These 3 Memphis restaurants are making changes
What’s planned for 2024
Three Memphis restaurants are making big changes in the new year — Mo’bay Beignet Co., Bedrock Eats & Sweets and HOG WILD East – BBQ & Market.
While each will be closing the doors at their current locations, the silver lining is that Memphians will still be able to enjoy their fare. Here is a look at what each has planned.
Mo’bay Beignet Co.
Mo’bay Beignet Co. temporarily shut its doors on Jan. 8.
The Memphis location of the beignet and coffee shop franchise was located at 585 Cooper St. in Midtown Memphis. It opened in April 2023.
In a social media post on Jan. 3, local franchise owners Theresa and John Monteleone announced the closure stating, “We are so sorry for the inconvenience, but we will be temporarily closing starting Jan. 8th to seek some solutions with our building.”
On Jan. 8, the Montelones posted that they would be moving, but did not provide information on the new location.
Mo’bay Beignet Co. owners did not respond to requests for comment, but did state on social media that they will be reopening in Memphis.
HOG WILD East – BBQ & Market
HOG WILD East - BBQ & Market at 921 S. Yates is set to close Jan. 20.
“We cannot thank you enough for your support. With the pandemic behind us, market forces and conditions have changed,” said owner Ernie Mellor in a statement emailed to regular customers. “For one, customers are looking for a dine-in experience. HOG WILD East was designed with safety of our customers and employees at the forefront. It was not designed to have more than 2 or 3 customers in the building at one time. Additionally, we have seen a spike in crime all across our city. After our third break in at East we knew it was time to let go.”
Mellor said this was not an easy decision. He plans to focus on the catering side of his businesses, HOG WILD Real Memphis Barbecue and A Moveable Feast Catering, and that he has not ruled out the option of opening a bigger location that better serves the changing market.
The prepared foods shop opened in May 2021. It was the first retail location for the catering company that was founded in 1997.
The shop will remain stocked with its popular frozen casseroles until the closing date.
Bedrock Eats & Sweets
Bedrock Eats & Sweets will close its café and shop at 327 S. Main on Jan. 20. The 10-year-old business is known for its tasty Paleo and gluten-free offerings, including its signature waffles.
While the brick-and-mortar shop is closing, Memphians will still be able to enjoy Bedrock Eats dishes.
“Moving forward we’ll continue with meal prep delivery, we will advertise and expand our personal chef services and we’ll keep weekend Wafflemania alive with our food truck,” owner Brandi Marter said. “Meal prep delivery is available now through our website and our other offerings will be added in the coming weeks. We’ll update social media as we transition.”
Marter said the decision to close was hard, but a step she needed to make.
“I took on some personal chef work for one of our Grizzlies a couple of years ago. I absolutely loved being able to give my undivided attention to a meal,” Marter said. “It was the complete opposite of the restaurant.”
She started to expand her personal chef services at the same time the restaurant was picking up post COVID and reached a point where a choice had to be made. “I went with what I feel like is a more sustainable avenue. We’re incredibly lucky to be able to choose,” she said of the decision.
Marter said her popular gluten-free waffle batter is available through the website bedrockeatsandsweets.com.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.