Memphis-based FedEx will transport the giant pandas from China to Washington by the end of the year via a FedEx Express Boeing 777-Freighter, known as the FedEx Panda Express.

Dr. Jon McCullers was integral to Memphis’ COVID pandemic response as a key organizer of the Tiger Lane public immunization clinic and a member of the regional COVID response team. 

Since 2020, Jessica Taveau has led Epicenter, a nonprofit that supports Memphis area entrepreneurs and startups. 

The development involves transforming the 712-unit Foote Homes into a mixed-income neighborhood with 393 replacement units, 126 mid-range affordable units and 193 market-rate units.

Also: Memphis’ first Waldo’s Chicken and Beer is now open and Plant Based Heat Express is making some changes at its Downtown location.

The no-frills discount retail chain, based in Batavia, Illinois, is one of the fastest-growing grocery retailers in the U.S., with more than 2,000 stores in 36 states and more than 25,000 employees. 

Kubotans, pepper spray and a host of other self-defense gadgetry will get you flagged at the airport security checkpoint.

Mr. Lincoln’s Costume Shoppe will close its doors on Saturday, June 1, after 33 years of dressing Memphians for Halloween, Mardi Gras, costume parties, school plays, historical tours and other occasions. 

The report uses data from 2019 to 2021 to compare Memphis to peer cities using 31 indicators in three categories: economic foundation and stability, economic enablers for growth and economic outcomes. 

Collierville office building sold for $1 million, a Memphis retail center sold for $950,000 and Germantown Center has a new tenant. 

BRIDGES announces a promotion.

The Tennessee-based company will exclusively produce a variety of merchandise categories, such as tents, chairs, soft-sided coolers and more, under contracts ranging from five to 10 years.

Collierville filed a response to the trustee of the proposed Chick-fil-A site. Chick-fil-A sued the town in March.

Rick James, whose career in the grocery industry spans 47 years, owns and operates Cash Saver stores in Midtown, South Memphis and Whitehaven, as well as High Point Grocery and South Point Grocery. 

More than 10,000 people a day are expected to go through the TSA security checkpoint on Thursday and Friday.

Chick-fil-A Uptown construction is moving forward, Villa Castrioti is expanding to Nashville, JamRack is now open and Belltower Coffee is serving food at Shelby Farms Park and introducing a membership program. 

Archer CEO Russ Williams is stepping down. His successor has worked on campaigns such as Chick-fil-A’s “Eat Mor Chikin” and Motel 6’s “We’ll leave the light on for you.” 

NextOp is expanding its workforce-training and education program to the Memphis area, which is home to about 46,000 working-age veterans and enlisted military.

A new mixed-use luxury hotel development has been proposed, including a 191-room hotel, a 65-unit condominium, a restaurant/bar, retail space and a parking garage. 

The 210-unit apartment building is phase one for the $100 million development planned by Carlisle Corp.

Ohio-based Cleveland Construction co-hosted an outreach event at the Springhill Suites Downtown Wednesday, May 22, to find subcontractors for Memphis’ tallest tower. 

Easy Divers Memphis is leaving Walnut Knoll for another Cordova location, and Professional Allied Health moves to Raleigh.

ABES Engineering Inc., Allen & Hoshall and Offbeat Stays announce additions. 

Designated as the third phase of Top of the ’Sipp, the pickleball facility will be called Bangers Pickleball and, if approved by the city, could open as soon as fall 2025. 

US Biologic, located in the Memphis Medical District, said its partnership with JP McHale will help the company grow its local workforce.