Food Files: Cxffeeblack in Hyatt Centric, Salata looking at Memphis
Bartholomew Jones, left, and Renata Henderson, right, cofounders of Cxffeeblack, pose Feb. 9, 2024, outside of what will be their new building. (Brad Vest/Sepcial to The Daily Memphian file)
Can’t get enough food news? Here’s a roundup of notable bites from around the Mid-South. Got a juicy tip for us about something new? Send it to ssurrett@dailymemphian.com.
Cxffeeblack in the Hyatt Centric
Memphis-based Cxffeeblack is now the coffee contractor for the Hyatt Centric at 33 Beale St.
Cxffeeblack owner Bartholomew Jones said the brand will provide wholesale, barista training, operate the hotel’s coffee shops and serve coffee at events.
According to Jones, Hyatt Centric’s management contacted him earlier this year and asked to carry Cxffeeblack’s coffee for February and March.
“They thought it was so good, they wanted to carry it again,” Jones said.
The Hyatt Centric is also a sponsor of Cxffeeblack’s barista exchange program, which is happening this week. The hotel is providing lodging for the five visiting baristas for the first few days.
Cxffeeblack will have visiting baristas serving coffee at the Hyatt Centric coffee bar on Friday, Sept. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Jones said coffee is a gateway to introducing new cultures and communities to one another, which is why he created the barista exchange program. He wanted to highlight and bring attention to Africa's supply chain of coffee and roasters.
Inclusivity is one of the reasons that Jones felt the Hyatt would be a perfect fit for Cxffeeblack.
“The Hyatt, to me, is such an amazing representation of what I think the spirit of Memphis is,” Jones said. “Hyatt Hotel was actually the only hotel at the end of the Civil Rights Movement that would allow Dr. Martin Luther King to stay there.”
Salata Salad Kitchen looks at Memphis
Salata Salad Kitchen is a built-to-order salad restaurant. (Courtesy Business Wire)
Houston-based Salata Salad Kitchen is looking to add Memphis locations to its portfolio.
Salata Salad Kitchen is a built-to-order salad restaurant that allows customers to create salads and wraps with fresh ingredients, including greens, toppings and protein, topped with homemade dressings.
Michele Maerz, the brand’s president, said they have researched markets nationwide, and Memphis is one with increasing demand for healthier food options.
Maerz said the ideal site would be in a highly active trade area with shopping centers and stand-alone real estate. Due to that, Salata is targeting a Downtown, Midtown or East Memphis location.
“These neighborhoods hold some of the city’s best restaurants and a variety of activities like national landmarks, museums and galleries,” Maerz said. “Salata aims to build a strong presence in metropolitan areas where fast casual dining is popular.”
The Memphis location would need to be at least 2,800 square feet, with ample room for parking, patio space and a pick-up window. However, Maerz said there isn’t a set site selection or construction timeline.
Uncle Goyo’s opens again with Taco Ngana’s full menu
Uncle Goyo’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 1730 S. Germantown Road. (Chris Herrington/The Daily Memphian file)
Mexican restaurant Uncle Goyo’s in Germantown has reopened after a brief hiatus with a new menu, including the full TacoNGanas menu.
The restaurant, at 1730 S. Germantown Road, will also have desserts from La Panaderia Damaris and a full bar with frozen margaritas of lime, strawberry and Memphis Tiger flavors.
The grand opening is Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m.
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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 covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.
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