It’s not often that university administrators use sledgehammers during their jobs.

“We love Memphis,” said Jeremy Reaves, CEO of Cook Out. “We debated between here and Nashville. We want to be here ...”

Today, we’ll introduce you to new business reporter Steve Bohnel and we’ll chat about Dr. James Downing’s new role at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, his possible replacement and even about curing cancer. 

East Memphis is getting a new gas station and maybe an ICE office, and a million-dollar discount deal is available at a Downtown restaurant site.

Financial Federal Bank, Trezevant, and Marx-Bensdorf Realtors announce promotions and additions.

The Memphis Riverline Hotel, which is connected to the Renasant Convention Center, will operate as an independent flag associated with Marriott until it meets brand standards when it will become an official Marriott hotel.

The electronics manufacturing company’s purchase of the Byhalia warehouse may spark new industrial development in the metro Memphis area.

The 275-unit development, listed as Tapestry Shelby Farms, consists of 11 buildings, varying from one to four stories.

FedEx has sued the U.S. government because it has paid tariffs under the conditions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Faculty sets a tone: Bodies will be treated with dignity. Usually, however, students don’t need the reminder. At the end of the semester, many even linger to say goodbye to their bodies.

The redevelopment project includes moving the hotel entrance to Main Street to face the convention center, and adding meeting space and an outdoor event lawn. 

Insurance companies deny claims, use AI, refuse to pay hospitals and limit cancer care, some TN lawmakers say. Now, they’re rising up against the industry.

St. Jude announced Dr. James Downing is leaving as CEO and president later this year. The longtime leader discussed changes, opportunities and challenges ahead for one of Memphis’ — and the world’s — most well-known health care facilities. 

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St. Jude CEO stepping down

Both The Studio Karaoke and The SovereignTea Cafe will have their grand openings in February. Also, a new Pizza Hut is coming to Marketplace at Raleigh.

Renasant Convention Center general manager Dean Dennis has accepted a job as the general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Saddle Creek is opening two new stores in the spaces formerly occupied by Indigo, Allen Edmonds and a portion of Brooks Brothers.

Increases in pickup fees for taxis and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft begin April 1. 

The logistics provider has been cutting its Memphis operations since 2024.

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that is meant to help patients who may not live near a pharmacy with their birth control.

Dr. James Downing is leaving as president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a post he has held since 2014.

The Daily Memphian is hosting its Women & Business Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road, featuring Gina Neely, Karen Carrier and Shannon Briggs as guest speakers.

A Denver-based Western-apparel company bought a Southeast Memphis property for its U.S. distribution center.

For the second time in four years, the state mandated an appeals allowance that was too high, according to the county assessor’s office. This means the property tax rate has to come down.

The Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County board OK’d Port of Memphis jurisdiction, a new PILOT program and a small business loan.

The purchase marks the company’s continued expansion in the Memphis-area market, where Fogelman currently manages 32 communities totaling more than 7,800 units.