On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Kelly English opens the doors to a new Restaurant Iris, 10 years, four months and 20 days after he opened it the first time. It’s also his 40th birthday, as good a time as any, English says, to launch a midlife crisis or have an unforgettable celebration. Whichever, perhaps both.

2. Restaurant Iris Reopens; Permit Pulled for Former Windjammer Space - Friday, August 10, 2018

After a nearly three-month renovation, Restaurant Iris will re-open Aug. 22 with a new menu, a new interior, and a chef/owner entering a new chapter in his life.

“It’s my 40th birthday,” Kelly English said. “That’s a great time for a rebirth, right? Or maybe it could just be my midlife crisis.”

3. David Todd moves from The Green Beetle to Become Chef at Interim - Thursday, August 2, 2018

There are big changes in store for Interim, the East Memphis restaurant where the constant has been change in its 12 years. Part-owner and acting executive chef Nick Scott is out and ownership remains with his former partners Tony Westmoreland, along with Brittany and Ed Cabigao, the couple who own SOB and Zaka Bowl.

4. ‘Bizarre Foods’ Host Films Episodes in Memphis - Monday, July 16, 2018

A celebrity chef was spotted with a film crew in Downtown’s Court Square Thursday afternoon, July 12.

Andrew Zimmern, co-creator, host and contributing producer of “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,” is in Memphis filming two shows – one for the Food Network and one for the Travel Channel, a member of the production crew confirmed.

5. At What Point Does Crying 'Lynching' Trivialize the Word? - Monday, May 7, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – R. Kelly says boycotting his music because of the sexual abuse allegations against him amounts to a "public lynching." Bill Cosby's people say his conviction was a lynching, too. Kanye West, in trying to defend his inflammatory comments about slavery, has been tweeting lynching imagery to assure fans he won't be silenced.

6. Vintage901 Wine Festival Returns in March - Tuesday, January 9, 2018

A three-day wine festival is returning to Memphis in March, building on its inaugural offering last year and again steering proceeds to the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.

Vintage901 is set for March 2-4 as a celebration for wine lovers, foodies and music enthusiasts from across the region. Each of the three days will offer its own unique wine experience.

7. Judge Sides With Trump's Pick to Take Over Consumer Agency - Thursday, November 30, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump scored a victory Tuesday when a federal judge refused to block the president's choice to temporarily run the nation's top consumer financial watchdog and, for the moment, ended a two-way battle for leadership of the agency.

8. Who's in Charge? 2 Fight for Control of US Consumer Watchdog - Tuesday, November 28, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – With emails, tweets and doughnuts, the two dueling acting directors battled for control of the nation's top financial watchdog agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on Monday.

9. Apocalypse Not - Saturday, November 25, 2017

Much has been said about the so-called “Retail Apocalypse,” a frightening term that conjures images of a desolate landscape littered with boarded-up malls and shopping centers representing the death of American capitalism. 

10. Week Ahead: November 6-12 - Monday, November 6, 2017

Good morning, Memphis. The week starts off with the conclusion of the Indie Memphis Film Festival, followed by a plethora of cool things to do all week – including the Memphis in May barbecue cooking contest judging seminar. As usual, you rock, Memphis!

11. MALS Hosts Fundraiser Ball at Ballet Memphis - Saturday, October 28, 2017

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) will host the second annual Justice for All Ball at the new Ballet Memphis facility in Overton Square.

The black tie (and cape!) optional event will feature music by the Soul Shockers and an open bar featuring local High Cotton beer, specialty cocktails by Michael Hughes, and wine from Cooper Mountain Vineyards.

12. MALS Hosts Fundraiser Ball at Ballet Memphis - Thursday, October 26, 2017

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) will host the second annual Justice for All Ball at the new Ballet Memphis facility in Overton Square.

The black tie (and cape!) optional event will feature music by the Soul Shockers and an open bar featuring local High Cotton beer, specialty cocktails by Michael Hughes, and wine from Cooper Mountain Vineyards.

13. Weinstein's Company to Change its Name After His Firing - Tuesday, October 10, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – The Weinstein Co. will change its name following the firing of co-founder Harvey Weinstein over sexual harassment allegations, a studio insider said Monday.

14. Memphis Has Earned its ‘Foodie Town’ Reputation in Past Decade - Saturday, September 9, 2017

When Sabine Bachmann arrived in Memphis more than 30 years ago, she was a little stunned at the city’s meager restaurant scene. The city wasn't barren, of course, with longtime mainstays such as Justine's and the Four Flames. But beyond that and some Italian family-owned places, the restaurant scene simply wasn't very diverse or widespread.

15. 9/01 in the 901 - Saturday, August 26, 2017

What started as an esoteric online conversation five years ago has grown into a massive citywide event to celebrate all the best parts of the Bluff City.

Though only in its second official year, attendance is expected to be high for Exposure at 901 Day, a free event that will be held at AutoZone Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on, you guessed it – Sept. 1.

16. Finding Glamour, Beauty on The French Riviera - Thursday, August 17, 2017

The French Riviera is an intoxicating mix of sun, glistening blue water, romance, fast cars and beautiful people wearing oversized sunglasses and stylish clothing straight from the world’s greatest designers.

17. Stiff Competition - Saturday, July 1, 2017

Selling Memphis as a place to visit may be easier now than it’s ever been. Conversely, it may also be as difficult as it’s ever been. That dichotomy arises from the fact that Memphis has more amenities, more things to do, see and eat than ever before.

18. Events - Monday, October 31, 2016

The Booksellers at Laurelwood will host “Reel Masters: Chefs Casting About With Timing & Grace” authors Susan Schadt, Lisa Buser and Kelly English for a discussion and signing Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Visit thebooksellersatlaurelwood.com.

19. Chef Kelly English to Join Culinary Event in NOLA - Saturday, October 15, 2016

Chef Kelly English of Restaurant Iris is joining the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s sixth annual Boudin, Bourbon & Beer in New Orleans next month.

English is one of two Tennessee chefs and the only chef from Memphis participating in the annual culinary event, which has grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s top food and music festivals.

20. Chef Kelly English to Join Culinary Event in NOLA - Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Chef Kelly English of Restaurant Iris is joining the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s sixth annual Boudin, Bourbon & Beer in New Orleans next month.

English is one of two Tennessee chefs and the only chef from Memphis participating in the annual culinary event, which has grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s top food and music festivals.

21. Memphis Habitat to Hold Benefit Dinner With Carters - Saturday, July 30, 2016

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis is hosting a benefit dinner Aug. 25 that will give attendees a chance to mingle with a former U.S. president.

SheetRock ‘n’ Roll is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which will take place in Uptown’s Bearwater Park beginning Aug. 22.

22. Memphis Habitat to Hold Benefit Dinner With Carters - Friday, July 29, 2016

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis is hosting a benefit dinner Aug. 25 that will give attendees a chance to mingle with a former U.S. president.

SheetRock ‘n’ Roll is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which will take place in Uptown’s Bearwater Park beginning Aug. 22.

23. Food as the Crossover - Friday, March 25, 2016

Last week, upon experiencing SXSW in my old stomping grounds of Austin, I listened, networked, and ate far more in one concentrated period than I ever thought possible. The sights and tastes were exhilarating, and the opportunities were empowering.

24. Last Word: Love and Glory and Guitars, New Frost and Scalia's Passing - Monday, February 15, 2016

To each his or her own on Valentine’s Day observances Sunday that become Valentine’s Day memories with the arrival of Monday.

The Majestic Grille, for instance, had the movies Roman Holiday and Casablanca back to back on the screen of the movie theater turned restaurant.
No sound, but you really don’t need sound for the scene where Audrey Hepburn takes the throne with Gregory Peck and a beatnik Eddie Albert among the press corps at the rope line.
And The Majestic saved The Second Line in Overton Square with a loaner of some champagne after Second Line ran a bit short.
Chef Kelly English thanked the Majestic via Twitter for “saving our sweet Valentine’s Day asses.”

25. Zoo Hosting Celebrity Chef Dinner Oct. 8 - Saturday, September 19, 2015

The Memphis Zoo will host a James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner next month at Teton Trek Lodge, an occasion that marks the first time the foundation has hosted a dinner at a zoo.

26. Zoo Hosting Celebrity Chef Dinner Oct. 8 - Friday, September 18, 2015

The Memphis Zoo will host a James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner next month at Teton Trek Lodge, an occasion that marks the first time the foundation has hosted a dinner at a zoo.

27. I Choose Memphis: J. Eustis Corrigan Jr. - Monday, September 14, 2015

“I Choose Memphis” spotlights Memphians who are passionate about calling this community home. New Memphis Institute provides the profiles.

Name: J. Eustis Corrigan Jr.

Job title and company: Senior managing director at CBIZ MHM LLC

28. Simmons Joins Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors - Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Mary Leesa Simmons has joined Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors as vice president – senior asset manager. In her new role, Simmons provides all aspects of property management duties for the firm’s clients.
This includes financial administration, budgeting, reporting, lease administration, contract administration, tenant, client and vendor administration, capital improvements and property inspections.

29. Farm Feast - Thursday, May 21, 2015

The first elementary school students came to Agricenter International for some hands-on education more than a decade ago. About 80 students went on a literal field trip, walking through the cotton, soybean and cornfields.

30. New Brewery Venture Eyeing Crosstown - Monday, February 23, 2015

When they launched a Facebook page at the end of January, the first post for which was simply the logo for the craft beer brewery they’re planning, Will Goodwin and Clark Ortkiese didn’t expect the flood of interest their concept would generate.

31. Council Confirms Putt as New Fire Director - Thursday, December 4, 2014

Memphis City Council members on Tuesday, Dec. 2, approved veteran firefighter Michael Putt as the city’s new fire director.

32. Council Embraces New Pension 'Concept' - Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Memphis City Council members are still weighing their options on pension plan changes after another alternative emerged Tuesday, Dec. 2, and the “concept” got eight votes on the council.

33. Horseshoe Club, English Join Forces at FedExForum - Saturday, October 25, 2014

FedExForum and the Memphis Grizzlies have announced a renewed and expanded signature partnership with Horseshoe Tunica that will transform the space formerly known as Lexus Lounge into the Horseshoe Club Featuring Kelly English.

34. Horseshoe Club, Kelly English Join Forces at FedExForum - Wednesday, October 22, 2014

FedExForum and the Memphis Grizzlies have announced a renewed and expanded signature partnership with Horseshoe Tunica that will transform the space formerly known as Lexus Lounge into the Horseshoe Club Featuring Kelly English.

35. Bible Joins Shea Moskovitz & McGhee - Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Kirkland Bible has joined family law firm Shea Moskovitz & McGhee as an associate. In her new position, Bible will represent clients in a variety of family law matters, including divorce, post-divorce and child custody matters.

36. Overton Square Parking Permit Trial Approved - Saturday, August 9, 2014

Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Aug. 5, approved a residential parking permit zone in the Overton Square area on a one-year trial basis. The trial program is a way of resolving parking problems that have come with the revitalization of the Overton Square area. Some homeowners have complained that they can’t park near their homes because of the side street traffic, specifically around Restaurant Iris and Second Line on Monroe Avenue.

37. Overton Square Parking Permit Trial Approved - Thursday, August 7, 2014

Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Aug. 5, approved a residential parking permit zone in the Overton Square area on a one-year trial basis. The trial program is a way of resolving parking problems that have come with the revitalization of the Overton Square area. Some homeowners have complained that they can’t park near their homes because of the side street traffic, specifically around Restaurant Iris and Second Line on Monroe Avenue.

38. Council Approves Graceland Plan, Moves on Sales Tax Hike Referendum - Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Memphis City Council members approved Tuesday, Aug. 5, a tourism development zone application for the 120-acre Graceland campus and the master plan the zone would finance that includes a 450-room resort hotel and an archive exhibition space.

39. Light and Dark - Friday, July 4, 2014

WHEN STORIES ARE TOLD IN THE DARK, LEAVE A LIGHT ON. As I watch what leads the local TV news – basically a visual evening recap of whatever that day’s monitoring of police scanners and chasing sirens can produce – and what passes for TV reporting – basically an evening twist to whatever might be salacious or sensational in that morning’s paper – I wonder if all of our better angels have left town.

40. Autobahn Garage Owner Looks to Sell - Friday, June 6, 2014

It was 1975 when Brian Ragghianti moved into the automobile service center shop at 2218 Central Ave., better known as the Autobahn Garage.

41. Overton Square Parking Gets Latest Solution - Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Work on a pair of pedestrian crosswalks across Cooper Street at Monroe Avenue in the next two months could be the beginning of remedying traffic problems in Overton Square.

The crosswalks are the first crucial part in the plan that so far includes permits for residential parking on Monroe and some reserved parking in the Overton Square garage specifically for businesses in the area.

42. I Choose Memphis: Micah Brafford - Monday, March 17, 2014

“I Choose Memphis” spotlights Memphians who are passionate about calling this community home. New Memphis Institute provides the profiles.

Name: Micah Brafford

Job Title and Company: Vice President of Commercial Banking, Independent Bank

43. Orangetheory Fitness Signs New Lease In Stonecreek - Friday, December 27, 2013

Orangetheory Fitness has signed a lease at Stonecreek Centre at Poplar Avenue and Forest Hill-Irene Road in Germantown.

Orangetheory Fitness will occupy 3,167 square feet at the location. Orangetheory Fitness is a workout method that is broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training while using heart rate monitors to keep heart rates in a targeted zone to stimulate metabolism and increases energy.

44. Law School Draws Honors, High-Profile Speakers - Thursday, November 14, 2013

From a slew of high-profile guests who’ve come to speak over the past year, to a string of recent awards, to a U.S. Supreme Court justice’s visit next month, it could be argued the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is having a moment.

45. Inman Joins Next Day Access as Franchise Manager - Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Greg Inman has joined accessibilities solutions provider Next Day Access as franchise manager for the Memphis office, where he will supervise sales, marketing, service management and hiring. Next Day Access offers wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, bathroom safety products and other accessibility products for people with disabilities or accessibility challenges.

46. English Brings New Concept to Midtown - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Five years after opening one of the city’s most popular restaurants, Kelly English is preparing to open The Second Line, a more casual restaurant next door to his original eatery, Restaurant Iris.

47. ‘More the Merrier’ - Thursday, September 6, 2012

Following a shaky last few years for Overton Square, the area has finally seen tangible evidence of change in recent weeks and the area’s long-term tenants appear to be waiting in anticipation of its new neighbors.

48. Global Connections - Monday, May 7, 2012

Although the Memphis in May International Festival is widely known for its Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the festival’s focus on developing international economic trade and fostering Memphis companies’ global business relationships remains central to its mission.

49. Restaurateurs Remain Upbeat About 2012 - Monday, January 16, 2012

The good news is that in November, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index rose to its highest level in five months. The bad news – well, can there be any bad news if these indices hold true for 2012? Naturally the National Restaurant Association is bullish about the figures they have complied, but let’s do a little analysis.

50. Raviolo Remains Popular Choice at Restaurant Iris - Monday, October 24, 2011

Another entry in the occasional “Signature Dish” series.

Let’s settle one thing first. Kelly English, owner and chef of Restaurant Iris, is the brother of Todd English, but not the Todd English who’s a celebrated chef in New York and the owner of a string of famous restaurants. No, it just happens that Kelly English has a younger brother whose name happens to be Todd. “If you ask me if I’m Todd English’s brother and I say ‘yes,’ well, I’m not lying,” he said recently at the Midtown restaurant. “I’m just not saying which Todd English it is.”

51. Rise of Vegetarianism Means More Choices - Monday, May 30, 2011

According to a study commissioned in 2008 by Vegetarian Times, 3.2 percent of Americans – about 7.3 million people – follow a vegetarian-based diet. About 1 million of those people are vegan, meaning that they avoid eating not only animals but animal products. Another 10 percent, about 22.8 million, said that they “largely follow a vegetarian-inclined diet.”

52. Restaurant Iris Chef English Opens St. Louis Steakhouse - Thursday, May 19, 2011

Louisiana native chef Kelly English is bringing his unique culinary style to St. Louis with the development of the Kelly English Steakhouse at Harrah’s St. Louis Casino & Hotel.

53. Food Prices Pose Challenge to Chefs, Customers Alike - Monday, March 14, 2011

Here’s the bad news: According to a report issued late in January by the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices will increase 3 to 4 percent in 2011.

Here’s more bad news: The forecast “is moving to the higher point of that range,” says USDA senior economist Ephraim Leibtag.

54. Boggs, English Awarded at MRA Gulf Tribute Banquet - Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Members of the city’s restaurant industry gathered at the Hilton Sunday evening for the Memphis Restaurant Association’s 47th Annual Banquet, “A Tribute to the Gulf Coast.”

55. Colvett Named Greenscape President - Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Frank Colvett Jr. has been promoted to president of GreenScape Inc.

Colvett previously was executive vice president and corporate treasurer. He has been at GreenScape since 1992 and has served in various capacities including project manager, estimator and vice president of marketing.

56. Gutierrez Opens Up About Transition From Chez Philippe to Other Venues - Monday, December 28, 2009

Though Jose Gutierrez’ name is Spanish, his French accent could out-charm the great French music hall singer Maurice Chevalier.  

57. U of M’s Preza Receives $740K Award for Research - Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Dr. Chrysanthe Preza has received a more than $740,000 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award for her research to improve live cell imaging. Preza is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Memphis’ Herff College of Engineering.

58. Restaurant IrisOpens in Midtown - Wednesday, April 9, 2008
     One of the newest commercial additions to Midtown is a restaurant specializing in French-Creole cuisine that has opened in the space on Monroe Avenue formerly occupied by La Tourelle.
     T

59. Bethel Named New VP Of COMEC Board - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Greg Bethel has been named vice president of the board of directors of the Commission on Missing & Exploited Children (COMEC). Bethel is the director of human resources for the Jackson-Madison County School System in Jackson, Tenn. He's been on the board of directors for two years.

60. Archived Article: This Week - Monday, April 5, 2004
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn to speak at Hilton Hotel

Chamber Presents Frontline Politics Series

April 5

The Memphis-Shelby County Office of Planning and Development presents a Tennessee Department of Transportation long-range transportat...

61. Archived Article: Pottery - Monday, December 1, 1997
By SUZANNE THOMPSON Carpe Diem credo carries over to new pottery business By SUZANNE THOMPSON The Daily News Entrepreneur and art lover Kelly Allen has seized the day with her new business, Seize the Clay, and hopes the business will inspire her cus...

62. Archived Article: Standout Stark Nvs - Friday, July 5, 1996
bio bits Second career in law leads to awards, helping children By NATALIE VANTREASE STRODE The Daily News While most attorneys are settled in their practice by age 39, one local attorney was just getting started. After teaching for years in univers...