The Early Word: Dory’s story ends, and BlueOval’s manager says goodbye
Good morning, Memphis! It’s Wednesday, June 5, and I’m back after a restful and fun staycation. Many thanks to my colleague Chris Herrington for holding things down with The Early Word Monday and Tuesday morning.
Today, Downtown’s Design Review Board will consider the Orpheum Theatre’s plan to enhance lighting on the north side of the building. That project already won an $80,000 grant, and this is the next step. Also on the agenda: A plan to turn an old warehouse on Decatur Street into a training space for workers in construction trades.
Upscale East Memphis restaurant Dory will serve its last meal on June 29. The restaurant, run by David and Amanda Krog, has garnered national attention for its innovative dishes and use of local ingredients. But the couple cited the financial difficulties of running a restaurant designed to challenge industry norms around seasonal foods, “zero waste” and creating a supportive culture for the staff. As for what’s next, the Krogs aren’t 100% sure, but David Krog will likely be staying in the kitchen.
Ford Motor Co.’s BlueOval City, which will produce electric vehicles in Haywood County, isn’t even up and running yet, but its plant manager Kel Kearns is already leaving. Kearns has accepted a new job as CEO of Amplify Cell Technologies, a new electric-vehicle battery facility in Marshall County, Mississippi. The facility is a joint venture between Cummins, Daimler Trucks and Paccar, and it’s been touted as one of the largest capital investments in Mississippi’s history.
Plus, Crosstown Mound is sold, Bob’s Barksdale is closed and our readers tell us where to find the best pizza in Memphis.
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Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
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