Just a couple of months after entering the Memphis market in Midtown at Overton Square, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is preparing a new East Memphis location with ground-up construction at the site of a former Sears Automotive Center. The property and the adjoining Sears at the corner of Poplar and Perkins Road were demolished in 2017 to make way for a Nordstrom Rack-anchored retail development.
Hopdoddy’s menu features a variety of the fresh, all-natural proteins like Angus beef, Akaushi beef, chicken and sushi-grade tuna served on baked-from-scratch buns. The restaurant also touts hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads, and handcrafted milkshakes, as well as local craft beers and a full bar with regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices.
High Ground met with Hopdoddy Brand Manager Erin Fohn to learn about the upcoming expansion.
High Ground News: What makes the location in East Memphis attractive for Hopdoddy?
Fohn: We asked our guests where we should go next and we listened. Poplar and Perkins looks like a lively place to be, and we look forward to sharing our burgers and sips with the community.
HGN: Do you have details about the actual construction? Is there a local general contractor handling the work?
Fohn: We’re looking forward to opening very soon. We’ve been working with a few local sub-contractors such as MTE Contracting, and our team has been very pleased with their hard work.
HGN: Are there plans yet for more locations around the area?
Not yet, but we’d love to find another location.
HGN: Can you comment on the success of the Midtown location?
Fohn: We opened the Overton Square location on April 2 and have been overwhelmed by the love and support from the community and neighborhood. We’re happy that everyone loves craft beers and burgers as much as we do!
HGN: What makes the Hopdoddy concept successful, and what are some of your most popular items?
Fohn: Hopdoddy Burger Bar always welcomes guests with positive energy and a lively atmosphere. The concept is simple – Hopdoddy provides made-from-scratch burgers that are sourced from the best ingredients available and put between two freshly baked buns. Plus, all meats are ground in-house daily.
The most popular items on the menu include the Primetime Burger made with an American grass-fed Kobe beef patty, brie, arugula, caramelized onions, truffle aioli and HD steak sauce, the Goodnight Burger which donates $1 to the Soulsville Foundation/STAX Academy, and, of course, The Classic.
HGN: How many Hopdoddy locations are there and how many more are currently planned?
Fohn: There are 24 Hopdoddy locations on both sides of the Mississippi and four more locations in the works this year.
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