Memphis is getting a new player in its Mexican dining scene, with a fresh concept called Ojos Negros lined up for Winchester Road in Hickory Hill. Early paperwork points to local restaurateur Rafael Ramirez as the man behind the project, which is slated to fill a 4,380-square-foot space and operate as a full-service restaurant with alcohol and a brew pub component. For now, Ojos Negros is keeping a low profile, with no public website or social media presence yet.
What the filings show
According to What Now Memphis, a certificate of occupancy filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development lists Ojos Negros at 5959 Winchester Road and was under review on March 24. The document notes the square footage and classifies the space both for the sale of alcoholic beverages and as a brew pub, hinting at a buildout that will likely feature a dedicated dining room alongside a taproom-style setup. The outlet reports it has reached out to ownership for comment.
Where on Winchester Road
The address lands Ojos Negros in a multi-tenant retail strip in the Hickory Hill area, a busy commercial corridor in southeast Memphis. LoopNet lists 5959 Winchester Road as a 22,060-square-foot retail building with multiple suites, which would put Ojos Negros in a mid-sized storefront within the center. MapQuest locates the strip between Lake Park Drive and Prescott Road along Winchester.
Who’s behind Ojos Negros
What Now Memphis identifies Rafael Ramirez as leading the project. Ramirez has been credited in local reporting with launching Mexican concepts around the city, some of which are also listed in local directories. Mariscos El Gallo Giro, for instance, is shown at 3096 Lamar Avenue on Restaurantji, and Crazy Mexican Sports Bar is listed on Winchester Road via delivery platforms such as Postmates. Specific menu plans for Ojos Negros and an opening date have not yet been disclosed.
What’s next
With the certificate of occupancy still under review, Ojos Negros has a few procedural hoops left to clear. Next up are final inspections and formal issuance of the certificate before the tenant can officially open to the public. The Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development handles these reviews and posts public records on permits and certificates, according to the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development. As the process moves forward, filings and any public statements from the ownership team will offer the next clues on when Hickory Hill can expect to see Ojos Negros light up its storefront.
