Ripley
Ripley, MS · Business
The Commercial Appeal
Spell Restaurant Group sells both Memphis BABALU locations
After seven years of ownership, Spell Restaurant Group has sold both Memphis BABALU locations to longtime employee Jesse Robertson. The father-daughter team of Rick Spell and Christy Spell Terry acquired BABALU out of bankruptcy in 2019 and helped revive the restaurant brand. Robertson , who has been with the company for years, purchased the two locations on Oct. 1, marking his move into restaurant ownership. His lifelong friend Jason Oattis will be joining him as a minority partner. MEMPHIS RESTAURANTS: Old Whitten Tavern in Memphis ready for national spotlight | Exclusive "When Rick Spell and Christy Terry gave me the opportunity to purchase BABALU, saying yes felt like the natural next chapter," Robertson said. "I knew I wanted to take that step with someone I trust implicitly, and Jason is that person." A Memphian since age 5, Robertson's career has taken him through nearly every landmark kitchen in the Bluff City. He grew up around his stepfather's restaurants, including the Poplar Lounge, the Bottom Line and E.C. Flanagan's, now Brookhaven Pub & Grill, where he worked his first shifts. From there he moved through The Cooker Bar & Grill, Lulu Grille, Cafe 1912, Soul Fish and Huey's. Huey's not only
WJTV 12
SpaceXAI data center expansion in Southaven forces renters out
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As SpaceXAI creates another data center in Southaven, Mississippi, renters who live near the data center are being asked to vacate their homes because they’re being sold. It was Monday when Danielle Dillard, a Southaven resident, says her landlord told her the home was being sold and she had to be out […]
msbusinessjournal.com
Mayo Clinic Laboratories to Open Diagnostic Facility in Southaven
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is establishing operations in Southaven. The project represents a corporate investment of more than $30 million and will create 234 jobs. From its new location, Mayo Clinic Laboratories will perform diagnostic testing for hospitals and clients to provide patients with accurate and timely results. The company selected Southaven due in part to its location, and the availability of a facility that can be quickly operational with equipment installation.
WREG
SpaceXAI data center expansion in Southaven forces renters out
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As SpaceXAI creates another data center in Southaven, Mississippi, renters who live near the data center are being asked to vacate their homes because they’re being sold. It was Monday when Danielle Dillard, a Southaven resident, says her landlord told her the home was being sold and she had to be out […]
WATN Local Memphis
Southaven mother forced to move after landlord sells home to SpaceXAI
WATN Local Memphis
Some homeowners in Southaven refuse to sell land
actionnews5.com
Memphis residents question soaring MLGW utility bills
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Thousands of people in Memphis are trying to understand why their utility bills continue to go up. Some residents say they are having to choose between food or power. Lakeesha Chapman said her daughter’s October MLGW bill came in at $1,299, more than double what she...
The Commercial Appeal
Memphis People in Business for Oct. 1, 2026
Here's a look at promotions, hirings and other noteworthy business events in the Memphis area: The Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis & Shelby County (EDGE) last month announced President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey has earned the designation of Certified Port Executive. The program requires completion of intensive executive-level courses focused on port governance, marine transportation systems, terminal operations, regulatory compliance, and leadership. Awarded with Continuing Education Units through the Engineering Institute of Canada, the CPE designation places her among a growing network of nearly 1,000 senior port and marine professionals across North America and internationally. Adam Martin has joined Bluff City Advisory Group as an LPL Financial Advisor, specializing in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management. With expertise in retirement planning, investment management, insurance planning, risk management, estate and legacy planning and long-term wealth preservation, he brings to clients more than a decade of experience developing personalized strategies to help them make confident financial decisions that align with every aspect of their lives. Martin earned a bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Memphis with an emphasis in financial management and investments. Rhodes College has landed a spot in the Top 10 colleges recognized by LinkedIn for
WREG
Memphis ranked last on LendingTree ‘boomtown’ list
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new ranking by LendingTree looked at where Americans are moving, building and starting new businesses right now, declaring Austin as the No. 1 “boomtown” in the country. Memphis was dead last on the list at No. 50. Eight of the 10 highest-ranking metros are in the South, mainly in Texas, North […]
Trains.com
What happened in the rail industry this week? October 2, 2026
BNSF completed capacity projects at yards in Galesburg, Ill., Winslow, Ariz., and Memphis, Tenn., 19 cars of a BNSF train derailed in downtown Minot, N.D., and Amtrak’s new Airo trainsets were set to enter Cascades service with upgrades over earlier Siemens Venture cars. Also this week: officials marked the start of tunnel boring for the [...] Read More...
WREG
Memphis pastor fights food insecurity through farming
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When it comes to growth, sometimes all it takes is a small seed. However, if you never sow, you’ll never know. That’s the motto for one Northaven farmer. WREG’s Quametra Wilborn first brought you his story of how he’s working to end food insecurity in his community almost exactly two years ago. […]
WATN Local Memphis
Southaven residents' thoughts on Elon Musk's offer to buy their homes
hoodline.com
Memphis Assessor Warns Empty Downtown Towers Could Push Tax Bill Onto Homeowners
Standing outside the vacant Memphis Riverline Hotel, Shelby County Assessor Javier Bailey Sr. delivered a blunt warning Monday: the county's tax base is deteriorating, and homeowners could end up paying the price. Bailey said downtown Memphis's central business district is now sitting at roughly 17% vacancy, with large buildings across the skyline empty and generating no property tax revenue for county projects.
actionnews5.com
Former IKEA property sold to new-to-Memphis retailer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The former IKEA property in Cordova has been sold. The Shopping Center Group confirmed the 271,150-square-foot building has been sold to an unidentified buyer. It’s unclear what the new owners plan to do with the building, but TSCG notes that the retailer currently is not in...
WREG
Amazon employees evacuated after issue at MS facility
BYHALIA, Miss. — Employees at an Amazon fulfillment center in Byhalia, Mississippi were evacuated from the building Tuesday morning, with first responders on the scene. The facility sits off U.S. 72, just south of the Tennessee state line. WREG did not receive word from Amazon or local officials on exactly what happened Tuesday, though the […]
fox13memphis.com
Trucking association: No plans for organized strike on Thursday
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Truckers are paying $6.18 for a single gallon of diesel fuel in Memphis, according to AAA. Prices have nearly doubled in a year’s time. For weeks, rumors have swirled on social media about a possible trucker strike. Depending on the size, an organized strike could cause serious impacts to the supply chain and potential shortages.