A new year means a new start for a popular Midtown restaurant. The Second Line, a beloved concept from Chef Kelly English, is kicking off 2026 by closing the doors to its present home and opening in a new location in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, reports Daily Memphian.
The Second Line will be moving in next to Restaurant Iris, located at 4550 Poplar Avenue, a move that allows the former restaurant to fulfill its intended destiny. The social media post announcing the move explains: “When Restaurant Iris opened in 2009, Chef Kelly English could not help but keep his eyes peeled on the building next door on the corner of Cooper and Monroe to build the restaurant that really represented the New Orleans that he grew up in, and five years later that restaurant came to fruition as The Second Line.”
The Second Line fans have a little time to adjust to the idea of the move; the concept’s final day at its current 2144 Monroe Avenue home will be January 1, 2026.
Celebrated local chef Kelly English-the brains behind Restaurant Iris and The Second Line-explains the the two concepts were always intended to co-exist, saying: “It’s the casual answer to Iris, and we’re really excited to get these two next to each other. We want to put all the casual things that you would expect at Second Line and further elevate the experience of Iris.”
Memphis diners may understandably be wondering what will become of The Second Line’s current space once it moves to East Memphis. English is currently keeping his cards close to the vest, but assures foodies that exciting things are coming to the property. The social media announcement states: “Oh, and for the space that The Second Line has occupied for the last decade (and will continue to occupy through the end of 2025)? More to come on that soon, emphasis on ‘more.’”
