It looks like three truly is the charm for a Memphis bar that refuses to stay dead. Newby’s is preparing to once again open its doors and greet the city, thanks to the intervention of young and enthusiastic Memphis native, Sam Stalnaker, reports Daily Memphian.
Stalnaker plans to bring both familiarity and evolution to the 539 S Highland Street institution. His vision for Newby’s is that of a restaurant and bar fully in step with its college town locale. He explains: “People can come here to drink, especially students around here. But we’re trying to make it more restaurant-oriented, be a restaurant in the day that kind of turns into a sports bar at night. We’ll host a lot of trivia. You’re gonna get some athletes and maybe some Memphis fundraisers for the sports programs, too. So we’re trying to make it like the official University of Memphis sports bar.”
Of course, Newby’s will appeal to more than just the collegiate crowd; hospitality (and Newby’s) veteran Alex Murley is on board to help usher in the concept’s new era, saying “I think we’re aiming to have Newby’s back to what it was: live music, great food, a great atmosphere that you can sit and spend time in, not just a college bar.”
Newby’s will be adding some new menu items when it reopens its doors this summer. The bar and restaurant does not yet have an official opening date, but as of May 20, it does have a certificate of occupancy issued by the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development.
In addition to establishing that developments are moving at a steady clip, the certificate of occupancy confirms that no major construction is planned for the 4,650 square foot space. Stalnaker is hopeful that Newby’s may be back to doing what it does best-serving up good food, good drink, and good times to Memphians-by mid-June.
