Memphis Welcomes Its First Cannabis-Themed Bar!
Memphis, Tenn. is about to get a little greener in the culinary scene! The city is buzzing with excitement as Buds & Brews is set to open its doors this Friday on Broad Avenue. Located at 2519 Broad Avenue, right at the corner with Merton, this unique spot is poised to become Memphis’ first cannabis-themed bar. With a menu filled with delicious options, it sounds like the perfect place for a fun night out with friends!
Delicious Munchables and Drinks to Savor
Imagine biting into blast-off brownies or chomping down on some nugged-out nachos—that’s just the beginning of what Buds & Brews has to offer! The owner, Michael Solomon, believes in providing an experience just like a margarita-themed restaurant. “If Jimmy Buffet can have a margarita-themed restaurant, then we can have a cannabis-themed restaurant,” Solomon cheerfully stated. The menu features upscale bar food paired with THC-infused sauces and drinks, giving guests a super fun culinary adventure.
Curious About the Legality?
One question on many minds is—Is this even legal in Tennessee? The answer is a resounding yes, but there’s a twist! The 2018 Farm Bill made room for the sale of hemp-derived THCA, which turns into THC when heated, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC in total. At Buds & Brews, you only get the extra buzz if you ask for it! According to Solomon, “Everything is premade, so you don’t have to add the THC. There’s no loose THC in this restaurant; everything with THC is infused offsite.” Customers can enhance their meal with common condiments like ketchup, mustard, or ranch sauces, all infused with THC.
Raise Your Glass to Something New
But that’s not all—cocktails are taking a turn too! Solomon proudly points out that drinks like margaritas and Arnold Palmers will also feature THC instead of alcohol. To keep everything above board, customers must be 21 years or older and present a valid ID to order. Solomon emphasized the importance of responsible service, saying, “Most places, just the bartenders have to be ABC-certified, but we want everybody ABC-certified.”
A Slice of Nashville Comes to Memphis
You might be wondering if this is the first of its kind around here. While it is indeed a fresh concept for Memphis, Solomon isn’t a rookie! Buds & Brews has found success in Nashville, and he decided to cater his latest venture to the likes of Bluff City. “When we opened Buds & Brews in Nashville, one of our biggest followings was from the Memphis area,” Solomon mentioned as he decorated the place with references to local legends like BB King and Elvis.
A Trendy Venue with Something for Everyone
The two-story Buds & Brews can host over 120 patrons, complete with two bars and stunning artwork featuring cannabis decor. If you’re a fan of vaping, you’re in luck! They also offer vapor taps with flavors like Super Wedding Cake, Runtz, and OG Kush that you can enjoy right on site. And for those who prefer something sweet, don’t forget to check out their retail area for some yummy THC-infused gummies!
What’s Next?
While the bar is officially opening its doors this Friday, there’s a bit of uncertainty hanging in the air. New regulations come into play on December 26, which may limit some of the hemp-derived cannabis sales in Tennessee. Solomon is keeping a watchful eye on the situation, hoping the outcome of a lawsuit from hemp producers won’t affect his infused selections. It’s a changing game out there!
So, if you’re in Memphis and curious about this new culinary adventure, Buds & Brews is definitely worth a visit. Grab your friends and experience this first-of-its-kind bar that’s sure to shake things up on Broad Avenue!
