the church's Masterpiece Concert Series, which will showcase the next generation of Memphis musicians on Thursday, October 22.
Memphis Flyer
MEMernet: Crosstown Brewing, Drive-Thru Shenanigans, and NLE Choppa
Crosstown Brewing Company closed its doors after nearly nine years. Fans shared memories and tributes on social media as the news spread. Employee Justin T. Johnson expressed how much he’d miss working there and encouraged everyone to come by last Saturday because “We close forever at 10.”. “Ma’am!”...