Memphis Made Brewing, a mainstay in Midtown’s Cooper-Young neighborhood for over a decade, has announced its departure from its original location to focus operations in the Edge District. In a move driven by the need for expansion and logistical consolidation, the brewery will be closing down its Midtown venue and opening a new taproom at their Downtown facility at 435 Madison Ave, as reported by Memphis Beer Blog. A production space previously home to a glass manufacturing company, this facility boasts a sprawling 7,000 square feet complete with a new 30-barrel brewing system.
With their lease expiring, and with the landlord desiring the space for other purposes, the decision to consolidate became an opportunistic move to streamline the Memphis Made operation. The landlord, looking to expand one of his own companies, has led Memphis Made towards a future in the Edge District, according to Local Memphis. This comes alongside Memphis Made enjoying an increased ability to distribute their beers more widely, reaching across Tennessee, Missouri, and into North Mississippi.
The move signals a transition period not just for Memphis Made but for the Memphis brewing scene in general. Establishing deeper roots Downtown, the new taproom will capitalize on its position at The Ravine, a redeveloped park-like space hosting events and gatherings, creating an environment poised for community engagement. The Ravine, with pedestrian access from various streets, has seen various pop-up events and is envisaged as a central hub for the neighborhood's social scene.
"It’s bittersweet, we’ll definitely miss Cooper-Young, but we’re excited about the opportunities in The Ravine," Drew Barton, president and head brewer, told WREG.
The bigger space downtown is not only seen as a production facility upgrade but also an extension of this mission, as Andy Ashby, co-owner and sales manager, highlighted the company’s ambition to further impact the city positively through their new setup.
