Kate Ashby, owner of beloved Midtown spots Knifebird and The Public Bistro, recently closed both establishments, citing financial challenges. However, the spaces won’t stay vacant for long.
According to The Daily Memphian, Paul Gilliam and Mary Oglesby, the duo behind Cameo and Mary’s B.O.T.E., are stepping in with two fresh concepts.
Knifebird, which closed on December 14, will reopen as a wine bar called No Comment at 2155 Central Ave. Frequent patrons themselves, the new owners plan to preserve the essence of the original concept while introducing their own unique touches, including cosmetic updates like dimmer lighting, livelier music, and a more vibrant atmosphere.
With a “Fancy Drinks/Party Time” theme, No Comment will offer a curated selection of wines available by the glass or as tasting flights, alongside a thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu. The food options will remain snack-focused, featuring charcuterie, cheeses, bruschettas, and dips.
Meanwhile, The Public Bistro, which shuttered at 937 Cooper St on December 20, will transform into Fawn, a chef-driven eatery emphasizing seasonality with a rotating menu of tapas-style small plates.
Drawing inspiration from the Fancy Dinner/Party Time events hosted quarterly at Cameo, Fawn will also feature an elevated bar program. The space will undergo subtle tweaks to achieve a more “cluttered” and “cozy” vibe, Ogelsby told The Daily Memphian.
Both No Comment and Fawn are slated to debut in the spring of 2025, bringing fresh energy to these well-loved Midtown locations.
