U of M graduate opens taco shop near campus

“Tom Lee Pork,†“It’s Hard out Here for a Shrimp,†“Peach, Please†and “Suit and Tie†are just some of the quirky titles for tacos and drinks found at new Poplar restaurant Tennessee Taco Company.

After purchasing the property in July, the shop opened the doors to its first location on Monday.

Located less than a mile-and-a-half from the University of Memphis campus, employees of the Tennessee Taco Company anticipate for college students to drop in frequently. 

“The style of food and the prices really reach out to the college crowd,†owner Ben McLean said. “It’s a fast-paced environment, so you can stop by here at lunch or in between classes, get a couple tacos and get back.â€Â 

McLean said the atmosphere is “invitingâ€. The main wall in the dining area displays a large, vivid-colored mural, hand-painted in 23 days by three Memphis College of Art students. 

“The décor is hip and younger too,†McLean said. “We like to use from the community and give back to the community.â€Â 

There is not a college discount in place now, but McLean said that will change once things “settle down.â€

“We are going to put a discount in for University of Memphis students,†McLean said. “We know [college students] are on a budget.â€

McLean said his personal philosophy is ‘â€we create smiles.â€Â 

“We do it through food and drink and good service,†McLean said. “Everywhere needs that, so wherever we can provide that, we will.â€Â 

The shop is also hiring.

“I’ll find a spot for a good person,†McLean said. “I’m only as good as the people who work for me. We are always looking for great additions to our team—[people] that want to create smiles in Memphis.â€

McLean has been in the restaurant business in Memphis for 22 years. After leaving the University of Tennessee, McLean finished his political science degree at the U of M. While attending the university, he started a job at Huey’s under manager and partner Thomas Boggs—who became McLean’s inspiration for going into the restaurant industry. 

“I just loved watching his day-to-day interaction with his employees and customers and I was like, ‘I want to do that when I grow up,’†McLean said.

After 11 years at Huey’s, McLean became manager of Soul Fish Café. He is currently the owner of Belly Acres and Tennessee Taco Company. Close friend Rob Ray works as a chef of both. 

He is also working on two other projects, which McLean plans to have open by the end of the year.

McLean also played a role in the development of Alchemy, Wild Beet Salad Company, and Front Street Deli—which won Memphis Most 2017 Best Deli. 

“I get to do what I love,†McLean said.