New Downtown Memphis Commission program helps small food service businesses grow

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) is taking a new approach to bring more businesses to Downtown Memphis.

The program is called Table Ready Program. It’s an an opportunity for local business owners to see if downtown is where they want to be.

The downtown commission has an event called Pop On Main but it’s more tailored for retail businesses. The group wanted to find a way to incorporate food and beverage businesses.

This is how the Table Ready Program came about.

It’s the first year for the program, so everything is still being tested out. The DMC is looking to rent out a space on the ground floor of the Van Vleet Flats Apartments on Gayoso Avenue and Second Street.

How it works: Interested business owners have to apply and you’re highly encouraged to have a business plan but it’s not required. If you’re selected, the DMC will cover the cost of rent and utilities for a year and all you will pay is a fee of about $500.

Brian Mykulyn, the program manager for the DMC, said the Ready Table Program is specifically for those in the food and beverage industry.

Now, the first round of applications have already closed but Mykulyn still encourages you to apply. As more spaces become available, he said they will pull from that pool of applicants.

For more information on the program and to apply, visit here.