The Hop-In convenience store at South Highland Street and Poplar Avenue was engulfed in flames Monday, Jan. 15.

The word is out about the magical chicken Los Picosos is selling.

Unusual at Memphis-area Mexican restaurants, the chips and salsa are to order rather than appearing at the table gratis. But they’re worth it, and the basic salsa can be supplemented at a self-serve salsa bar with a dozen varieties.

The project is being directed by the not-for-profit Poplar Corridor Business District Association of Owners using tax increment financing the group was awarded in 2018 from the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County.

Opened in 1976, Chickasaw Oaks was designed to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial. The shopping arcade has been refreshed with property upgrades and a host of new retailers. 

“The sign we unveil today will serve as a constant reminder of Officer Redd’s sacrifice in his unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of others,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. 

“This is the most expensive community center that we have built, ever,” Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker said of the 22,000-square-foot facility at 4221 Macon Road.

In this sandwich, juicy pieces of steak, seasoned liberally with earthy spices such as cumin and coriander, are wrapped up tight in the griddled lavash with fresh onion, cilantro and tomatoes.

The new community center, scheduled to open in 2025, is just yards away from the existing community center, which is one of the most used in the Memphis Parks system.

“Our plans call for a small group of sixth-graders in the first year. We expect an inaugural cohort of around 12-16 students in 2024-2025,” said Peter Sanders, MUS headmaster.

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.

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

“We’re burning some calories before we replace them at Thanksgiving,” one runner said ahead of the 4-mile race.

With the holiday season nearly in full gear, there are plenty of events and lights in Memphis to enjoy. Here’s a list — don’t forget to check it twice!

Related story: 

What’s open on Thanksgiving in Memphis, where to order a turkey

The flyer features deals and discounts from 14 local businesses, including ARCHd, Boshi Botanicals, Everbloom Design, Shop Mucho and Mbabazi House of Style. 

Another north-south route through Shelby Farms Park has been a priority for local leaders for more than two decades, but the proposal for a new Shelby Farms Parkway has now been abandoned.

The children’s book highlights a variety of Shelby County landmarks from more than 300 submissions from community volunteers. 

Poag Development Group is buying Oak Court Mall for an undisclosed price in a deal that is expected close by mid-December.

Those who wish to help with the Nov. 18 giveaway for area agencies that provide food for the hungry must register in advance.

Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins said Monday, Nov. 6, County Clerk Wanda Halbert has fallen behind on rent payments for her office in the Poplar Plaza shopping center. Halbert makes no mention of past-due rent.

“It creates a sense of community between Japanese and West Tennesseans with an interest in Japan, some who will never travel there.”

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff and Tenneessee Gov. Bill Lee visited the East Memphis school to also look over new security measures funded with state and federal grants since a July incident on campus.

Residents of Bartlett, Cooper-Young, East Memphis and Germantown share the inspiration behind their Halloween house decor.

Residents from neighborhoods across the city expressed their opinions about crime and public safety during a series of conversations in this summer.

The 1,300-square-foot Memphis restaurant, 706 S. Mendenhall, will include a covered patio when it opens in late February or March.