The landscape of East Memphis is changing with the impending demolition of the former Houston's Restaurant at 5000 Poplar Avenue, as reported by Action News 5. The building, which has been vacant since its unexpected closure in December 2024, is now owned by 5000 Poplar, LLC, a Cordova-based entity that purchased the property for $2.1 million on October 31.
After ceasing operations last year Houston's, a once-popular destination known since the 1980s, had initially pointed to difficulties with staffing and public safety concerns as reasons behind its closure, "After much deliberation, we have closed our Memphis Houston's ~ Regretfully, the operating environment in the vicinity has become increasingly difficult over the years, both with respect to staffing and public safety," the restaurant's spokesperson stated in a previous media release obtained by Local Memphis.
The formal steps towards dismantling the structure began with the filing of a demolition permit on November 18, yet the future of the 5000 Poplar Avenue site remains uncertain with no announced plans post-demolition. This development comes despite a previously mentioned interest from a local investor in preserving the restaurant's legacy at the location, a plan that ultimately failed to materialize as indicated by WREG News.
As the remnants of Houston's prepare to be cleared away, the company still boasts ten other locations across the United States including in cities like Atlanta and New Orleans, information that can be verified through the company’s official website.
