The life of a parent is equal measures rewarding and exhausting. It is the most important job most people will ever do and yet there is a dearth of locations that cater to both adults and children, despite there being a great need for it. Fortunately for Memphis residents, a pair of locals are stepping up to fill that void and to create a space that will cater to both tots and the various adults who love and nurture them. Andrew Mathewes and Lindsey Shanmugasundaram are opening a new concept called Stomping Grounds which is equal parts restaurant, play space, and community oasis next year, and it is certain to become a local favorite.
Stomping Grounds is taking over the expansive space at 2166 Central Avenue that previously housed Railgarten. Andrew Mathewes, one of the pioneers of this project, kindly set aside a bit of time to speak to What Now Memphis about bringing the region a space designed to delight adults and children alike. “There’s not enough spaces that are available to families, designed for families-even when they are designed for families, it doesn’t feel like they’re designed around our schedules and our needs.” he explains, adding that Stomping Grounds is intended to truly service both the adult and youth demographic. “A space may be designed for a kid but is really stressful for a parent….this will be not just a space to let the kids play but designed in a way that a parent may be able to actually sit down and relax for a second, instead of just running around in a space that’s too big and too difficult.”
Mathewes, a father of two young boys, understands better than most the need for spaces like Stomping Grounds, that are actually tailored to the lived experience of parents and their children. He states: “I’ve got a 4 year old and a 3 year old, two boys, and finding spaces that are friendly for kids and families and the people around them that actually match parents schedules- that are open when it’s 110 degrees or 20 degrees, or when it’s raining…we move around town and go to a lot of birthday parties and when we travel I see more and more spaces like this, from small play cafes to family entertainment centers.”
Though Mathewes has never embarked on a project quite like this, he is surrounding himself with seasoned experts. He himself brings a wealth of tech experience alongside his greatest strength-his years as a father.
Once open, Stomping Grounds will offer memberships that provide discounts on food and drink alongside other opportunities, however the establishment will be open to the community at large. Mathewes states: “It’s designed to be for kids and families and the village around them and we think of that really broadly. So many ,whether or not they have kids in their household, still have kids in their lives. So hopefully it will be a space where people in the community feel like it’s for them.”
Mathewes and his team are hopeful that Stomping Grounds will be open by next summer; however the restaurant will be open even sooner-possibly as soon as January of 2026. While not yet prepared to share precise details pertaining to the eatery, Mathewes does state that the objective is to offer nutritious, crowd-pleasing options certain to delight both Stomping Grounds’ tot visitors and their adult escorts. He explains: “We’re shooting for a healthy, fun option that’s both good for kids and good for parents-which is another hard thing. Because kids won’t eat much-all you have is chicken nuggets and pizza-we’ll have those too but hopefully healthier versions.” He adds that the restaurant will have options for more adult palates-think high-quality salads, among other menu selections.
Mathewes’s tech background will help ensure that dining at Stomping Grounds is stress-free. “We’re going to have a great experience in terms of food ordering and running.” he says. “You’ll be able to eat anywhere on the grounds. Everything will be done through a POS called GoTab which helps you in foodhalls, so whether it’s ordering from the restaurant or paying for the self-service tab, you can do it all on one integrated experience on your phone.”
Guests will be able to pour their own beers thanks to a tap wall system called Pour My Bev.
Stomping Grounds is certain to prove a lifeline for adults and children; Mathewes wants the space to provide precisely what both demographic needs-a place for kids to play and be young and a place for parents to unwind. His own experience has informed the vision; he explains the inspiration behind Stomping Grounds as: “My life as a dad with 2 small boys, who on a less than average day wake up at 5:30 am on a Saturday and it’s July or August and you’re still 3.5 hours away from when the zoo opens and when it does it’s 105 degrees by 10 am.” Stomping Grounds is his answer to:”Having 2 toddler boys, getting out to a restaurant where you can keep them happy without a lot of staring eyes on you.” Memphis parents will surely be grateful.
