Jim's Place East finds new home on Perkins

Spot news story for The Memphis Daily News

(with Eric Smith)

July 15, 2010

Jim’s Place East – a Memphis tradition since its founding nearly 90 years ago – is opening a location at Poplar Avenue and Perkins Road, having signed a 10-year lease for the 5,900-square-foot space that recently housed Harold’s women’s boutique.

The restaurant, a popular site for events such as wedding receptions, parties, business meetings and intimate dinners, has operated at 5560 Shelby Oaks Drive since 1976.

The move is a relocation from Shelby Oaks, yet the current location will remain open until the doors open this fall at 518 Perkins Road Extended.

“We want people with special memories to know that we’ll continue to operate the current location and that people should come back and visit,” said Sam Taras, son of co-owner, Dimitri Taras ... (read more)

High Point Coffee stores close

Breaking business news story for The Commercial Appeal

September 10, 2009

As the economy continues to hammer small businesses nationwide, it has claimed another local victim: All three High Point Coffee stores are shutting down.

Two of the stores -- one at 1680 Union and another at 4610 Poplar -- are owned by High Point Coffee founder Thomas Blanche and have already been closed. About 25 jobs were lost.

The third store -- in Germantown and owned by franchisee Tracy Gossett -- is closing Sept. 18 after being open for about a year and a half. The number of jobs lost was not disclosed.

"It's a unique time in that you had simultaneous effect where food prices increased dramatically and at the same time revenue dropped drastically," Blanche said. "I've enjoyed it, and it made economic sense for a long time ... (read more)