Out with the old and in with the brew: Memphis entrepreneur Wade Hartfield plans to open Ritual: Bistro, coffee & sips downtown.
The bistro will take over the former Bluff Coffee space on the first floor of 505 S. Main Street, which closed in April.
The Center Development Corp., part of the Downtown Memphis Commission, approved a $30,000 retail improvement grant for the project, with total costs expected to reach $171,200.
Ritual will be a bright, light-filled bistro serving breakfast, lunch and small plates, featuring an artisanal beverage bar with coffee, specialty teas, Memphis-made craft beer and a curated cocktail program.
A retail market will also offer local and regional gourmet food and beverage gifts.
“The concept is purpose-built to align with and enhance the district’s historic character, modern energy and a pedestrian vibrancy along the Memphis trolley line,” the application said.
Hartfield brings nearly 20 years of food, beverage and operations experience. He founded Wade and Company Catering in 2006 at the Bridges Foundation, quickly earning a reputation for exceptional cuisine. In 2010, he revitalized the historic Summit Club into Tower Center Memphis, a premier event venue he operated until the pandemic.
No opening date has been announced.
