An upscale restaurant with previous locations in Midtown and Raleigh is making a comeback.
Chef Christopher Beavers of The Grilled Asparagus has secured a $25,000 Inner City Economic Development loan with a three-year term from the Economic Development Growth Engine, as reported by The Daily Memphian.
The loan will support the $148,000 renovation of the 5,500-square-foot, 60-year-old building at 3270 Elvis Presley Blvd in Whitehaven. This includes interior improvements, streetscape enhancements, and structural updates.
A Memphis native, Beavers holds an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Chef Training. Boasting over two decades of experience in the culinary industry, he has held the title of Executive Chef at eateries like Penny’s Nitty Gritty (now Courtside Grill), as well as operating his own catering business.
The Grilled Asparagus will offer upscale, southern-centric fare, featuring fresh dishes like Cajun salmon, gouda grits, lamb chops with grapefruit sauce, steak, and of course, grilled asparagus. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options will also be available. In addition to what Beavers describes as “four-star food,” the new eatery will showcase live music.
Beavers selected Whitehaven for the new venue because of its absence of comparable restaurants, steady customer base, and well-off residents with disposable income. Once open, he predicts that sales will amount to roughly $47,400 per week.
“The Grilled Asparagus is a neighborhood-friendly restaurant built on old-fashioned values,” said Beavers. “We love people, we love to serve, and we love community.” Beavers hopes to open the restaurant just 60 days after renovations, a goal he recognizes as ambitious.
