The Highland Strip will open soon for the university neighborhood. Three restaurants filled the vacancy that once was an empty lot.
Vacant lots and empty structures currently dot the Highland Strip. Buildings sit uninhabited and sidewalks have fallen into disrepair.
“They could put more stores aimed at college students and clean it up,†Katheryne Wilkerson, sophomore pre-nursing major, said.
The University of Memphis recently supported an application by the University Neighborhoods Development Corporation to utilize tax revenue for improvements to the Highland Strip.
Some of the vacant lots will soon be filled with new restaurants including a fast-casual burger joint, a bakery that delivers cookies until 3 a.m. and a new music venue.
“That might be pretty good,†Wilkerson said. “That would bring revenue and attract college students.â€
Some students think the new businesses will attract new people and sophomore education major Parker Payne said it will “diversify the area.â€
Here are some of the details coming to the strip.
Burgerim
The worldwide Israeli-based fast-casual burger restaurant specializes in mini-burgers and will open this fall at 569 S. Highland St.
“We’re finishing plans,†Juan Munoz, vice president of operations for Burgerim, said. “We plan to open within a couple of months, like around November or December.â€
Customers can buy a duo, trio or party box of small, 2.8-ounce hamburgers, and mix and match the flavors. Customers can get beef, chicken, turkey or lamb patties, among other choices. They can choose from regular toppings like onions and mushrooms as well as unusual toppings like pineapple and avocado. All burgers can be customized.
“In addition to a unique and flavorful experience, Burgerim’s designer restaurants have a modern and inviting decor, making it the perfect environment for any occasion, from date night to family outings to between-class lunch stops,†Loeb Properties, the company renovating the Highland Strip, said in a press release.
Munoz said Burgerim strives to create fine dining food and atmosphere at an affordable price. The restaurant will serve beer and wine. They will also deliver.
“All of our burgers are made to be transported,†Munoz said.
The restaurant also serves sandwiches, salads and desserts.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is listed on a building permit that was filed on Sept. 12 for 545 S. Highland St.
Founded in a college dorm room in 2003 at the University of Pennsylvania, Insomnia Cookies specializes in delivering cookies. Most of their locations offer deliveries until 3 a.m. daily. Customers can order anything from a single cookie to a box of 24 and they can order bulk orders of up to 300 cookies.
The only other location currently in Tennessee is in Knoxville.
The Bluff
A brand new restaurant and music venue called The Bluff will be coming to the Highland Strip. Construction started in April at 535 S. Highland St.
The space will include two downstairs bars and a large stage area where live music will be played. There will also be an outdoor patio with an additional bar. They will serve Cajun-inspired food.
