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Tops Bar-B-Q is on a roll. Or maybe a “bun” would be more accurate. The Memphis-based company is opening its 18th location in June.

“We’re building in Cordova,” says Hunter Brown with Tops Operations LLC.

The new restaurant will be at Germantown Parkway and Cordova Road. The company is building on one acre of the parking lot of Memphis’s Incredible Pizza Company at 1245 North Germantown Parkway, Suite 104.

Tops opened its 17th location — 4199 Hacks Cross Road — on February 14th.

They’ve wanted a location in Cordova as much as they want locations in Collierville, Arlington, and other places, Brown says. “This just came first.”

They want to open new restaurants in areas where customers who were used to having a Tops Bar-B-Q in their neighborhood are moving, Brown says. For example, if a customer grew up with the Tops in Frayser and now lives in Cordova, they “deserve to have their own.”

The original growth spurt was in the late ’60s and early ’70s when Tops opened restaurants in quick succession on Thomas Street, Summer Avenue at National Street, Lamar Avenue, Union Avenue, and Frayser Boulevard.

Tops continued to open restaurants over the next 30 years, but began its current growth spurt in 2021 with its restaurant at 6745 Stage Road in Bartlett and then Hacks Cross Road. “The trajectory is adding up to two locations a year until we feel like we have fulfilled the needs of Memphis and the surrounding areas.”

They’re not stopping to take a breath after Cordova. “When we open Cordova, we plan on breaking ground somewhere else.”

Tops Bar-B-Q opened in 1952 in Memphis. “Rhodes at Getwell is the oldest store open. The first store doesn’t exist anymore. It was about two miles north of where our Sycamore View and Macon store is now.”

As for the upcoming Cordova location, Brown says, “There will be definite features to the new Tops, which will face Cordova Road, including a “a dual drive-through to enhance speed of service.”And, he says, “We’ll open the restaurant with breakfast to meet the needs of the surrounding area and those commuting to work.”

Breakfast is currently available at nine Tops restaurants. “It’s still evolving. But the plan is to open new restaurants with breakfast.”

Brown says the restaurant is a long-time favorite. “Memphis as a community is faithful. You see it when the Grizzlies are winning. When the Tigers are hot. They support Memphis things.

“The reality is Memphis supports Memphis. And they know that although we are growing and big, we’re still a hometown locally owned company that’s been in their family and generations for many years. And every day when I’m inside a Tops whether it’s Frayser Boulevard or Summer National, someone is coming up to me with a story about how they and their family and friends came in wherever after school and ate.

“There’s so much nostalgia. And merely from just being around so long, it builds camaraderie. That doesn’t exist for national brands.”

America's 247th birthday is fast approaching, and like every 4th of July, fireworks are sure to light up the night sky. Need a refresher on what fireworks are legal in Shelby County?

Here's everything you need to know about celebrating independence with a bang.

State laws for fireworks are similar across Mid-South

In Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, the laws on fireworks are largely the same. Businesses can legally sell Class C fireworks with a permit, and consumers can set them off.

Class C fireworks contain an "explosive composition" of 2 grams or less, and include items such as sparklers, spinners, firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets. Anything with a greater explosive yield like cherry bombs and M-80s are illegal to sell or use without a permit.

Beware of fines

Though the state laws are similar, differing city ordinances mean even Class C fireworks may be illegal in certain areas and could result in a fine, usually around $50.

In Collierville, Millington, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake and Hernando, fireworks usage is generally prohibited. Germantown users could see a much steeper fine of $500.

In unincorporated Shelby County, Memphis, Bartlett and Arlington, usage of Class C fireworks is legal, though Arlington only allows public usage on July 4 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

11,500 fireworks-related ER trips in 2021

If you plan to create your own fireworks show this year, be aware of the risks involved. In 2021, there were 11,500 injuries from fireworks that required a trip to the ER across the country, according to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even among nonexplosive fireworks, there were 1,500 injuries related to firecrackers and 1,100 to sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 1,200-2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even for those who use fireworks every year, it's important to keep a few things in mind in case something goes wrong.

Make sure you know the law and how to stay safe this July 4th, and don't let a fun time with family and friends be ruined by an unwanted fine or a trip to the ER.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at [email protected].

An excessive heat warning is prompting locations around Memphis to open as cooling centers for those without power or in need of shelter.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Over 10,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) customers are still without power after thunderstorms hit several parts of Memphis and Shelby County last Sunday night.

An excessive heat warning is prompting locations around Memphis to open as cooling centers for those without power or in need of shelter.

MLGW said customers should prepare to experience multiple days without power.

Call 211 for help with disaster relief, emergency food, shelter, and transportation.

The City of Memphis said libraries and senior centers are open for residents during normal business hours.

Due to the decrease in heat index, the Frayser cooling the Frayser Raleigh Senior Center at 3985 Egypt Central Road closed at 1 p.m. on Sunday July 2.

Cooling Centers with water distribution

There's also AC at local libraries and community centers:

Cooling centers with water distribution will be open on June 30th at the following locations:

Emergency and Homeless

Food Resources

Search for a Partner Agency in your neighborhood by entering your zip code in the search bar at www.midsouthfoodbank.org/find-food.

Cool off at Splash pads

Please see the resources available for Memphis residents, including libraries and senior centers open for residents during normal business hours. A 24-hour cooling center will open starting at 6 p.m. today (June 29) at the Frayser Raleigh Senior Center, 3985 Egypt Central Road. pic.twitter.com/rGoEzCYcfN

— City of Memphis (@CityOfMemphis) June 29, 2023

Need to recharge your phone?AT&T locations to recharge their devices, open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

#MLGW's Residential Contact Center is switching to storm mode to focus on emergency calls. No disconnections for non-payment today. Use My Account or 544-6500 to report outages. MLGW crews and contract crews are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. pic.twitter.com/AooZ1kMERV

— MLGW (@MLGW) June 26, 2023

Restoration is expected to last multiple days. #MLGW asks customers without power to make a plan. Out of an abundance of caution, customers are also asked to conserve water through Monday, June 26 at 5 p.m. pic.twitter.com/AaBqt4EpvH

— MLGW (@MLGW) June 26, 2023

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than to make waves at Memphis splash pads and pools! Find a spot to pull up and play mermaid.

"Water" you waiting for? Memphis Splash pads and pools are officially open for the season!

That summer heat doesn’t sleep in! On the first Saturday of each month—from June until August—kick off your morning with a family-friendly cool down at Overton Park. There will be waterslides, face-painting, and MemPops available for purchase.

The new Memphis Zoo Splash Park is officially open for the season with slides, dump buckets, interactive water toys, a toddler section, and more fun for all ages!

Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. (Price does not include general admission for the the Zoo.

Sessions are available from 9:30AM-1PM and 2PM-5:30PM daily until September 4, 2023.

The City of Memphis offers FREE indoor and outdoor pools for all city dwellers.

Indoor Pools

Outdoor Pools

The following outdoor pools will be open starting June 3rd through July 29th for the summer season:

In addition, the city also offers aquatic courses, including a Lifeguarding course, Swim Lessons, and Water Aerobics too!

Whether you want to dip your toes, run in full force, or simply sit and watch, the plaza at Crosstown Concourse features a free fountain area that’s a perfect playtime spot.

P.S. Crosstown Concourse has both splash pads AND pools courtesy of the fountain mentioned above and the outdoor pool at Church Health YMCA!

There are so many ways to make waves at Shelby Farms Park!

The Water Play Sprayground features water tunnels, spray jets, water pumps, and more fun for children 12 and under. This area of the park is open Wednesday-Monday for both morning and afternoon sessions. Tickets to the splash area are $10.95, and are available for purchase online.

Free water play sessions are offered on Tuesdays on a first-come-first-serve basis.

**Opening day for the Sprayground is May 27th**

Shelby Farms also offers kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Hyde Lake Boat House and Pine Lake Boat House.

Prices vary depending on the boat/board, and how many people will be participating in the activity. Check out their site for more information!

If you own your own boat, that’s cool, too! All non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes at Shelby Farms.

P.S. Proceeds from the boat/board rentals help support the Shelby Farms Conservancy!

YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South has many gym locations that also include access to indoor and outdoor pools!

There are numerous YMCA pool locations around town, including Downtown, East Memphis (Ric Nuber location), Midtown, Cordova, Collierville, and more.

For those interested in lap swimming or water aerobics, reservations are required.

Additionally, the Y also offers swim lessons, lifeguard training, certification courses, and hosts its very own swim team.

Memberships are required in order to visit any of the YMCA gyms and pools. Become a member online.

Memphis Splash Pads and Pools waiting for you to come "seas" the day

The BRC Splash Pad is located in the city of Bartlett, and is available for both residents and non-residents of the municipality. There are sprinklers, slides, geysers, pumps, and plenty more where that came from.

This water feature is open to the public daily, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Tickets are free for BRC Members, $5 for residents and $12 for non-residents.

Located in Midtown, Peabody Park houses the Raymond Skinner community center, a playground, and a splash park for all the peeps!

The Community Center also offers community-based recreational opportunities for individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities at their indoor pool.

CMOM‘s Splash Park is the perfect spot to keep it cool with the kids. With over 7,000 square feet of pure fun, the H2Oh! Splash Park features jet streams, water tunnels, geysers and more. Swimwear and Lawn Chairs are welcomed.

The park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Members of the Orange Mound community now have access to a kid-friendly, recreational field to stay active and keep cool as the warm months roll through Memphis!

Additionally, the Orange Mound Community and Senior Center offers access to a heated, indoor pool to help keep the good times going during the fall and winter.

Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s $5.4 million revitalization project to provide Healthy Places for healthy activites, David Carnes Park—located in the Whitehaven community—received a face-lift that resulted in the construction of an accessible playground, a new splash pad, and a Blacksmith play area—all honoring David Carnes, one of the first Black landowners in the area.

Looking for more aquatic adventures?

Memphis splash pads and pools aren’t the only places to party like a lob-star!