The landscape of Midtown Memphis is set to evolve with the introduction of Stomping Grounds, a venue that promises to cater to both adults and children. The location, formerly occupied by Railgarten, is undergoing a transformation spearheaded by Andrew Mathewes and Lindsey Shan, two parents who felt a draw to revive the community space with a family-oriented twist. According to Action News 5, the duo has signed a 10-year lease for the expansive 60,000 square-foot property.
The new Stomping Grounds aims to balance the needs of parents and children by providing play spaces and self-pour taps for adult beverages. In a nod to the needs of modern working caregivers, they also plan to convert Railgarten's Tiki Bar into a rentable conference room, creating a hybrid space for remote work and social gatherings. As per a WREG report, tackling the location's notorious parking issues is high on their list of priorities, with plans to streamline vehicle flow and enhance safety.
Stomping Grounds is not just an entertainment venue; it is fashioned to operate as a 'community clubhouse' for adults and children alike, filling a void left by Railgarten's closure in late 2024. “Railgarten was beloved and is beloved,” Mathewes told WREG. “A quarter of the people here were always families with kids running around, and so when we were trying to find a space to make this work, we couldn’t think of a better location, and its been a little abmbitious and its big and fun and that’s what is going to make it worth it, and we are excited about it.”
Mathewes has a background as a fundraiser for nonprofits, such as St. Jude and the National Civil Rights Museum, while Shan brings expertise from her experience in early childhood education. Combined, they're building a team aimed at creating a conducive space for any guardian. In addition to the adult amenities, the establishment will feature indoor and outdoor play areas, a sports bar, and a restaurant. Stomping Grounds is also expected to continue hosting events in the existing space, which implies continuity of the communal atmosphere that previously defined Railgarten. "It’s really important to solve the parking problem. That was always one of the challenges at Railgarten. So, what we will be doing is redirecting all the traffic to the side street and into the back," Mathewes said to WREG.
The reincarnation of the Midtown Memphis site was first hinted at in a social media post by This Is Memphis, which described the upcoming Stomping Grounds as a "community clubhouse for parents, kids, and all the wonderful people that make up their village." The initial announcement caught the attention of locals and former Railgarten patrons seeking a safe and engaging environment to relive the harmonious community interactions that once flourished in this very locale. Although Railgarten met its end in December 2024, the enduring spirit of Midtown's cherished gathering place appears poised for a revival with the anticipated opening of Stomping Grounds next summer, as confirmed in a release by Local Memphis.
