Food Files: Plant Based Heat founder dies, restaurant lives on
The Plant Based Heat location near the University of Memphis closed briefly after the June 22 death of owner Ralph "RJ Groove" Johnson, seen here in January 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
Plant Based Heat reopens after death of owner
Plant Based Heat has reopened its Highland location after the death of its owner, Ralph “RJ Groove” Johnson Jr., on Monday, June 22.
Great Wines & Spirits closing
After almost three decades, Great Wines & Spirits of Memphis is closing.
Tops Bar-B-Q reopens Rhodes Avenue location
Local barbecue chain Tops Bar-B-Q has reopened its historic Rhodes Avenue restaurant after more than a year.
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Tops Bar-B-Q La Roche Great Wines & Spirits Boujee Bistro Plant Based heat Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Sophia Surrett
Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She has been with The Daily Memphian since July 2023, first starting as a business reporter covering various beats. Now, she covers food, restaurants, and hospitality and tourism.
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