Central BBQ’s original Midtown location is set to reopen within the next two or three months, following years of renovations and setbacks, as reported by Memphis Business Journal.
Founded in 2002 by Roger Sapp and Craig Blondis, the iconic eatery at 2249 Central Ave has been relocated to 2231 Central Ave on the same lot. A recent Facebook post from the restaurant reveals that concrete has just been poured at the new site.
When renovation plans were initially announced back in 2022, the intention was to expand the original restaurant’s capacity by doubling its size. This involved demolishing the adjacent Goodwill building to create additional parking space. However, due to structural issues and subsequent regulatory complications, the owners pivoted.
Instead, they opted to relocate the restaurant entirely, moving it into the purchased Goodwill building. The revamped space will house a kitchen in the former Goodwill site, a neighboring dining area, and a front-facing permanent patio with garage doors connecting directly to the dining room.
The interior will embrace an eclectic aesthetic, incorporating salvaged tiles from the original building’s roof. Sapp told Memphis Business Journal that seating capacity will expand from 45 to approximately 70.
The award-winning BBQ chain currently operates five Memphis area locations, with additional sites in Nashville and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Notably, Blondis and Sapp also own Sunrise Memphis, a fast-casual breakfast spot with open outlets in East Memphis and downtown.
While Central BBQ’s original Midtown location has undergone changes and challenges, its spirit and commitment to quality remain steadfast, promising an exciting new chapter for BBQ enthusiasts in Memphis.
