The line between food and art is thin-after all, what is a great meal if not a true work of art? The Pop Spot Bar & Grill, a new restaurant headed to Brookhaven Circle, will be blurring that line even further by serving up its cuisine alongside pop art when it opens in the not-too-distant future, reports Daily Memphian.
The new concept from Sylvia Leon and Franco Bordonaro will be taking over the 715 W. Brookhaven Circle storefront previously occupied by Thai restaurant Bangkok Alley. The Pop Spot Bar & Grill does not have an opening date available yet, but is aiming to be customer-ready by late this year or early next.
Paperwork filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development shows that The Pop Spot will occupy 3,927 square feet and will have an occupant load of 80.
The restaurant will serve an eclectic mix of dishes, including burgers, empanadas, salads, and tacos. However, Leon and Bordonaro plan to make The Pop Spot more than just a place to grab a delicious meal; the establishment will also serve as a bit of an art gallery. Leon explains: “We want to do a whole wall of pictures of pop art. We want to do some special pop art on the drinks and on the menu. I think it’s fun.”
Leon and Bordonaro both bring a wealth of hospitality experience to this new project; Leon owned and operated Soccer City 901 from 2019 to 2022. Bordonaro served as a bartender at the restaurant for a time, making it clear that the two old friends have a strong working relationship as well, one that is certain to make their next endeavor a success.
Leon is particularly excited about becoming an essential part of a community she loves. She states: “I wanted this area because I really love this street. I go to Hog & Hominy; I go to Andrew Michael’s. I really love the atmosphere that you can feel in the restaurants. I want something like that.”
