Crosstown High Prepares New Space

Crosstown High, a charter school slated to occupy the northeast side of Crosstown Concourse, has filed a $4.1 million building permit application with construction code officials to begin interior build-out at its 1365 Tower Ave. location.

Slated to open next August, Crosstown High tapped Grinder, Taber & Grinder Inc. to handle the construction.

Beginning with a class of 500 freshmen and adding grades in subsequent years, the charter school will offer a unique approach to education in Tennessee.

In addition to classes taught by teams of teachers, students will participate in a 90-minute “project period” that involves partnering with other Crosstown Concourse tenants including Methodist Healthcare, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and several retail businesses for class projects.

– Patrick Lantrip

Redbirds’ Clapp Chosen PCL Manager of the Year

Memphis Redbirds manager Stubby Clapp has been named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year as voted by league managers, media representatives and team officials, the league office has announced.

He becomes the first Redbirds’ skipper to earn the honor in the franchise’s 20th season in the PCL.

In his first year as manager, Clapp has led the Redbirds to their best season in franchise history and first division championship since 2014, which was clinched with 21 games to play in the regular season.

During the course of the season, 57 different players have joined the roster and 18 have also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, including 11 on the current big-league roster.

The 2017 Redbirds set the franchise record for wins in a season, eclipsing the 2000 team’s 83 wins with their 84th victory on Aug. 13 at Nashville. It is on pace to become the first PCL team to win their division by 20.0 or more games since 1981.

Clapp and the Redbirds won a franchise-record 11 straight games from April 28 to May 8.

Memphis currently has its best ERA, its best fielding percentage, and its third-best batting average in team history.

Clapp was named the Redbirds’ seventh manager on Nov. 30. His history in Memphis dates back to the early days of the Redbirds, as he played from 1999-2002 and still holds the franchise’s career records for triples (19) and walks (222). He ranks second in runs scored (258) and third in games played (425), doubles (87), extra-base hits (128) and total hits (418).

He was a member of the Redbirds’ first PCL championship team in 2000, when he hit three home runs and drove in 11 runs with a .404 on-base percentage during the playoffs. Clapp also recorded the first hit in AutoZone Park history earlier that season, with a single to center field.

Clapp and the division-champion Redbirds finish the regular season with games against Iowa Wednesday and Thursday at AutoZone Park and four games at Colorado Springs Friday through Monday.

The playoffs begin at AutoZone Park on Wednesday, Sept. 6 and continue on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Playoff tickets can be purchased at www.memphisredbirds.com/playoffs, over the phone at 901-721-6000, and at the AutoZone Park box office.

– Don Wade

Bartlett Retail Portfolio Sells for $2.3 Million

A six-building retail portfolio in Bartlett has switched hands for $2.3 million.

In the deal, Kam Investments purchased the buildings, which total 34,000 square feet and are located in the 5800 block of Stage Road near the intersection of Stage and Bartlett Boulevard.

Brian Califf, executive vice president with NAI Saig Co., represented the seller, Southbay Properties LLC in the transaction.

At the time of sale, all of the buildings were 100 percent occupied. Nationwide Insurance, Southern Crossing, Baskin-Robbins and rEvolve Guitar are among the retail tenants.

– Patrick Lantrip

Loeb Inks Pet Parlor To Farmington Center

Loeb Properties Inc. has added Pawsh Pet Parlor as a tenant in the Farmington Center at 1982 Exeter Road in Germantown.

Pawsh Pet Parlor is taking 1,200 square feet. Loeb Properties was represented by Aaron Petree in the deal.

Owner Allyson Frisch started the pet care career at age 18, motivated by a lifelong love of animals and their care. Opening Pawsh is the culmination of the Germantown native’s professional vision.

With more than a decade of experience in pet grooming and an experienced staff, Pawsh Pet Parlor provides full service pet grooming and a menu of spa treatments, including pet tooth brushing, nail trimming and grinding, flea and tick shampoos, and a de-shedding package. Pampered pets can also enjoy a Blueberry Facial or Dead Sea Mineral Mud Bath to exfoliate and deep condition skin.

– Daily News staff

Memphis Video Company Expands U.S. Footprint

Memphis-based video production company VIA Productions has opened a new office in Portland, Oregon, its third location in the U.S.

VIA executive producer Nathan Babian will manage the Portland office. He joined VIA in 2015 to manage its Los Angeles office when it opened, and he will continue overseeing post-production operations, primarily for commercial projects.

Sarah Verstrat is VIA’s first new hire in the Portland office. She joined in July as a client services manager. Verstrat previously served as senior associate producer for FOX Sports, where she was responsible for coordinating on-air promotions.

VIA plans to expand the Portland staff with post-production and quality-control professionals over the coming year.

Founded in 2007, VIA specializes in commercial advertisements and feature films.

– Andy Meek

Cooper-Young Invitational For Artists Set for Sept. 14

The 2017 Cooper-Young Festival presented by Evolve Bank & Trust will be showcasing more than 25 local artisans at this year’s Art Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Art Invitational will be hosted by CoWork Memphis, at 902 S. Cooper St.

The annual event celebrates artists who live and work in Cooper-Young, and the free event allows them to showcase their work in a gallery setting.

This year’s invitational will feature artists including Colleen Couch-Smith, Karen Golightly, Darla Linerode-Henson, Jay Etkin, Cheryl Bledsoe, John Browning, Sam Griffin and Kathleen Carey.

The 2017 Cooper-Young Festival poster artist, Rahn Marion, will also have featured artwork, as well as the original poster art that will be sold during a silent auction. There will be complimentary wine and beer bars, refreshments and live music by the Sidestreet Steppers.

– Andy Meek

Paul Mitchell School Coming to Poplar Plaza

Though the area around Poplar and Highland avenues is usually associated with the University of Memphis, a new, albeit very different, school is coming soon.

Paul Mitchell Schools filed a $1 million building permit application with construction officials to move into the Poplar Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of Poplar and Highland.

The permit application lists “alterations to an existing space for a new tenant,” for 3486 Poplar Ave.

Finard Poplar Realty Ltd. Partnership is listed as the owner of the property on the permit, while Traditional Construction Co. is listed as the contractor.

– Patrick Lantrip

Williams-Sonoma Hiring 2,000 Seasonal Employees

In preparation for an influx of seasonal orders, Williams-Sonoma Inc. announced will hire 2,000 seasonal employees to work from September to December.

The seasonal work will supplement the company’s permanent workforce at its three Memphis-area distribution facilities.

Available positions include managers, merchandise processors, supervisors and forklift operators. Positions will be divided into three shifts a day, seven days a week.

Two hiring events with on-site interviews and drug tests will be offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7755 Polk Lane in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Interested parties can also apply online at www.wsapplymemphis.com or in person at the Polk Lane facility Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Patrick Lantrip

Exposure on 901 Day To Proceed as Planned

Exposure on 901 Day, New Memphis Institute’s celebration of all things Memphis on the city’s unofficial holiday – 9/01 – will go on as planned Friday, Sept. 1.

Held again this year at AutoZone Park, Exposure will feature the second annual local celebrity kickball game, local entertainment and performance artists, and 150 local organizations hosting interactive opportunities for community engagement.

The American Red Cross – Mid-South is partnering with New Memphis and will be present at Exposure to guide people in how they can best help those in Houston, Texas, who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Exposure is free and runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. New Memphis is asking attendees to RSVP on the event website, exposurememphis.com, where the group also will be posting updates.

– Daily News staff

FedEx Commits $1M For Hurricane Harvey Relief

FedEx Corp. is donating $1 million in cash and transportation support that will be used to deliver medical aid and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Memphis-based shipping giant announced Tuesday, Aug. 29, that it will provide the disaster relief efforts via humanitarian partnerships with the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, Heart to Heart International, Salvation Army and Team Rubicon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of people affected by this unprecedented storm,” David J. Bronczek, president and chief operating officer of FedEx Corp said in a release. “FedEx will continue to work closely with humanitarian and disaster relief organizations to provide support and deliver supplies to assist those hardest hit by the storm.”

The humanitarian partnerships are connected to the FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which the company uses its shipping and logistics infrastructure to link various organizations, communities and individuals with resources in times of need.

– Patrick Lantrip

Music & Heritage Festival Returns for 31st Year

The Center for Southern Folklore is gearing up for the 31st annual Memphis Music & Heritage Festival, which will transform two blocks of Main Street into a celebration of music, arts, dance and a variety of food.

The festival – scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – features four outdoor stages; two stages inside the Center for Southern Folklore, 119 and 123 S. Main St.; and numerous vendors on Main Street between Peabody Place and Union Avenue.

More than 100 performers, dancers, craftspeople and cooks are taking part in this year’s event.

In conjunction with the festival, Center for Southern Folklore co-founder and executive producer Judy Peiser will receive a Beale Street Brass Note on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Silky O’Sullivans, 183 Beale St. The purpose of The Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame is to offer a tangible embodiment of the many talented people who have put Memphis music and Beale Street on the world map.

Peiser said the festival celebrates what makes the Delta region special.

“We began in 1982 with our first festival on Mud Island,” she said. “That first festival and all those that have followed over the year reaffirms the abundance of musical talent and this region’s love of music. And whether it’s blues, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz or Latin sounds, this festival celebrates our musical roots in a special way.”

For more information about the center and the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival, visit southernfolklore.com.

– Daily News staff

SCS Board Opposes Frayser Dump Expansion

As another attempt at a construction landfill in Frayser bordering Whitney Achievement Elementary School drew vocal opposition at a community meeting Tuesday, Aug. 29, Shelby County Schools board members also came out against the Memphis Wrecking Co. project.

On an 8-0 vote, the school board approved a resolution by board member Stephanie Love that opposes the expansion of an existing landfill on Thomas Street south of Whitney Avenue.

The school and proposed dump expansion site are in Love’s district.

The resolution cites past unsuccessful attempts to expand the landfill and the expansion’s distance of “within 300 yards” of the elementary school, which is part of the state-run Achievement School District.

The school board also voted to delay the planned release of student data to charter schools ordered by state education officials after learning that Metro Nashville Schools leaders have decided their school system will not turn over the same student data to charter school operators and challenge a state law on sharing student data.

The student data is a way for the charters to recruit students from existing conventional schools.

Some school board members say they often hear from confused parents who may believe their children have been reassigned to the charters. Parents can opt out of having their child’s name and other information released to the charter organizations.

The resolution by school board chairman Chris Caldwell, which also passed on an 8-0 vote, says the school system “will resist the release of student information.” It also states Shelby County Schools will file an amicus brief supporting the Nashville schools decision if the matter should go to court.

Hopson has also resisted the sharing of student data with Memphis Lift, a group allied with charter schools and the Achievement School District, saying parents had complained about how Memphis Lift approached them with personal data about their children. Memphis Lift leaders denied any wrongdoing in approaching parents about the choices they have in where their children attend school.

Hopson said Tuesday his staff will continue to tell parents they can opt out of having their child’s information shared and “in the meantime we will not release the information.”

– Bill Dries

Memphis Business Academy Pulls $5M Permit in Frayser

The Memphis Business Academy is moving forward with its plans to open a fifth center in Memphis with a $4.9 million building permit application recently filed with construction code officials.

The permit will be put toward renovations to MBA’s new facility located at 2180 Frayser Blvd., near the intersection of Overton Crossing Street.

Earlier this month, MBA purchased the site, known as the Frayser Plaza Shopping Center, from Tenalok Partners Ltd. for $3.5 million.

Currently the MBA operates four educational facilities in Memphis: an elementary school at 1082 Berclair Road, a middle and high school at 3306 Overton Crossing, and a STEM academy at 2450 Frasyer Blvd.

– Patrick Lantrip

Cordova Assisted Living Facility Sells for $6 Million

Brookdale Cordova, a 44,000-square-foot assisted living facility at 1535 Appling Care Lane, has sold for $6 million.

California-based TPG Realty, doing business as Cordova BG Propco LLC, purchased the 4.5-acre property from HCP SH ELP2 Properties. Built in 1997, the Class B property was appraised for $3.6 million by the Shelby County Assessor this year.

Brookdale is the largest provider of senior care options in the U.S., according to its website. In addition to the Cordova facility, it currently operates more than 1,000 communities in 47 states.

– Patrick Lantrip

New Class of Police Recruits Begin Training

A new group of 76 Memphis Police recruits began training Monday, Aug. 28, at the police training academy, with a group of 24 more recruits, including police service technicians, joining the class in October.

The PSTs are civilians who work traffic accidents with no injuries or direct traffic as they get experience toward becoming police officers.

Graduation for the recruit class that began Monday is scheduled for Jan. 12.

Based on past classes and long practice, all 100 will not graduate.

The 85 police officers who graduated earlier this month were the largest class of commissioned police officers in a decade, according to the city administration. Those 85 graduates were from a class that began with 108 recruits or candidates.

The 85 graduates brings the police complement up to 1,989 commissioned officers. The city’s goal is 2,300 police officers in the ranks by 2020. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has said his goal for this year is a net gain in police ranks for the first time in seven years, taking into account officers who retire or leave the job.

– Bill Dries

ThyssenKrupp Signs Southeast Memphis Lease

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, Inc. has signed lease to occupy 80,000 square feet in the Raines Distribution Center in Southeast Memphis.

Hank Martin and Brian Califf with NAI Saig Co. represented the landlord, Raines Road Title Holder LP, in the deal.

Located at 5547 E. Raines Road, the Raines Distribution Center was built in 1980 and has 658,820 square feet of space spread out over 30 acres.

ThyssenKrupp is a distributor of production materials and provider of integrated service solutions with more than 2,900 employees and annual sales of $2.5 billion.

– Patrick Lantrip

Salon Nail Bar Inks 10-Year Lease in East Memphis

Upscale salon Nail Bar has signed a 10-year lease to occupy the former Seabrook Wallcovering building purchased by Loeb Properties at 601 S. Mendenhall Road.

Bill Caller with Crye-Leike Commercial represented the tenant while Aaron Petree of Loeb Properties represented the landlord.

The salon is scheduled to open in early 2018 and will occupy about 4,100 square feet of the 7,616-square-foot building. Currently, the property is being renovated for retail use, and the tenant will take possession as soon as the scheduled renovations are complete.

– Patrick Lantrip

Pinnacle Named Among Best Banks to Work For

Pinnacle Financial Partners is one of the nation’s Best Banks to Work For, ranking No. 6 on the annual list compiled by American Banker magazine and Best Companies Group. It is the firm’s fifth appearance on the list.

As the 50th largest bank in the country by assets, Pinnacle is by far the largest of the top 25 banks on the list. The nearest comparable bank has less than a third of the number of employees and nearly a fifth of the assets.

Pinnacle’s inclusion on the 2017 list comes in the midst of a major integration following the acquisition of BNC Bancorp based in the North Carolina.

“Culture is what we focus on every day, and it’s absolutely key to a successful merger,” said Terry Turner, Pinnacle’s president and CEO, in a statement. “It allows us to deliver a community bank level of service to our clients in every market no matter how much we grow.”

To be eligible for the Best Banks to Work For list, firms must have at least 50 employees working in the United States and be a commercial bank, thrift, mutual associate, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association or a savings bank.

Selection is a two-step process. First, participating banks are evaluated on their workplace practices, policies and demographics. This evaluation is worth about 25 percent of the final score. Second, employees are surveyed to assess their experiences in and attitudes about the workplace. This is worth the remaining 75 percent of the final score. Combined scores determine the final ranking.

In previous years, Pinnacle has ranked No. 1 for its category (in 2013), No. 2 overall (in 2014), No. 3 (in 2015) and No. 6 (in 2016) on the list.

The firm began operations in a single location in downtown Nashville in October 2000 and has since grown to approximately $20.9 billion in assets as of June 30.

As the second-largest bank holding company headquartered in Tennessee, Pinnacle operates in 11 primarily urban markets in Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia.

– Daily News staff

Marketing Firm Prepares For New Downtown HQ

Oden & Associates Inc., a locally owned marketing firm, has filed a pair of permits totaling $3.6 million to renovate its future headquarters at 158 Vance Ave. in Downtown Memphis.

Both permits call for renovations to convert the former Capital Pictures building into offices and list Montgomery Martin as the contractor.

In April, the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. approved an eight-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes incentive for Oden & Associates to turn the vacant 77-year-old warehouse two blocks from FedExForum into its headquarters.

According to its PILOT application, the redevelopment will activate a 50,000-square-foot site at a prominent intersection on the border of the South Main Historic Arts District and the South City neighborhood.

Since the site is comprised of two adjacent parcels, the adjoining warehouse at Vance Avenue and B.B. King Boulevard will be adapted into an employee parking garage with 32 spaces.

The main building also will include 17,250 square feet of leasable space, and a front-facing loading dock will be remade into a landscaped courtyard facing Vance.

– Patrick Lantrip

Hopdoddy Construction Nearing Completion

Hopdoddy, an Austin, Texas-based burger bar, has filed a $700,000 building permit application with construction code officials for tenant improvements at its new location in Overton Square.

In March, property owners Loeb Properties Inc. announced the new restaurant would move into an expanded 3,500-square-foot site at 6 S. Cooper St. that previously was occupied by YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, with a tentative opening date this fall.

Founded in 2010, the popular burger chain primarily operates out of Texas, Arizona, California and Colorado. Memphis will be the restaurant’s first location east of the Mississippi River.

– Patrick Lantrip

Redbirds’ Patrick Wisdom Named to All-PCL Team

Memphis Redbirds third baseman Patrick Wisdom has been named to the All-Pacific Coast League Team as voted by league managers and media representatives, the league office announced.

Through games of Sunday, Aug. 27, Wisdom had set career highs with 29 home runs and 84 RBI. Those totals led all St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, and the 29 homers were tied for fourth-most in the PCL this season with the 84 RBI sixth-most in the league.

On the season, Wisdom had 30 multi-hit games and 27 multi-RBI games.

With one more home run, Wisdom would become the seventh Redbird to hit 30 in a season and first since Josh Phelps in 2008. His 2017 season comes after missing 53 games last year due to injury.

– Don Wade

Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck Unveils New Branding

Memphis accounting firm Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck PLC is refreshing its brand, website and office design shortly after celebrating its 100th year in business.

The re-branding project includes a new logo; a streamlined, user-friendly website; and updates to business and recruitment collateral. An office renovation is still in the works, but it will be consistent with the new brand, according to the firm.

RBG touts its involvement with rising stars in the accounting world, and it helps groom students interested in the field through its involvement with the University of Memphis and the Accounting Careers of Tomorrow program. Additionally, RBG has a regular presence on local and regional campuses, including Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. Creating an identity that better connects with these key recruits is one strategy behind the rebrand.

Another strategy is to better communicate RBG’s approachable expertise and the firm’s style, which it describes as “professional but not stuffy.” RBG seeks to create lasting relationships with clients, offer sound business strategies and become a trusted partner, and the new branding reinforces that message.

RBG specializes in accounting and auditing, taxes and consulting for financial institutions, manufacturers and distributors, not-for-profit entities, auto dealerships and employee benefit plans. For more information, visit rbgcpa.com.

– Daily News staff

‘Light It Gold’ Plans in Place For Childhood Cancer

The Chris Hope Foundation plans to flood the city of Memphis with a sea of gold in September in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The foundation, along with families affected by childhood cancer, city of Memphis officials and the community will gather Saturday, Sept. 2, at Tiger Lane for the Light It Gold Memphis kickoff. The evening of awareness, games, entertainment, food and more takes place under the glow of the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, which will be lit up in gold for the occasion.

Guest speakers will briefly discuss the seriousness of the disease and how it impacts children and their families. Afterward, a variety of activities for all ages will be available, including bouncers, a game truck, live entertainment and food trucks.

The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

An estimated 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide each year, according to the American Childhood Organization’s 2016 report. Nearly 16,000 of those are diagnosed in the United States, but only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget goes to childhood cancer research.

In an effort to enhance awareness, the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis International Airport, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, the Hard Rock Café and the Crowne Plaza Hotel will change their exterior colors to gold. Other businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate as well.

– Daily News staff

Stax Museum Plans Anniversary Events

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is planning to host a slate of concerts and education programs this fall to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Stax Records.

The museum will host three concerts that highlight the post-1968 catalog of Stax Records. On Sept. 21, Memphis’ Booker T. & the MGs tribute band, The MDs, will cover the entire “McLemore Avenue” album, which is patterned after the Beatles’ masterpiece “Abbey Road.”

On Oct. 3, the Stax Music Academy will pay tribute to retiring Bar-Kays front man Larry Dodson and founding bassist James Alexander, while on Oct. 12, Hope Clayburn and Soul Scrimmage will hit the stage with Joyce Cobb to highlight the early ’70s era of funk and soul.

Both shows will begin at 7 p.m. with an artist conversation and brief audience Q&A, and all three concerts are free and open to the public.

Also in October, the Stax Museum will host music writer and critic Stanley Booth for a lecture and discussion on tthe Stax legacy. Additional fall programs include a concert with punk legend Jon Langford and his new band, Four Lost Souls, on Oct. 16. The Stax Museum’s Soul Cinema series returns in November with free showings of “Superfly” Nov. 6 and “Cooley High” Nov. 13. The concert and movies are free and will begin at 7 p.m.

– Andy Meek

U of M Inks Partnership With Volunteer Odyssey

The University of Memphis has entered into an official partnership with Volunteer Odyssey as the U of M’s official service partner. The partnership will give the university the ability to provide vetted service opportunities to students that contribute to community needs.

In February, Sarah Petschonek, a four-time U of M alum and founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, unveiled a citywide volunteer engagement platform called VolunteerCompass. The platform is a comprehensive volunteer management system that houses information for individuals, nonprofits and businesses to mobilize and match volunteers with Memphis organizations and track volunteer data in real time.

“Through targeted volunteering, we can better equip our nonprofits to tackle social issues while also enriching the lives of the university’s students,” Petschonek said in a release.

VolunteerCompass provides an easy way for students, student organizations and campus partners to find volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests, and for nonprofits to recruit student volunteers. In addition, students can instantly reflect on their experience while keeping a verified record of their service experience.

– Don Wade

Memphis Redbirds’ Playoff Tickets on Sale

Single-game tickets for the Memphis Redbirds’ playoff games at AutoZone Park are now on sale starting at $9, and fans can also purchase specialty tickets that include a favorite promotional item or an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The first round of the playoffs will be played at AutoZone Park on Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. If the Redbirds win, they would host championship round games on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and Wednesday, Sept. 13. The first 5,000 fans at the first-round games will receive a new-logo Redbirds hat, and there will be $2 beers throughout the playoffs. All games start at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m.

For the first round games on the 6th and 7th, fans can purchase a $20 Dugout specialty ticket that includes one of eight fan-favorite promotional items (chosen at the time of purchase and picked up on the day of the game):

• Retro Stubby Clapp Bobblehead

• St. Louis Cardinals Final Out Dual Bobblehead

• Stephen Piscotty Bobblehead

• 2006 Cardinals World Series Trophy

• 1946 Cardinals World Series Ring

• Stubby Clapp Half-and-Half Replica Jersey

• Redbirds New-Logo Performance T-Shirt

• Redbirds Record Sleeve

For all four potential home playoff games, fans can purchase a $17 Field Box, $20 Dugout, or $24 Club Level specialty ticket that includes access to an all-you-can-eat buffet running from when gates open at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. (The price of the all-you-can-eat buffet rises by $4 on the day of the game.)

Playoff tickets can be purchased at memphisredbirds.com/playoffs, over the phone at 901-721-6000, and at the AutoZone Park Box Office.

For games that may not be played (Sept. 12 and Sept. 13), fans will be able to use their ticket as a voucher for any 2018 regular-season game, excluding fireworks nights. Refunds for unplayed games will be given upon request. All refund requests must be made in-person at the AutoZone Park Box Office by 6 p.m. on Sept. 29. Fans must provide their original ticket at the time of refund.

– Don Wade

First Tennessee Releases 2017 Restaurant Review

First Tennessee Bank now has a unit within its franchise finance division focused exclusively on restaurant financing. That gives it a window into the restaurant business, which informs the Franchise Finance 2017 Restaurant Review, which the bank published in recent days.

Among its findings: The nation’s top 100 restaurant chains accounted for nearly half of total restaurant sales last year, and quick-service restaurants continued to steal market share from full-service restaurants. Consumer spending also increased for the seventh consecutive year.

Of those top 100 chains, nearly 80 percent were franchised, and seven chains were completely franchised systems. Sandwiches represents one of the largest segments, with 30 of those chains representing more than $110 billion.

According to Todd Jones, managing director and group head of franchise finance at First Tennessee, fast-casual restaurants have led market share growth since 2007. And leading the way in system-wide sales and average unit volume, he continued, were chicken and snack chains, “which have exploded in popularity and in 2016 outpaced all other segments.”

– Andy Meek

Developer Eyes Former Sports Authority Site

A $1.2 million building permit application has been filed for the former Sports Authority located at 5895 Poplar Ave. in East Memphis’ Ridgeway Commons shopping center.

The permit for façade and interior renovations does not list a tenant, but Weingarten Realty is listed as the owner, while Metro Construction is listed as the contractor.

Calls to Weingarten for more information were not returned by press time.

Last month, Houston-based Weingarten sold the Bartlett Towne Centre, located at 6005 Stage Road, to Branch Properties LLC for $28.8 million.

Sports Authority filed for bankruptcy in March 2016 and announced it would close all of its locations by that August.

The 16-acre shopping center, which is anchored by a Target, was appraised for $24.6 million by the Shelby County Assessor this year.

– Patrick Lantrip