Paul Ryburn's Journal

The DM reports that Crazy Coop at the corner of Madison and Main is closing. The owner said the restaurant never did develop a regular crowd.

The Downtown Memphis Commission has received a $74 million state grant to improve Beale Street. It’ll go toward safety, lighting, accessibility, things like that. Some of the money will be used to create event spaces.

College basketball players at mostly lesser-known schools have been accused of point shaving in connection with a gambling ring. The University of Memphis was not named in the allegations, but conference rival Tulane was.

Butteriffic Bakery and Cafe on S. Second is planning a big celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday. They’ll have cookie samples, a DJ, vendors, and food trucks. The bakery is less than a 5 minute walk from the civil rights museum.

Reminder: My friends Saturday Sunset – the full 4-piece band – play downstairs tonight at Earnestine & Hazel’s.

Get ready for lows in the teens and single-digit wind chills Sunday morning.

The Grizzlies lost to the Orlando Magic yesterday in Berlin. They’ll get a rematch in London at 11 AM CST Sunday. TV: Amazon Prime

Bleacher Report is now saying the Heat are unlikely to trade for Ja Morant even though he recently bought a house in Miami.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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The folks at Rachel’s Salon have decided that, after more than 40 years, it’s time to close their doors. January 31 will be the last day for the salon in the Porter Building on North Main. If you have an appointment after that date, your stylist will reach out to you to let you know where to find them.

I saw something that kind of surprised me this morning… Georgia tags on a Groove on Demand rideshare van. Seems like those vehicles ought to be registered in Tennessee.

Amazon is opening a same-day delivery facility in Memphis.

The #1 breakup food in every state

• TN: candy
• AR: donuts
• MS: cake

Today is National Bagel Day.

There’s a taekwondo tournament at the Renasant Convention Center this weekend.

Tyler Herro for Ja Morant?

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

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Typing this post with a gash in my left arm. I’ll explain, but let’s do the news first.

CONFIRMED: The SmokeSlam BBQ festival is going on pause for 2026 in hopes of working out a unified event with Memphis in May for 2027.

Penny’s Memphis Tigers battle Temple tonight at 7 at FedExForum. It’s autism awareness night. TV: ESPN+

Choose901 seeks an in-house social media photographer.

The National Civil Rights Museum announced plans, including free admission, for its MLK Day celebration on Monday.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has stepped down after 19 years. Did you know he was once a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis?

RIP Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert.

“Sober dating” is a trend in 2026.

Diana Ross comes to the Orpheum March 14.

More bad news for the Grizz: There’s still no date set for Zach Edey’s return. He’ll be re-evaluated in 6 weeks.

All-you-can-eat ramen!

So, yeah, about that gash in my arm. Yesterday I checked Room in the Inn’s calendar of partner host churches and discovered there was one taking men only. It’s unusual for men to score a RITI bed on a weeknight because it’s families and ladies first. However, the church taking men only meant I had a chance.

I stood on a sidewalk on Poplar waiting for the call for men to be admitted for the bed lottery about 4:30. One of the neighborhood street thugs (not there for RITI, just hanging around) walked past.

And he shoved me.. On purpose.

I teetered and shuffled to my left about 20 feet, trying to regain my balance. But due to the weight of my backpack, I couldn’t. I fell hard on my left arm. It was weird – the fall didn’t tear my jacket at all. It sure tore the skin underneath, though.

Retaliation never crossed my mind. I was there in hopes of a great dinner, some friendly conversation, and a quality night’s sleep – not an argument with a crackhead and possibly a trip to 201. I simply walked away. Several of the other RITI regulars asked if I was OK.

Off in the distance I heard the man call me a “punk ass” and tell people “it’s his fault, I told him to get out of the way.” Again, I chose not to respond.

My name ended up being called for a bed at The Cottage on Germantown Road. I had a salad, two servings of chicken pot pie, a roll, and four mini-brownies. I slept on a soft mattress, covered by a plush comforter. A sausage, egg & cheese biscuit and Frosted Flakes were this morning’s breakfast, and I was given a to-go lunch in a Ziploc bag.

The gash on my arm will heal.

The RITI host calendar is not looking as favorable for men tonight. With a forecast low of 24, staying out all night is not an option. I will spend six dollars to get in the Union Mission. I’ll walk over there about 2, which will give me time to get on the sign-up list for an afternoon shower.

As for the man who shoved me, I forgive him & I wish him peace and freedom from whatever makes him so angry.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Sources have told WREG that the SmokeSlam BBQ festival, usually held the third weekend of May in Tom Lee Park, will be suspended for 2026 and “reimagined” for 2027. If true, that leaves Memphis in May BBQ Fest way out in Parkinglotville as the only game in town that weekend.

The College Football Playoffs could expand to 16 teams this year… or even 24. Why not go ahead and make it 68 like March Madness? YOU get an invite… and YOU get an invite… and YOU get an invite!!!!! Teams like Coastal Carolina and Fresno State and the University of Tennessee would be gettin’ in.

Westy’s is up for sale due to the difficulties of operating a restaurant in The Pinch these days. Now B.J. Chester-Tamayo, owner of nearby Alcenia’s, has weighed in.

Music Export Memphis is hiring a director of development.

St. Jude is hiring a station chef.

The Detroiter is the burger of the week at Momma’s: an Angus beef patty topped with Exhaust Pipe chili, cheddar, diced onion, and mustard.

Save the date: Mayor Young’s State of the City address will be Monday, February 2.

Three pieces of Bardog news for you today:

1. You may have noticed the jukebox is missing. It’s been sent off to Chicago for repair.
2. The kitchen is once again open until 2 AM. For a while there they were cutting it off at 1.
3. They’ll do a Galentine’s Day celebration on Friday,, February 13. Martini bar, Girl Dinner (Caesar salad, fries & a martini), drink specials.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Over the weekend the news broke that Westy’s restaurant in The Pinch is for sale. Westy’s, also known The North End, is iconic for its huge menu, hot fudge pie, and for feeding those in need on holidays. It has survived the closure of nearby restaurants like TJ Mulligan’s, Precious Cargo, and Cafe Francisco.

But those closures, owner Jake Schorr told WREG, along with St. Jude construction in the area and a lack of trolley service, have caused Westy’s revenues to fall to a point of unsustainability. Jake doesn’t want to sell but feels he has no choice. It sounds like he’s looking for a buyer who understands and respects the Westy’s brand.

Work for the Grizzlies!

• Production designer
• Director, IT operations
• Coordinator, events

Work for the Redbirds!

• Graphic designer

Orthodox Christians blessed the Mississippi River this past weekend.

Today is International French Onion Soup Day.

Spaceman’s Dead Friends will play to celebrate Bobby Weir’s life on Sunday, January 25 at Crosstown Brewing.

Cordelia’s Market 11-2 hot lunch specials this week:

• Mon: Chicken marsala pasta
• Tue: Loaded potatoes w/ charro beans
• Wed: Shrimp Creole
• Thur: Chicken parmesan sandwich w/ vodka sauce
• Fri: Cod, fries, hushpuppies, slaw

Walking in Memphis in High Heels lists our city’s 18 best date night restaurants. Downtown options include Amelia Gene’s, Catherine & Mary’s, Chez Philippe, Felicia Suzanne, Flight, Itta Bena, and The Lobbyist.

The Grizzlies play Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic in Berlin at 1 PM CST Thursday. TV: Amazon Prime

Too cold to stay out tonight. Gonna pay the six-dollar fee to stay at the Mission. Looking at the forecast, it looks like I’ll be paying several of those fees this week. Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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It looks like the iFix phone repair business that was in the ground floor of the Exchange Building has closed up shop. However, you can still get your phone fixed without leaving Downtown – take it to Sandra’s Sundries convenience store at 77 Adams (in the Claridge).

Today is National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day.

RIP Bob Weir, Grateful Dead guitarist.

Penny’s Tigers are in Boca Raton for a noon game at FAU. TV: ESPN2

Loflin Yard has a happy hour for readers this Thursday. BYO book.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Big news from ESPN’s Shams Charania yesterday: For the first time since drafting him in 2019, the Grizzlies are actively entertaining trade offers for Ja Morant. The Heat, Twolves, and Kings are said to have shown interest in Morant.

Just remember, potential trade partners… when you trade for Ja Morant, you get Tee Morant and Davante Pack as part of the package deal.

SI.com has 3 things to know about a potential Ja trade.

Indiana stomped Oregon 56-22 last night to advance to the CFP title game.

Famous for hot fudge pie, Westy’s is listed on LoopNet as being for sale.

The Brass Door needs to be closed one more day to finish the resurfacing of its bar. They’ll reopen 7:30 Sunday for the Arsenal match.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
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Ole Miss put forward an outstanding effort last night, but Miami punched in a TD with 24 seconds left to win the first CFP semi, 31-27.  The other semifinal matchup, 5 Oregon vs. 1 Indiana, kicks off tonight at 6:30 on ESPN.

Orion Financial is hiring for the following positions:

• Member service rep
• Director of network architecture
• Commercial real estate annual review specialist

AI is coming to Gmail, turning it into a personal assistant.

Gillette offered ZZ Top $1 million per member to shave their beards. The band rejected the offer.

Cordelia’s Market is having a 1-day sale on

• Kerrygold Dubliner cheese reg. $7.29 today $5.29
• Fresh blueberries reg. $3.89 today $2.99

St. Jude is hiring a pastry chef/manager.

The city is hiring a director of Memphis Public Libraries.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Today would have been Elvis’ 91st birthday.

Looks like Momoya is no “Mo.” I walked by there yesterday afternoon and workers were throwing – literally THROWING – furniture in the back of a big truck. Downtown will have to get by without a restaurant that serves upscale Asian fusion cuisine and a 10 pc hot wings with fries.

Memphis Made Brewing will host a Memphis Comedy Night 7:30-9:00 Saturday evening.

Today from 5–7 PM is the monthly Meet Your Neighbors Mixer at Cordelia’s Market. Snacks, beers, mingling.

Reader Q:

Have you seen The Ratter lately?

Hey, hey, The Ratter! I haven’t seen him, but one night when I stayed out recently, way off in the distance I heard MRAAWRAWWRRR and some squeaking. Got one!

You can look for The Ratter yourself. He looks like the cat in the “woman yelling at cat” Internet meme. He’s most active right after sunset and before sunrise. The Main Street Mall between Exchange and Madison is his territory.

The Brass Door is resurfacing the bar today and tomorrow and will reopen Saturday.

Fiesta Bowl: 10 Miami vs. 6 Ole Miss, CFP semifinal, is tonight. 6:30 on ESPN.

There’s a new Girl Scout Cookie flavor this year: Exploremores. Think rocky road.

Soul & Spirits Brewing will have a speed dating series on consecutive Fridays later this month.

• Jan. 16: boy/girl
• Jan. 23: girl/girl
• Jan. 30: boy/boy

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Folks, if you like hearing great live music, make plans to be on Beale Street next week for the 2026 International Blues Challenge. Solo artists, duos, and full bands will play 20 clubs on the street, hoping to get noticed by music industry professionals. A wristband ticket gets you in all the venues. You’re not really a Memphian until you’ve attended an IBC.

Stormy weather will threaten the Memphis metro later this week, particularly Friday afternoon and evening.

Gym 11: Body by Daavon has its grand opening Saturday from 2 to 8 at 405 Monroe in The Edge. Ribbon cutting, games, giveaways, bites, cocktails.

Apartments above McEwen’s have come onto the rental market.

WREG interview with Mark Parsell of South Main Sounds

Optimize your Taco Bell order for value

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com