Shelby Farms Park Announces Two New Restaurant Partners

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is pleased to announce two new restaurant partners that will open dining spaces in the Park in fall 2019. 

Cheffie’s Cafe will open their third location in the grab-and-go cafe’ space in the First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center.  Local restaurant duo Tom Powers and Russ Graham will open a new restaurant concept, Coastal Fish Company, in the FedEx Event Center.  This will be the fourth restaurant in their portfolio which includes Flight and Southern Social, along with the soon-to-open Porch & Parlor. 

“Shelby Farms Park Conservancy had the opportunity to select a new partner for food service at the Park, and we’re excited to welcome not one, but two new local restaurant partners to Shelby Farms Park,” said Jen Andrews, CEO, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.  “Many Park visitors told us they were interested in fast and fun family dining options for active park users, and many were also interested in special occasion and fine dining options capitalizing on the one-of-a-kind sunset views across Hyde Lake. We’re thrilled to be able to offer two distinct dining experiences that create a wide range of options for our visitors.” 

With a new concept, Coastal Fish Company will serve dinner daily as well as brunch and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.  The 4,792 square foot restaurant space is located on the east end of Hyde Lake next to the FedEx Event Center and features an additional 3,200 square feet of patio space, where guests enjoy the views and vibrancy of Shelby Farms Park. Opened in 2016 along with the $52 million “Heart of the Park” capital project, the restaurant is designed to generate revenue to help the nonprofit Shelby Farms Park Conservancy support park operations while enhancing the visitor experience. 

SFPC began a search for a new operator in January 2019 after the previous tenant--the Kitchen Bistro out of Boulder, CO--closed as their national business strategy evolved. A team of expert advisors and staff interviewed and evaluated more than a dozen local operators, ultimately landing on the team of Powers and Graham, who offered a proven track record of successful restaurants with signature concepts and strong operations. 

“We immediately recognized the unique opportunity to provide an excellent dining experience in a signature Memphis setting at Shelby Farms Park,” said Russ Graham, Owner/Operator of Flight and Southern Social.  “The beautiful sunset views overlooking Hyde Lake will be the perfect complement to the exceptional hospitality, service and cuisine we will deliver to our guests.”

Instead of choosing one operator for the two available restaurant spaces, SFPC chose a second operator for the grab-and-go space in the First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center in order to ensure a wider range of dining options and price points to serve both destination diners and active park visitors and families. Cheffie’s Cafe was chosen for their proven ability to deliver casual, fresh and approachable food with active park visitors in mind. 

“At Cheffie’s Cafe, we serve fresh, healthy and delicious food in a casual, family-friendly environment. These choices are just what Shelby Farms Park visitors are looking for,” said Matt Wilson, Cheffie’s spokesperson. “We already know a lot of the Shelby Farms Greenline users from our High Point Terrace location, and we look forward to making new friends at our Shelby Farms Park location.”

Cheffie’s at Shelby Farms Park will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner selections daily.  The 950 square foot grab and go cafe has indoor seating, along with outdoor seating on the AutoZone Front Porch. 
 
ABOUT SHELBY FARMS PARK: At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee is one of the largest urban parks in the country.  With a visionary master plan designed by James Corner Field Operations, it's poised to become one of the best.  

Today, the Park features miles of paved and unpaved trails, dozens of lakes and ponds, the internationally recognized and sustainably designed Woodland Discovery Playground, a buffalo herd, the FedEx Event Center, a water play splash pad, an outdoor event stage overlooking an 80-acre lake, a treetop adventure course and more.  

ABOUT CHEFFIE’S CAFE: Cheffie’s is a custom salad and sandwich cafe with locations in Memphis (near the Shelby Farms Greenline at High Point Terrace) and Collierville. At Cheffie’s, guests select an item from the signature menu or they can “Be the Chef” and create their own custom salad or sandwich from a long list of top-quality meats, fresh produce, tasty cheeses, delicious toppings and handmade dressings. Cheffie’s also serves freshly brewed, locally-roasted coffee, pastries, boutique wines and hand-crafted beers. Cheffie’s Cafe has a delicious offering for every craving, no matter the time of day. 

ABOUT TOM POWERS AND RUSS GRAHAM: Tom Powers and Russ Graham are owner / operators of three Memphis area restaurants including Flight, Southern Social and the soon-to-open Porch & Parlor. Their aim is to create loyal restaurant patrons by focusing on guest-driven concepts and delivering an exceptional dining experience.