The Cooper-Young community in Memphis is bidding farewell to another local favorite, as Knifebird Wine Bar has announced its permanent closure. The establishment, which had carved out its niche at Cooper Street and Central Avenue next to Urban Outfitters, was known for its wine selections and charcuterie offerings since its opening five years ago. According to Action News 5, the decision to close "was a tough decision that didn’t come lightly" for its owners who cited the intense demands and financial strain of restaurant ownership as reasons for their exhausting journey reaching an end.
Knifebird's closure comes on the heels of the recently announced shutdown of Houston's in East Memphis. In a sorrowful admittance, the owners said, "The rumors are true, we closed our doors for good this past weekend. Goodbyes are hard & this was an impossibly difficult decision for us." This sentiment was shared in a post that first broke the news of Knifebird's closure to its patrons on social media.
Further impacting the Cooper-Young dining scene, The Public Bistro has also declared it will be shutting down. Scheduled to close on December 20, 2024, The Public Bistro's closure announcement came just a day after Knifebird's. The owners extended gratitude to their community in a statement posted to social media, which Local Memphis shared. "This past year has been incredible & we're sorry to say goodbye so soon. Thank you to our supportive community for giving us a chance to be a part of your lives," the owners reflected.
Kate Ashby, the founder of Knifebird, originally opened the wine bar as an answer to Memphis's lack of a casual, neighborhood establishment dedicated to the enjoyment of fine wines. At the time of opening in 2019, she told The Commercial Appeal, "loved the energy of Memphis but felt it was missing a neighborhood wine bar, a place she could go for a great glass of wine without having to sit down for a full restaurant meal." Her initiative brought a unique dynamic to the local dining and social scene for half a decade.
While the owners take their leave of the restaurant industry with heavy hearts, they do so with appreciation for the years of patronage and community support. As they wrap up their final days, guests are encouraged to visit The Public Bistro for one last meal before the curtains close on this chapter of Cooper-Young's culinary tale. "Midtown is Memphis," the statement concluded, as the neighborhood prepares to say goodbye to these well-regarded local businesses.
