The Memphis food scene has always been a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, and 2025 is already shaping up to be no exception. With new culinary entities stepping onto the stage and local favorites expanding their reach, the year ahead promises to be a delicious one for Bluff City diners. There are beloved restaurateurs adding new outposts of their successful businesses and fresh faces introducing exciting flavors that illustrate how next year’s restaurant lineup will have something to satisfy every craving. Whether it’s a Downtown favorite bringing a second location to North Memphis, a suburban expansion with five times the space of its original storefront, or bold new spots offering global cuisines and creative twists on Southern classics, food lovers have plenty to look forward to. So grab your foodie friends, mark your calendars and make your reservations early — these are the Memphis restaurant openings we’re most excited to see in 2025.
631 Madison Ave. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Coming in the spring, Bar Limina will occupy the space that was once home to Inkwell, in the Medical District. According to its
crowdfunding site, Bar Limina will "welcome top cocktail talent from around the world to tell their story, present new concepts, and give Memphians an experience like no other." Bishop was a beloved restaurant on the ground floor of Central Station Hotel serving French cuisine in a warm, casual setting. It
closed in July, much to the disappointment of diners in the area. The paper covering the picture windows of hotel's restaurant came down a few weeks ago, but staff is only ready to confirm that
a restaurant is returning to the space that
may or
may not be a reimagining of Bishop. The new restaurant's name is yet to be revealed. Expect news of the grand opening sometime in the first quarter.
97 N. Main St. Owned by the Memphis-born rapper Moneybagg Yo, Cache 42 is planning to open its second location in early 2025 in Downtown. Expect the same elevated Southern menu as the original location in a new, sexy North Main Street storefront. The restaurant is expected to open early in 2025.
3 S. Main St. Darius Buckner is expanding his Bartlett brand Downtown with the opening of his second Crazy Coop location. Known for having some of the city's best wings, the new location provides a more chic vibe than its original suburban home, perfect for Main Street crowds. Expect to see grand opening announcements on the restaurant's social media in early 2025. Expect the same quality in the handmade pasta and incredible flavors at Cocozza's second location. The 3,000-square-foot space is a bit larger than the original Harbor Town restaurant and will be home to a bigger bar, more seating in the dining room, and the same cozy, family-friendly environment. The East Memphis location is expected to open in March.
629 Chelsea Ave. Launched by the owners of
6 Million Catering , The Gourmet Gallery is already opening a second location after debuting its first restaurant earlier this year. The new location will take over the former home of Miss Girlee's Soul Food in North Memphis. A grand opening announcement is expected in late January.
383 S. Main St. The opening of the new Felicia Suzanne's location on South Main Street has been long awaited. The original location on Main Street between Madison and Monroe closed in 2021 after more than 20 years in business, with plans to reopen in its new location that spring. After delays, 2025 is set to be the year that the Downtown dining staple opens in its new home. The new space is beautiful and, with Felicia Suzanne's attention to culinary quality, is sure to draw large crowds. When you go, ask about the "BKS" and tell them I sent you. Expect this grand opening sometime shortly after the new year.
JoJo's Espresso is moving a few storefronts down from its current Thornwood location to take advantage of more space. The popular coffeehouse has already outgrown its 18-seater location and will be moving to occupy the former home of Newk's in the first quarter of 2025, with seating for 100. Stay tuned to JoJo's
Instagram page for progress on the construction and previews of the new breakfast and lunch menus.
Raising Cane's is coming to Southaven and the excitement some Memphians have expressed to me is refreshing for a town that claims it doesn't favor chain restaurants. Clearly, the Memphis area loves Raising Cane's simple menu of chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, coleslaw and Texas toast — but it's more likely that the franchise's signature
Cane's Sauce is the real draw. A second Raising Cane's is in the works at 2810 N. Germantown Parkway, but that location isn't as far along as the Southaven restaurant which was originally projected to open in the second quarter of 2025.
RockHouse Express is the latest addition to the
RockHouse Live brand that already has three area locations. RockHouse Express skips out on the performance venue space and replaces it with a drive-thru and limited outdoor seating so lovers of their food and drinks can quickly get in and out with their favorite items like the RockHouse Burger and Exotic Chicken Sandwich.
