The line between food and art is thin-after all, what is a great meal if not a true work of art? The Pop Spot Bar & Grill, a new restaurant headed to Brookhaven Circle, will be blurring that line even further by serving up its cuisine alongside pop art when it opens in the not-too-distant future, reports Daily Memphian.
The new concept from Sylvia Leon and Franco Bordonaro will be taking over the 715 W. Brookhaven Circle storefront previously occupied by Thai restaurant Bangkok Alley. The Pop Spot Bar & Grill does not have an opening date available yet, but co-owner Leon was kind enough to confirm to What Now Memphis that while the restaurant is still in the inspection and pre-opening stages, she anticipates being customer-ready in the next month or two.
Paperwork filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development shows that The Pop Spot will occupy 3,927 square feet and will have an occupant load of 80
The restaurant will serve an eclectic mix of dishes, including burgers, empanadas, salads, and tacos. A provided press release offers this tantalizing hint at what’s in store: “a fusion of Latin and American cuisine, bringing together comfort and creativity in every bite. Guests can enjoy baked empanadas, tostones, and crispy arepitas alongside The Pop Spot’s signature burger — a mouthwatering creation that perfectly embodies the restaurant’s mix of flavor and flair — as well as classic American
favorites. Each dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and presented with a modern,
artistic touch.”
The drink program will be a further highlight certain to delight customers: “From the Pop Star Martini to the Color Burst Margarita and the Neon Old Fashioned, every drink is a playful blend of creativity and craftsmanship —designed to surprise and delight.”
However, Leon and Bordonaro plan to make The Pop Spot more than just a place to grab a delicious meal; the establishment will also serve as a bit of an art gallery. Leon explains: “We want to do a whole wall of pictures of pop art. We want to do some special pop art on the drinks and on the menu. I think it’s fun.”
Leon and Bordonaro both bring a wealth of hospitality experience to this new project; Leon owned and operated Soccer City 901 from 2019 to 2022. Bordonaro served as a bartender at the restaurant for a time, making it clear that the two old friends have a strong working relationship as well, one that is certain to make their next endeavor a success.
In a busy restaurant scene, The Pop Shop promises to stand out thanks to its bold and clear vision and commitment to creating a full experience beyond just a meal. Summed up beautifully, “The Pop Spot Bar & Grill is more than a restaurant; it’s a visual, sensory, and social experience. It’s for those who crave more than a meal — they crave a story to remember.”
