You might need to wield a fork to finish off the torta de lengua at Taqueria el Mariachi, because this here is a contender of a sandwich.

This week, we salute the people behind three small-scale attempts at something new on the Memphis food-and-drink scene, three related attempts to fill a major need and another for a meaningful endeavor coming to a close.

Through TigerLIFE (Learning Independence Fostering Education and Employment), students receive a postsecondary education, gain employment and live independently in their communities.

A veteran hospitality worker recently opened a new coffee shop Downtown. 

Customers who want to go to Edge Alley just one more time only have a few days to do so. 

The Mississippi River is a big deal. One of the world’s great rivers, it hosts an abundance of wildlife habitat and provides drinking water for almost 20 million people. But it seems to carry less reverence than other iconic water bodies across the country. 

Roughly 30 faculty positions are expected to be cut. The largest number are likely in the Rosa Deal School of Arts. 

The U of M has said that the city can’t have seats on the foundation board, setting up a potential showdown over the vote Tuesday to transfer ownership of the city-owned stadium.

“About three years ago, the railroad tore out the tracks and then they just stopped taking care of it, and that’s how we got it,” said Brendan Duffy. “I just kept emailing and calling around to different people, and they sent me a lease.”

Within the contiguous U.S., temperatures have risen by 2.5°F since 1970, compared to a global average rise of about 1.7°F over the same period.

A new generation of community gardeners is helping Memphis overcome food insecurity with urban farms and lessons in growth. 

Baker Aika Renzo opened Wagashi Japanese Bakery in November to fill a culinary void in Memphis.

More than 20,000 people participated in the 22nd annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Saturday morning, Dec. 2.

Related story:

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon in pictures

Black Lodge’s new cocktail bar serves classic cocktails with an old-Hollywood vibe.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon participants come from all 50 states and Puerto Rico as well as 75 countries.

Related stories:

Here are the road closures for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon

Guest Column: St. Jude Marathon celebrates ‘best Memphis has to offer’

The $261 million project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The race on Saturday, Dec. 2, will close roads across Downtown and Midtown, with some closures beginning Friday, Dec. 1.

This week’s Inked features new leases at Union Avalon Shopping Center, a new Dollar Tree, a new Footlocker and a retail center/warehouse project.

What was once Melrose High School will reopen in the fall as both a public library and senior housing. On Monday, Orange Mound community leaders got a sneak peek. 

Shelby County has more traffic fatalities than any other Tennessee county, and the impact on families is irreversible. Law enforcement officials seek to bend the curve by increasing patrol on the streets and curbing speeding.

AutoZone Park’s Deck the Diamond Holiday Spectacular features archways, reindeers, presents and trains lighting up the ballpark, glowing gold, white and purple.

The new restaurant opened on Front Street last month in the brick-and-steel maze that once held the William C. Ellis & Sons Ironworks & Machine Shop.

Wearing medieval warrior gear and wielding longswords, members of Memphis Armored Fight Club thrash and clash with panache.

Memphis will get an eighth location of the popular fast-food chain. Plus, Margarita’s is coming to Lakeland Commons, and Marco’s Pizza is also planning an Arlington site.

The bar at 605 N. Second St. will also serve smoothie bowls, freshly pressed juices, salads and wraps, as well as offering a grab-and-go section.