Memphis steakhouse 117 Prime to close. Here’s why
117 Prime will soon close its doors. The restaurant will remain open this weekend and will close after dinner service on Saturday, April 20.
The Downtown Memphis steakhouse from chef Ryan Trimm and restaurateurs Roger Sapp and Craig Blondis opened in May 2018 to much fanfare. The group also owns and operates breakfast concept Sunrise Memphis.
117 Prime is known for its traditional steakhouse fare served with a Southern spin.
The restaurant received many accolades, including being recognized by Wine Spectator in 2023 with an Award of Excellence for its wine program.
Trimm said the decision to close was a difficult one to make, but one that needed to be made.
“A steakhouse concept is too expensive to run in the current conditions of Downtown Memphis,” he said. “Downtown has not felt as safe as it once did, we have found that this is steering our guests away.”
Trimm said regular business for 84seat steakhouse has been down since May 2023. The 20-seat bar had been a popular gathering spot before and after Grizzlies games and Fedexforum concerts up until this past year.
“Costs of goods continue to be a problem, but fixed costs are very difficult to navigate with a steakhouse,” Trimm said. “Valet, linens and expensive supplies make it nearly impossible to run the steakhouse style of restaurant.”
The building at 117 Union Ave. is owned by Sapp. Trimm said they hope to come up with a concept that is a better fit for the current Downtown Memphis climate, but added that they are open to leasing the space to a new tenant.
Belle Tavern, the bar behind 117 Prime, will remain open. Guests will need to enter Belle Tavern through the entrance at 117 Barboro Alley.
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.