Piggly Wiggly’s ceremonial grand opening was Sept. 6, 1916, but the real, construction-delayed opening did not happen until 102 years ago today, Sept. 11, for the nation’s first supermarket.

2. Editorial: Buying Food in a Food City - Saturday, May 12, 2018

The business of food is in a cycle of change from farm to table – whether it’s blowing up the Memphis barbecue stereotype or how we get our groceries.

All parts of that chain are to be found in Memphis business and culture.

3. Last Word: New Football League, Drone Testing and New Chandler Numbers - Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Alliance of American Football announces its presence in Memphis Thursday afternoon at the Liberty Bowl. And so begins another chapter in the city’s colorful history of start-up leagues. It is a long history dominated by football with a good stretch of the timeline taking in the city’s pursuit of an NFL franchise. Sometimes the rules are a bit different and the leagues have a history of not lasting very long. But they are fondly remembered.

4. Last Word: Eureka Education, Confederate Monuments in Court and Dillon Brooks - Friday, January 26, 2018

Supermarkets are hard. That is the tag line in every discussion about getting a supermarket or grocery store for a given part of town that doesn’t have one. And once a new supermarket goes up somewhere else, there is inevitably word that a competitor or two is going to build nearby. The discussion always includes the mandatory recitation of the 3 to 4 percent profit margin stores operate on, which even knowledgeable critics of the decisions about where to locate and not to locate stores acknowledge is accurate.

5. November 17-23, 2017: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, November 18, 2017

1929: The Chicago Bears come to town to play the Memphis “Sole Owner Tigers” professional football team at Hodges Field – the city’s largest venue at 10,000 seats. The game is arranged by Clarence Saunders, owner of the Memphis team, and George Halas, the Chicago Bears owner and until recently a player.

6. Last Word: Back From Jury Duty, ASD Changes and Southern Heritage Classic Is Here - Thursday, September 7, 2017

Back from a very short-lived jury duty on a short week for the courts – criminal and civil. Even a slow week at the Criminal Justice Center is a learning experience about not only our criminal justice system but also the Constitutional framework that puts those notices in the U.S. mail and results in several hundred citizens at a time showing up in a jury assembly room after the adventure of trying to find parking Downtown.

7. Remaking Crosstown - Saturday, August 19, 2017

As he was leading tours through Crosstown Concourse this month, Todd Richardson took a small group to a set of windows for a balcony view of an addition being constructed on the north side of the property.

8. Last Word: Halfway Point, The Cancer-Influenza Connection and Wade Baldwin's Way - Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Monday was the day that Memphis Light Gas and Water Division reached the halfway point in restoring power. There were 90,384 customers without power Monday evening, compared to 188,000 without power at the outset Saturday evening at 11 p.m. There were 126 utility crews working by Monday evening.

9. May 26-June 1, 2017: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, May 27, 2017

1956: Carl Perkins at the Overton Park Shell with a surprise visit by Elvis Presley. Just five months earlier, Sun Records had released Perkins’ biggest hit, “Blue Suede Shoes.” And Presley had left Sun late in 1955 for RCA.
On his way to New York City in March for an appearance on NBC’s nationally televised “Perry Como Show,” Perkins and his band were in a car crash in Delaware that killed the driver of other car; left Perkins’ brother Jay with critical injuries from which he would never recover; and seriously injured Perkins himself, who was unconscious for a day. Perkins and his band were back on the road less than a month later and recording a string of hits at Sun when he wasn’t booked.

10. Memphis Museums and Attractions Broaden Reach With Host of Upgrades - Saturday, March 18, 2017

Elvis Presley Enterprises made a splash in recent weeks with the grand opening of the 200,000-square-foot museum, restaurant and retail complex known as Elvis Presley’s Memphis. But the Graceland operator isn’t the only local institution upgrading what it offers visitors.

11. September 9-15, 2016: This Week in Memphis History - Saturday, September 10, 2016

2001: At Memphis International Airport, air traffic controllers are the busiest in the nation landing more airplanes than any other U.S. airport as all flights are diverted to land at the nearest airport in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

12. The Week Ahead: September 5-11 - Monday, September 5, 2016

Happy Labor Day, Memphis! We hope you’re wrapping up this three-day weekend on a relaxing note – and, if you buy into arbitrary fashion etiquette, that you’re enjoying wearing your white clothing and seersucker suits one last time. There’s plenty going on this week, from Mid-South Book Fest to the Southern Heritage Classic, so let’s get right to it…

13. Last Word: Kroger Disses Clarence Saunders, Mud Island Plans and The Australians - Tuesday, January 26, 2016

What is old has become new again. And judging by your reaction to Andy Meek’s story on the Kroger plans for online ordering of groceries, what is old has gone viral as well.
Here are the basics:
You order from a list of items and Kroger fills the order and has it waiting for you to pick up.
When you think about the idea of supermarkets, which originated here in Memphis with Piggly Wiggly, it’s enough to make the Piggly Wiggly founder himself, Clarence Saunders, spin in his grave.
Before he came up with the idea of taking store shelves from behind the counter and putting them out there for you to get your own stuff from them, you would tell your grocer what you wanted and he would write it down on a paper bag and get it for you, wrap it up and present it to you.
Saunders changed all of that as you know if you’ve seen the Pink Palace’s child-sized replica of a Piggly Wiggly store from the start of the 20th century.
A century later, no paper bags and you can still walk among the shelves if you wish.
Perhaps this isn’t that extreme. Maybe this is simply a swing of the pendulum, back toward the middle ground.
Saunders tried to push it even further with his Keedoozle stores that followed Piggly Wiggly. In those stores, the items were lined up in what amounted to vending machines with shoppers releasing an item from the vertical row with a key.
Here Saunders went too far. He mashed the bread.

14. March 6-12: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, March 7, 2015

2014: The Germantown Municipal Schools board voted 3-0 to rescind its tuition requirement for open enrollment of students living outside Germantown. The decision affected high school-aged students in Collierville who had attended Houston High School in Germantown under the old Shelby County Schools system that had included all of Shelby County outside Memphis.

15. Pink Palace Secret - Friday, January 23, 2015

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum’s 3-D digital theater opened this past March and its upgraded planetarium is to open in June.

And planning is already underway for a $4 million publicly and privately funded renovation and new exhibits in the pink marble mansion itself on Central Avenue that has been the heart of the museum since it was donated to the city in 1930.

16. Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive in Memphis - Monday, August 26, 2013

Steve Jobs once said, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the square pegs in the round holes … the ones who see things differently … they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

17. Made in Memphis - Saturday, August 3, 2013

Memphis’ geography is limited to roughly 300 square miles, but its identity stretches beyond the city limits, resonating to the far corners of the globe.

The city’s brand has obvious cornerstones, such as its place in the nation’s cultural topography. But setting aside those no-brainers, like the rock ‘n’ roll innovator whose mansion in Whitehaven still attracts gawkers from around the world, a lot of what makes Memphis’ story is the story of what’s made in Memphis.

18. South Main’s New Life - Saturday, March 2, 2013

The history of the South Main Historic Arts District is as colorful as its present-day users, an alternating rhythm of sorts in Memphis’ songbook.

The area has oscillated from its ritzy suburban roots of the 1800s to the industrial era ghost town of the 20th century and now to its current status as Downtown’s flourishing arts and boutique district and the subject of some $100 million in investment. And it’s all due to stakeholders who braved the status quo in distinguishing the southern end of the Central Business District as that funky place with an indescribable vibe.

19. A Higher Order of Sausage - Friday, March 1, 2013

GOD’S SAUSAGE. (When you see this column, it’s the 40 Days of Waffle Shop again, so strike while the iron is hot.)

“You might just be a copywriter,” Brick Muller said, staring down at the piece of paper I’d just handed him. On it was an ad idea I’d just pounded out on the 1948 Royal typewriter he was paying me to use as a copywriter. The fact that this was his first recognition that I might be one was gratifying since I’d already been there for nine months.

20. City’s Past Filled with Blueprint of Success - Monday, August 6, 2012

Go to any public meeting where plans for an area are being made, buzz words are flying, big sheets of paper are being written on and “stakeholders” are sitting in various clusters, and you will hear numerous people suggest that all the area needs are spaces for shops.

21. Harnessing Strategic Business Growth - Thursday, May 3, 2012

If you’re not growing, you’re dying anonymous. Growth: That Crazy Talk. Call it the entrepreneurial instinct, innovation, business savvy, whatever you want: strategic growth is how business prospers.

22. Defining Memphis: The Wrap-Up - Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Last week we spotlighted more heartfelt responses to the question: “What does Memphis mean to you?” It has been amazing, over the last few weeks, to have Memphians share their personal thoughts and how they define our great city. This week let us offer one last set of colorful responses – but I encourage you to keep the conversation alive as we work together to create our Memphis narrative and spread it worldwide.

23. Waffle Shop Again Answers Prayers - Friday, February 24, 2012

GOD’S SAUSAGE. “You might just be a copywriter,” Brick Muller said, staring down at the piece of paper I’d just handed him. On it was an ad idea I’d just pounded out on the 1948 Royal typewriter he was paying me to use as a copywriter. The fact that this was his first recognition that I might be one was gratifying since I’d already been there for nine months.

24. Council to Weigh Pink Palace Funding - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A $20 million upgrade of the Memphis Pink Palace Museum tops the Tuesday, Feb. 21, Memphis City Council agenda that also includes two items key to Overton Square redevelopment and $510,000 in capital appropriations for the Memphis Area Transit Authority.

25. A. Schwab to Host Elvis Birthday Bash - Friday, January 6, 2012

The landmark A. Schwab general store at 163 Beale St. will mark its transition to new ownership Saturday, Jan. 7, as it also celebrates in advance what would have been the 77th birthday of Elvis Presley on Sunday, Jan. 8.

26. Memphis – With a Bow On Top - Friday, December 9, 2011

GIVE MEMPHIS TO SOMEBODY YOU LOVE. Put a polar bear and a panda under the tree. But walk them first. You really don’t want all that on the living room rug. Do this yourself; don’t ask Santa. Polar bears make reindeer skittish.

27. City’s Story Recounted in ‘Memphis 101’ - Thursday, November 10, 2011

A cross-section of native Memphians and Memphians by choice spent the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 9, exploring the stories that shaped the city during “Memphis 101,” a free, public event held biannually at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

28. The Show Must Go On - Friday, August 26, 2011

LIVE APPLAUSE. All are in the cast, all responsible for the experience, and all of us have a lot to show for it.

The lines may be drawn on a two-by-four to guide a saw instead of spoken on stage to guide an audience. The song might be whistled to accompany a hammer instead of sung to accompany a chorus. Equal parts sewing needles and director needling. Equal props for props and performances. Equal respect for those who guide you to your seat and those whose talent stands you straight up from it.

29. TDN’s 125 Years Reflects Its Hometown - Thursday, July 28, 2011

It is the city’s original database, but The Daily News – which marks its 125th anniversary this year – began providing essential public information long before even the most primitive computer was built.

30. Events - Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The GOTV Club will present a seminar titled “Healthcare Reform for Business Owners” Tuesday, July 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crescent Club, 6075 Poplar Ave., suite 909. Philip Johnson of Argyle Benefits Consultants will speak. Cost is $25. To register, visit thegotvclubjuly.eventbrite.com.

31. Events - Monday, July 25, 2011

The Memphis Library and Information Center board of trustees will meet Monday, July 25, at noon at the Frayser Branch, 3712 Argonne St. For more information, call 415-2846.

32. Events - Friday, July 22, 2011

The Memphis Library and Information Center board of trustees will meet Monday, July 25, at noon at the Frayser Branch, 3712 Argonne St. For more information, call 415-2846.

33. Rejuvenating Sears Crosstown Building Needs Civic Vision - Friday, May 20, 2011

When it opened in 1927, the Sears Crosstown building employed more than 1,000 people and drew shoppers from at least three states to a store that sold everything from candy to horse harnesses to homebuilding materials.

34. Sustainable Real Estate to be Subject of Conference - Thursday, March 17, 2011

Planners of an upcoming conference are hoping to put Memphis on the map even more so than it already is.

The Conference On Sustainable Real Estate is slated for March 24 to 26 at the University of Memphis. The conference – modeled after a similar program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – brings to Memphis internationally recognized leaders on sustainable real estate, land economics, land planning and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, construction procedures.

35. Avoiding Brain Whiplash - Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Interesting stuff: One of the original inspirations for the Toyota Production System was a supermarket. According to Toyota, engineer Taiichi Ohno visited a U.S. supermarket and was impressed with how they delivered their goods in a “simple, efficient and timely manner.” Ohno took a look sideways and saw a whole new business model.

36. Keedoozle of a Story - Friday, November 12, 2010

Clarence Saunders was all that and a bag of groceries.

The difference between Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby and our own Clarence Saunders is that Gatsby is fiction. Both were fabulously wealthy, self-made, flamboyant masters of the 1920s. One is a famous literary work. The other is a famous piece of work who changed the way everyone lives.

37. Committees Not Needed For Creativity - Friday, May 14, 2010

Creativity goes to committee meetings to die.

“In all the towns and all the cities there are no statues to committees.”

Unknown, probably someone shot down by a committee.

“So,” he said to the committee, “I’ll buy a bunch of jets, fill them with cardboard envelopes, and guarantee overnight delivery … and all I need to get started is, oh, about a zillion dollars.” The committee would have absolutely, positively said no to Fred Smith. They would have told Clarence Saunders that schlepping your own groceries would never work. They would have told Kemmons Wilson where to park his motel idea. They would have told Charlie Vergos that nobody is going to get fired up about ribs from a basement off an alley next to a dumpster.

38. Startup Weekend To Foster Multiple Ideas - Thursday, May 28, 2009

Memphis is known for its entrepreneurs, from Clarence Saunders inventing the self-service grocery store to Kemmons Wilson inventing the hotel chain to Fred Smith inventing overnight package delivery.

39. Tennessee's Small-Business Champion Plans Grand Events in Memphis - Friday, March 28, 2008

Mark White started Grand Events and Party Rentals with his brother Stan 18 years ago. They had one truck and two employees - themselves - and they worked 'round the clock to establish their nascent company as the city's premier event planner.

40. Archived Article: Lead - Tuesday, March 15, 2005
By Andy Meek

Museum Weathers Storm, Eyes Future

Pink Palace looks past budget woes, seeks master plan

ANDY MEEK

The Daily News

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum, in the words of director Stephen Pike, has always been a cabinet of curiosi...

41. Archived Article: Real Focus - Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Real

Court Square Project to Help Restore City Center

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

When Downtowns Court Square was designed, it was meant to serve as the center of the city, a living room of sorts and a gathering place for all.

That gat...

42. Archived Article: Standout - Friday, February 21, 2003
Palatial plans

Palatial plans

By ANDREW BELL

The Daily News

Stephen Pike didnt even need to leave his new Memphis home to confirm what he suspected about the popularity of the Pink Palace Museum.

This guy I had working on my house ask...

43. Archived Article: Standout - Friday, January 31, 2003
Foot prints

Foot prints

By ANDREW BELL

The Daily News

Ten years ago, Wendy Robson moved from New England to Memphis, where she discovered the one place that resembled the secluded, wooded parks of southern New Hampshire.

Soon, Lichter...

44. Archived Article: Pink Palace P.2 - Monday, March 5, 2001
Pink Palace Museum to get minor facelift Pink Palace Museum to get facelift By MARY DANDO The Daily News Although staff at the Pink Palace Museum will be happy to see their administration and meeting space expanded in the next few months, visitors t...

45. Archived Article: Standout (uhlhorn) Lj - Friday, April 19, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Ready, fire, aim! Local business innovator ensures future of entrepreneurial spirit By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News A local business and community leader firmly believes in a small yet crucial twist of an age-old battle cry. "Rea...

46. Archived Article: Hall Of Honor Lj - Friday, April 12, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Pink Palace opens entrepreneur showcase By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Starting this weekend, visitors to the Pink Palace Mansion will be able hear notable Memphis business leaders tell the secrets of their success "almost"...

47. Archived Article: Franchises - Monday, December 18, 1995
12/18 jts franchises Franchising Memphis-style: pioneers right here By JAMES SNYDER The Daily News You know some of the basics: McDonalds, Wendys, Circle K. Theyre franchises with national exposure. Memphis has its own franchises. A pioneering franc...