The Early Word: Buckley’s was well done; Grizz fans are on Luke Watch
Good morning, Shelby County! It’s Tuesday, July 2, and the first of many area fireworks shows kicks off tonight in Millington. The annual Flag City Freedom Celebration features live music by Sherry Oke, food and drinks for sale and a kids’ zone with inflatables.
If you’re really into fireworks, you can catch a show every night between now and Saturday in both Shelby and DeSoto counties. Use our fireworks guide to plan your week of explosive fun.
Longtime Memphis steakhouse Buckley’s Grill closed last week after 30 years in business. Owners Jeff Fioranelli and Ken Dick were old high-school friends who worked as busboys at Polo’s in Germantown and then decided to open a restaurant together in 1994. Things at the restaurant were going well lately, but Fioranelli said the pair made the decision to close over concerns about the overall state of the restaurant industry. The Daily Memphian’s Jennifer Chandler asked the owners, as well as some Buckley’s regulars, to reflect on 30 years of steaks and sides.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ biggest expected move during NBA free agency is a deal for Luke Kennard. The Grizz declined his nearly $15 million team option this past weekend, and our own Chris Herrington suspects they’ll be inking a new contract with him in free agency. But what else could happen? Herrington has a few thoughts on how the team can shave a few million in salary from the very bottom of the roster.
Plus, a new law protects property owners from squatters, Ford EVs will use Arkansas lithium and we share the not-so-secret recipe for Buckley’s creamed spinach.
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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. She’s a diehard morning person who spends her free time running marathons and ultras. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South.”
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