When ICE showed up at his Orange Mound business after hours, Da Sammich Spot owner Rob Brown felt like he had to take action. 

The Second Line is moving, Swamp Bar is growing, Restaurant Iris is hosting special lunches and Kelly English is the podcast guest for the first two episodes of Sound Bites in 2026. 

Are you jelly yet? With these crumble bars, you definitely will be. 

In this edition of Food Files: Fancy Cat Cafe in Southaven offers coffee and cats. Gibson’s Donuts made some upgrades, but “everything is back to normal.” And Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse in Collierville has reopened.

Fleur was meant to be a French/American Southern fusion restaurant located in the former Fancy’s Fish House space in One Beale.

A family dinner at Uncle Red’s meant sampling the restaurant’s turkey bowls, with spinach casserole, greens, dirty rice and macaroni and cheese.

A case of too many festivals and not enough unity.

The announcement that the SmokeSlam BBQ Festival and MIM’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest would likely participate in a shared 2027 event was met with happiness, suspicion, disbelief and — from many MIM board members — confusion. 

Related content:

SmokeSlam to pause in 2026, could combine with MIM for 2027

SmokeSlam, the barbecue festival hosted annually at Tom Lee Park, announced on Jan. 13 that it will not host a competition in 2026.

The first Mid-South Stella’s Ice Cream opened a few months ago in Midtown Memphis. Co-owner Rebecca Schneider said it felt like “angels were bringing this into fruition.”

Down more than 160 pounds, Memphis native Reggie Morrow blends delicious with healthy, and his protein-packed chicken salad is flying off local shelves.

Bob Sternburgh, owner of Paradise Cafe, likes to take classic recipes — think beef stroganoff, chicken tetrazzini or lasagna — and turn them into soups.

After more than 40 years of serving Memphis, Westy’s owner Jake Schorr has decided to put the restaurant’s building up for sale.

Prepared to get Gussied Up, and Sweet Magnolia is looking to start a new chapter. 

Here’s a rice bowl that’s cute, colorful and delicious. 

If you’re anything like food writer Ellen Chamberlain, the past few weeks have been filled with calorie-laden meals, rich dips and beverages that go the extra mile to be worthy of the holidays.

In the past, John Bragg led La Montagne, La Tourelle and River Oaks. 

The Chubby Vegetarian’s warm egg roll salad is a warm, savory dish that is a fun and delicious way to get more vegetables in at lunch or dinner.

Plus, 7Brew is set to plant another location and another Piccadilly To-Go could come to Memphis. 

A monthlong menu of healthful activities will culminate Jan. 24 with the Church Health Crosstown 10K/5K, which is famous for its indoor afterparty.

“My main dish was everything you want from a soft taco: crunchy insides because of the fried crawfish and veggies and a chewy shell from the warm tortillas. But pick your sides wisely.”

Marshall Steakhouse’s original location will not sell. The owner is keeping it and adding options so guests can stay a while. 

Plenty of fish isn’t just a dating app. It also describes some of our favorite meals of the year. 

Prime rib isn’t having a renaissance moment — and Belle Tavern restaurant offers a Thursday night special that feels intentionally old-school.