Newby’s Gets a Makeover
Family duo spruces up Newby’s with updated menu and renovated space.
by ana alford
W
ith an endearing family connection to Memphis and the restaurant business, Sara O’Ryan took her nephew and business partner Larry Thompson’s word on the potential of a new and improved Newby’s, which reopened last year after being shuttered since 2014. The popular Highland Strip bar, a favorite haunt for University of Memphis students for four decades, is a natural fit for O’Ryan, who recently talked about her great-great-grandfather’s connection to the neighborhood (Hint: He was the first president of West Tennessee Normal School, the U of M’s predecessor) and the bar’s new expanded menu from consultant Chef Elfo Grisanti.
Memphis: Did you grow up in Memphis? Sara O’Ryan: I was born in Memphis, and so were my parents. My mother’s family, the Grahams, settled in Shelby County because of a Revolutionary War land grant given to General Joseph Graham. I spent most of my childhood in Indianapolis, where my father owned all three of the Howard Johnson franchises. He also owned some Red Barn fast-food hamburger restaurants in Indianapolis, Memphis, and West Memphis.
How did you become an owner of Newby’s?
My nephew, Larry Thompson, hired my husband’s and my former business partner, Debra Holder, as general manager of Newby’s. As the widow of Memphis musician/producer Jack Holder, Debra brings strong music background and connections to Newby’s. When was the first time you came to Newby’s?
The first time I entered Newby’s was after becoming a partner, with my nephew. Larry worked at Newby’s while he was earning his degree from the Kemmons Wilson School at the U of M. After graduation, Larry had a successful entrepreneurship with South Mouth Wings in Boulder, Colorado.
The Eddie Smith Band plays at Newby’s every Wednesday night.
Memphis Tigers Athletics. The U of M Music School performs here the third Tuesday of every month, under the direction of Professor Ben Yonas.
Being an owner of a bar and restaurant, does that cut into family time?
What is your favorite Newby’s story?
My favorite Newby’s stories are from married couples who met at Newby’s. We want to start a “We met at Newby’s” Facebook page and offer each couple two free drinks to celebrate their anniversaries.
Being a widow with grown children, Newby’s doesn’t cut into family time at all. Besides Larry, my daughter, Ruthie O’Ryan, works in marketing for Newby’s. Another nephew, Frank McLallen, is a musician and recording artist who has played here with his band, “The Sheiks.” My son, Robert O’Ryan, is a student at the U of M and comes by frequently for hamburgers and wings.
Do you have a favorite dish?
Newby’s and the University of Memphis share a real bond. Can you tell me about that relationship for you?
At Newby’s, owner Sara O’Ryan, third from left, socializes with her staff: Tabitha Finta, Debra Holder, Ruthie O’Ryan, Israel Gibbs, and Rodney Herman.
My great-great-grandfather Seymour A. Mynders, was the first president of West Tennessee Normal School, which is now the U of M. It is a privilege to work as an official sponsor of U of M Athletics, especially the Tubby Smith radio program. We have a Tubby Smith Burger on the menu, and our brunch menu includes a Rudd Breakfast Pizza. We are the official “Away Game Watch Site” for the U of M and a preferred caterer of the
My favorite dish is the French fries. Tim Harmon, who was at South Mouth Wings with Larry [in Colorado], created our French fries recipe. Larry and Tim came up with all of our recipes. Before Tim moved on to work for the Huey’s chain, he hired Elfo Grisanti. We have given Elfo a free hand to tweak the menu, and he has added a Sunday and Monday brunch to our food service, which includes a special eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and crabmeat sliders. Is there an interesting fact about you or Newby’s that most people might not know?
I don’t drink alcohol, which may be a secret to successful bar ownership, but Newby’s bar manager, Erica Otdoerfer, has created some wonderful concoctions.
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