BABALU East restaurant, located at 6450 Poplar Avenue, is undergoing an $800,000 makeover initiated by experienced restaurateurs Rick Spell and his daughter, Christy Spell Terry, founders of the Spell Restaurant Group which includes nine restaurants in Florida and Tennessee.
In October of 2019, the Spells purchased two BABALU restaurant sites, BABALU East on Poplar Avenue and BABALU Overton in Midtown.
Rick Spell and Christy Spell Terry have made a habit of renovating the restaurants they purchase in order to heighten the guest experience. BABALU East will be remodeled to give it a softer, more comfortable look and feel, with less industrial metal and concrete.
“There will be a significant noise reduction in this space with the new design,” Jesse Robertson, BABALU Director of Operations, tells What Now Memphis.
Approximately half the total cost of renovations will go toward a climate-controlled, covered patio, increasing seating from 38 to 56, and adding retractable walls for year-round use. Improvements also include new flooring, upgraded seating throughout and a cocktail bar.
BABALU East will remain open throughout most of the renovations, closing only February 27–March 3, and March 7–9. The restaurant patio will be closed through April 14, reopening in time for spring and summer dining.
Latin-inspired tapas and handcrafted cocktails are featured on the menu, from crowd pleasers like Torta Cubana and Filet on a Stick, to BABALU East Executive Chef Oscar Rayo’s personal favorite, Chicken Satay. During weekend brunch, guests have additional options such as the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito paired with a Bloody Mary, or Crab Cake Benedict with a Bellini. Seasonal and holiday dishes, as well as the “Babalito’s Menu” for kids under 10, offer plenty to choose from.
