Fueled by a passion for the arts, a Memphis visionary is turning his attention from teeth to hospitality. Stuart Williams is already an adept dentist and soon he will be helming what promises to be one of the city’s most exciting new arrivals-an establishment that mixes music, dining, and atmosphere called Patsy Ruth’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, reports the Memphis Business Journal.
Patsy Ruth’s will be opening at 2855 Poplar Avenue later this year. After housing Lost Pizza Co. and Ronnie Grisanti & Sons, the space will require certain renovations to become Memphis’s new favorite piano bar. A commercial alteration permit filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development offers an overview of the required work as “ stage expansion, creating dressing room, updating existing bar and building new sound control area. Restrooms will be painted but no other work in men’s or women’s restrooms. Existing kitchen will remain as-is.”
Patsy Ruth’s will span 4,500 square feet and will have an occupant load of 150. Williams intends to use that space to craft a sophisticated night out for Memphis; he describes his vision-and his inspiration-saying: “My mother was very elegant, very extravagant, very over the top, and I thought, ‘Well, how about I do the bar just like that? Very over the top, very, very elegant, very extravagant, and luxurious, where you can go and listen to a pianist and a vocalist.”
Williams will be inviting patrons to enjoy a memorable evening of high quality entertainment. While piano bars generally inspire thoughts of Broadway, Williams assures future regulars that Patsy Ruth’s will have music for everyone. He tells What Now Memphis: “Whether it’s the music of Frank Sinatra, Disney, Broadway, Jazz, vintage country, Rogers and Hammerstein, the 70s, the 80s(my generation), we will continue to evolve and diversify the music and entertainment we will offer. Whether it’s our Emerging Artist series, our Alternative Comedy series, our Jazz and Blues series, or just a Night at the Movies Series, I hope we will showcase an upscale venue that has something for everyone and by everyone in the richly talented Memphis Arts Community.”
Guests can bring an appetite for both the arts and a delicious bite. The Facebook page explains that Patsy Ruth’s will offer “Curated small plates, luxurious desserts, and a full-service bar.”
Patsy Ruth’s should be open and ready for guests before the year is over; Williams states that he hopes to be customer-ready in November.
