When the pandemic hit in 2020, Nick Barbian had a choice: Move back to Austin or make his mark in Memphis.

A former dancer and muffin maker is now delivering bagels, from plain to poppy seed, to the eastern part of Shelby County.

“We’re not out to get the little guy. We all used to be the little guy,” said John Currence, owner of Big Bad Breakfast, the restaurant he announced last month would open in Mulan’s space. 

Idahoan mashed potatoes are back in Memphis, but don’t expect them in your mailbox this time around. 

“I only live about a mile from here,” said one opening day customer. “I could walk. In fact, I probably should walk.”

In Inkwell, Ben Colar said he wanted to build another option that felt inviting, where people could come, relax and not have to settle.

“We are definitely still open,” said Mulan co-owner Matt Kan. 

Have you thrown a big party since COVID? I was out of practice and it was hard; Williamsburg Village in East Memphis keeps hopping; and Cooper-Young is getting bigger and badder.

With the purchase of two corners in Cooper-Young, John Currence has plans to build a Big Bad Breakfast for Midtowners.

Tenero Café & Butcher is bringing a taste of the Midwest to Memphis. 

Muggin’ Coffeehouse to open second location near “game-changer” homes in Uptown. 

Deli Midtown opened last week at 1906 Madison Ave., offering breakfast tacos, soups and Deli on the Square’s famous array of specialty grilled cheese sandwiches.

What began as a pandemic-era, cocktails-to-go service has evolved into a cozy lounge in a century-old bungalow in Cooper-Young. 

Black Sheep Catering is putting on the pop-up at 409 S. Main St., where C-themed foods range from chicken, cheeseburgers and corn dogs to champagne and caviar. 

Alcenia’s has reopened on North Main, 390 days after B.J. Chester-Tamayo closed it to renovate the space where she’s operated for 25 years and owned since 2020.

After the Hernando DeSoto Bridge shut down shut it down, the ‘diner and dive at Highway 55’ has new booths, a big new kitchen and a new patio that will seat 100. 

Tamra ‘Chef Tam’ Patterson goes on ‘Chopped,’ shows everyone what you do in a BLT battle and brings the win home to Memphis.

The new Manes on Main spring beer festival — the “mane” a nod to Memphis vernacular as well as the brewery’s lion logo — will include a hair and beard contest. 

Work has started on Ciao Bella as the longtime local Italian restaurant moves to Sanderlin Centre, just around the corner from where it all began. 

At Memphis’ new pinball pub, David Yopp will showcase a rotating group of machines — from his personal collection of around 70 games, dating from the mid-1970s to the present — for serious and casual players alike. 

Pair behind Pyro’s plan Instagram-worthy place on Poplar Pike. 

For six hours, Bar DKDC stepped back almost a decade and became Dō. Next month, it happens again.

The craft brewery will install a temporary patio this spring with plans for a permanent installation for future use. 

Although the real anniversary has come and gone, Hampline will celebrate its first year on March 26, 2022 with barbecue, music and, of course, beer. 

The Whataburger location in Arlington has received site plan approval from the town’s Planning Commission, moving it closer to construction.