East Memphis is about to get a lot hotter. Fuego Vivo, a new high-heat concept from Tekila Group, is slated to open in mid-February at 5110 Poplar Avenue, taking over the former Carrabba's space. Management has a ribbon-cutting set for February 9 and plans to bring a patio online by late March. The restaurant is expected to seat roughly 230 guests, and the owners say Fuego Vivo, together with a planned Zona 55 in Senatobia, will create more than 200 new jobs across the Mid-South.
What the Room Looks Like
The dining room at 5110 Poplar Avenue leans into natural tones with gold accents, with meeting rooms, large fold-back doors that can open to expand seating, an open-air kitchen, and a long bar with seats on both sides, according to Memphis Flyer. Permit filings and earlier coverage put the build-out at roughly 6,000 to 6,400 square feet, with capacity for about 230 guests, per Commercial Appeal. Architect Filipao Nunes is credited with the design, and coverage notes the team was aiming for an upscale feel that would still fit comfortably into the neighborhood.
Menu, Chefs And Tableside Service
Fuego Vivo describes its food as modern Mexican with international influences, pairing raw-bar offerings, house-made pastas, and Josper-grilled meats with Mexican-inspired sauces, according to OpenTable. The reservation listing names Pablo Blanche and Alex Guerrero as lead chefs and suggests the kitchen will draw on techniques from Argentina to Asia while keeping a firm connection to Mexican culinary traditions.
From Tex-Mex To Steakhouse
Tekila Group first entered the local scene in 2018 with a Tex-Mex spot in Cordova, then expanded into Jackson and Southaven. The owners also run the upscale Tekila on Union steakhouse. That growth, and the group’s plans for additional concepts, were outlined by The Daily Memphian.
Jobs, Timing And A Ribbon Cutting
Tekila Group controller Ricardo Rivera told Memphis Flyer the team has brought on four chefs to handle the wide-ranging menu, and that service will be a top priority. Rivera confirmed the February 9 ribbon cutting and said the group’s next two restaurants will together create more than 200 positions. The patio at Fuego Vivo is expected to follow in late March.
How To Visit
Reservations are available on OpenTable, and the restaurant’s website is collecting VIP sign-ups for opening events at Fuego Vivo. The team says it will lean on tableside service and a full bar to turn the Poplar location into a regular stop for East Memphis diners.
