Downtown Cuisine Heats Up

Memphis, Tn - And even in this down economy, the Center City Commission is reporting a net gain in new business over the last year.

The very first authentic Cuban restaurant has been open for a few months. It opened in Rumba Room, downtown's first salsa club.

"We opened in a recession, when it was the worst and people came out and supported us and we were able to survive," says Edgar Mendez, owner of Rumba Room.

Rumba Room is not only surviving, but thriving says Mendez.

It's the only place in Memphis to salsa dance and get authentic dishes such as arroz con pollo. And now, Mendez will open a second restaurant next door. The upscale counterpart is still in planning stages.

"More of a martini lounge, more variety of drinks and different types of food," says Mendez.

Also on the south end, S.O.B ., a gastro pub opened a few months ago. And the New Orleans themed Beneigh Cafe opened over the summer. Soon, a Lenny's Sub Shop will open in Peabody Place.

Farther north, night club Rehab opened over the holidays. Also new are Flight on Main and Local, another gastro pub. Opening this summer is Aldo's Pizza Pies.

"There's no pizza downtown so it just seemed like a great idea for the neighborhood," says Also DeMartino.

DeMartino saw great success with Bar Dog Tavern , and decided to expand to pizza. The New York style restaurant will seat 80 with an outdoor patio and pool tables. It will offer delivery, pizza by the slice and beer and wine.

DeMartino says now is the time to invest in downtown.

"There's a lot of people living downtown and every year more people are moving here," says DeMartino. "Downtown is the burgeoning section of Memphis, I think."

The Center City Commission is working to keep downtown growing. President Jeff Sanford is impressed by the growth during the recession, and the C.C.C. continues to offer grants and incentives to attract more business.

"We've got a net gain of about eleven new restaurants over the last 12 months and maybe 20 or so new businesses overall during what has to be describes as a very difficult time," says Sanford.

From New York style pizza to Cuban cuisine, there's more than BBQ downtown.

"If you really want to have a good time, you've got to come downtown," says Mendez.

To check out all the great places to eat in Downtown Memphis just click the link .