Michael Donahue
Daniel Masters and Jeremy Thacker-Rhodes, two owners of the new Pontotoc restaurant/jazz bar.
“Pontotoc” – an upscale restaurant and jazz bar – is slated to open next week in the old “Cafe Pontotoc” location at 314 South Main, said Jeremy Thacker-Rhodes, owner with Matthew Thacker-Rhodes and Silly Goose owner Daniel Masters.
The place has “the coolest vibe – almost like a New York vibe instead of a Memphis vibe,” said Jeremy, who, along with Matthew and Dara Vongphrachanh are the owners of Baron’s Man Cave in Germantown.
Pontotoc will be open for dinner, but soon will offer breakfast, lunch and brunch as well.
Chris Eure will be executive chef. “It’s going to be tapas style, but have kind of an elegant Southern twist,” Jeremy said.
As for the music, he said, “We’re going to be playing old jazz. Nothing older than 1950. On weekends, we’re looking at live musicians playing.”
Asked what he liked about the idea of opening the venue, Jeremy said, “I felt like it was a concept that was unique to Memphis and Downtown Memphis. And kind of adding a touch of variety to the Downtown vibe. And creating a different atmosphere unique to Downtown.”
He’s excited about “Pontotoc.” “It’s the coolest concept. I think it’s going to do really well Downtown.”