Central BBQ is waiting on the City of Memphis to approve plans to reopen their original location, at 2235 Central Ave. Co-founder Craig Blondis tells What Now Memphis he’s planning to expand the location which could be approved by the city in mid-July 2023.
“Plans have been dictated by the city,” Blondis said. “I need to get open but I’m at their mercy. It’ll likely be January of next year before I get to open.”
Currently, there is a food trailer setup to serve customers while Blondis awaits the approvals to move the construction process forward.
The existing building at the site is mostly kitchen, Blondis said. “We need to add square footage and more dining space.” The new addition will be an indoor dining space and enclosed patio. The dining area will seat at least 50 guests and another 100 with the patio.
In addition to the original location, Blondis operates two other Central BBQs — in downtown and on Summer avenue. Any further expansion of Central BBQ is reliant on Kemmons Wilson Companies which acquired a majority stake in the business.
Along with Central BBQ, Blondis and his partners have opened Sunrise Memphis, a breakfast fast casual joint. They just opened a second and are looking at locations for a third, likely in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
