A long-standing and beloved Memphis institution is continuing its legacy with a brand-new location. Dixie Queen, celebrated for its hearty portions of made-to-order comfort food, is setting up shop in a converted Poplar Avenue storefront-and it’s nearly ready to serve guests.
Dixie Queen is making its newest Memphis home in the 844 Poplar Avenue storefront that previously housed Checkers. A commercial alteration permit filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development shows that the storefront will give the restaurant 900 square feet in which to greet and serve customers.
Family-owned Dixie Queen has been delighting Memphis diners since the first location opened in 1949. Owner Joe Raffanti was kind enough to speak with What Now Memphis about bringing the family business to a new neighborhood. He explains: “We really liked the fact that it’s next to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. We have some plans for the kids as we get open.” Dixie Queen’s heritage and history is tied to Memphis, and Raffanti and his team are excited to still find new horizons to explore. “Memphis is our home-Memphis has been great to Dixie Queen.” he says, adding: “We’ve been around for 77 years and we’ve never had a location in the heart of downtown.”…