A new chapter is underway for the River Inn of Harbor Town and its signature dining spots.
MMI Hospitality Group’s CEO Micajah Sturdivant is leading a fresh vision for the property, which includes longtime favorites like Paulette’s Restaurant, Tug’s Casual Grill and the Terrace. While plans are still in the early stages, the group aims to debut the reimagined River Inn and its restaurants by the first quarter of 2026, according to the Memphis Business Journal.
“We’re making sure that the next chapter for all of [River Inn’s] offerings are appropriate and reflective of Mud Island [and] Harbor Town, while also providing something different than the traditional offerings that Downtown Memphis provides,” Sturdivant told the outlet.
Sturdivant said exciting changes are on the horizon for the restaurants, while also honoring their timeless appeal—especially Paulette’s, a Memphis staple for the past 50 years. Though the restaurant already enjoys a loyal following, the group plans to give it a thoughtful refresh, creating an experience, feeling both familiar and new for longtime patrons and first-time visitors alike.
The CEO told the outlet the hospitality group aims to stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovation and setting itself apart with a forward-thinking approach.
Paulette’s Restaurant
Paulette’s Restaurant is a long-standing Memphis dining institution located in the scenic Harbor Town neighborhood on Mud Island. Part of the River Inn, Paulette’s features a refined yet inviting atmosphere, blending old-European charm with Southern hospitality.
The menu offers French-American cuisine, highlighting bold flavors, seasonal ingredients and classic preparations. Signature dishes include Gulf redfish topped with crabmeat, shrimp and grits, shrimp fettuccine and hand-cut steaks.
Tug’s Casual Grill
Tug’s Casual Grill, located in Memphis’ Harbor Town, offers a relaxed riverside dining experience with a focus on approachable Southern-American fare. Known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, Tug’s serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a casual setting with views of the Mississippi River.
The menu features a range of hearty options, including chicken and waffles, shrimp jambalaya, blackened chicken pasta and bayou-style fried catfish. Burgers, wraps and po’boys round out the lunch and dinner menu, along with house-made specialty pizzas like the Memphis Slim and Funky Chicken.
Terrace
Located at the top of River Inn, the restaurant and cocktail bar serves a variety of shareable plates and handcrafted cocktails
The menu features items like St. Louis-style toasted ravioli, deep-fried pimento cheese balls, southwestern egg rolls, Mojo shrimp and salmon satay. Vegetarian options include Mediterranean flatbread and spinach-artichoke dip.
The cocktail menu includes creative choices like the My Empress, Blueberry Bourbon Whiskey Smash and Aperol Spritz. Nonalcoholic options such as the Virgin Sunset are also available.
What Now Memphis reached out to MMI Hospitality Group regarding future plans for the restaurants, however they have not yet responded. This article may be updated.
