A Memphis restaurateur is preparing to breathe new life into a dormant restaurant space and, indeed, into Downtown itself. Hospitality veteran Mowbray Rowand is opening Walt & Ricky’s Seafood Kitchen-”a destination seafood restaurant that feels both elevated and approachable”-later this year, bringing with it all the charms of the coast without sacrificing its uniquely Memphis origins and character.
Walt & Ricky’s will be inviting area foodies to once again enjoy delicious seafood options at 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in the space that previously housed Fancy’s Fish House. Mowbray Rowand generously made some time to fill What Now Memphis in on this new endeavor and what he hopes it will bring to Downtown Memphis.
Walt & Ricky’s, Rowand explains, will offer a fine dining experience within a memorable and welcoming environment. “We wanted to design a space that captures the energy of a vibrant coastal restaurant while embracing the character of Downtown Memphis,” he states. “With waterfront views, a lively oyster bar, warm hospitality, and inviting indoor-outdoor spaces, our goal is to create an atmosphere where people want to gather, celebrate, and linger.”
The storefront’s location positions Walt & Ricky’s to fill a void in the local dining scene. Rowand states: “One of the biggest opportunities we saw was the need for more high-quality daytime dining options in Downtown Memphis, particularly with Walt & Ricky’s being just steps from Tom Lee Park. The park has become one of the city’s premier public spaces, drawing families, tourists, and local residents throughout the day, and we believe Downtown deserves more restaurants that complement that experience.”
Walt & Ricky’s will feature a wide range of mouth-watering cuisine. Rowand describes the menu, saying: “The menu is centered around premium seafood with a Southern influence. Guests can expect an extensive raw bar featuring fresh oysters, seafood towers, and chilled specialties, alongside signature dishes such as Chilean sea bass, whole branzino, lobster rolls, seafood pasta, and expertly prepared steaks.”
While seafood does promise to be a central feature of Walt & Ricky’s menu, Rowand and his team will not allow any guest to go hungry, regardless of their meal preferences. Rowand explains: “We wanted to ensure there is something for everyone, with approachable lunch offerings, handcrafted cocktails, thoughtful wines, and shareable appetizers that make Walt & Ricky’s just as enjoyable for a business lunch or casual afternoon as it is for date nights and special celebrations.”
Walt & Ricky’s new home still requires some work; however the restaurant could be customer-ready by September. The concept’s team is working hard to create something truly special for the neighborhood. Rowand offers this powerful summation: “Ultimately, our goal is for Walt & Ricky’s to become one of Memphis’ premier dining destinations while also contributing to the continued growth of Downtown. We hope it becomes a place that residents are proud to call their own and one that visitors make a point to experience whenever they’re in the city. If we can help bring more energy, more foot traffic, and more people to Downtown Memphis, then we’ve accomplished something much bigger than simply opening another restaurant.”
