• A popular pop-up restaurant has announced it will set up shop permanently in Cooper-Young.
Lucky Cat Ramen will move into the space formerly occupied by Tart at 820 S. Cooper. They have tentative plans to be open by spring.
Chef Zach Nicholson started Lucky Cat about a year ago to serve up authentic Japanese-style ramen, steamed buns. The restaurant originally operated as pop-up at various locations around town before recently settling into a temporary space at 247 Cooper next to Café 1912. When a planned moved to Crosstown Concourse proved cost prohibitive, Nicholson begat looking for another permanent location.
The new space will mean Lucky Cat will get its first full bar as well as an expanded kitchen and larger menu.
• Two of Cooper-Young’s favorite eateries have joined forces for a new concept.
Central BBQ partners Roger Sapp and Craig Blondis have teamed with Ryan Trimm. Chef owner of Sweet Grass and Next Door, to open the breakfast themed Sunrise Memphis at 670 Jefferson in Victorian Village.
The restaurant is the first venture for the trio’s new partnership Across the Board Restaurant Group. Though Sunrise, serving eggs, biscuits and house-cured meats just opened in December group has already started on other projects. In the works is a downtown steakhouse set to open any day. The company is planning other restaurants and also operates a downtown catering facility and a food production facility in Forrest City, Arkansas.
In related news, Central BBQ, the expansion of which is now handled by a company formed by the Kemmons Wilson family, will open its fourth Memphis location on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis in a spot formerly occupied by Lyfe Kitchen.
