Affordability, safety top of mind this Downtown Dining Week

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - More than 50 restaurants are participating in Downtown Dining Week this year, offering special menus and deals in hopes of bringing more customers through their doors and encouraging people to rediscover Downtown Memphis.

But beyond the food and discounts, the event comes as downtown businesses face a larger challenge: convincing people to spend their time and money downtown amid economic pressures and concerns about crime.

For local restaurants, affordability is a major part of that effort.

Hailey Micic, director of sales at River Inn of Harbor Town, says participating restaurants are offering more approachable prices to encourage people to dine out.

“Some places are a little more high-end, and they do offer more expensive options, but a lot of places seem to really be focusing on affordability this year,” Micic said.

She said some restaurants are reducing prices on entrees that would typically cost significantly more, giving customers an opportunity to try places they might not otherwise visit.

Micic said the event also benefits employees beyond the restaurant owners.

“You’re also supporting your servers, your bartenders, all of these local businesses and local employees that thrive on the downtown community,” she said.

Safety remains part of the conversation

While businesses work to attract customers, concerns about downtown safety remain an important part of the conversation.

Chandell Ryan, CEO and president of the Downtown Memphis Commission, said she hopes the event encourages people to experience downtown for themselves.

“I think once people come downtown and experience how wonderful it is and how safe it is, they’re just going to have a wonderful experience,” Ryan said.

According to MPD figures comparing the week of Nov. 2-8, 2026, with Nov. 3-9, 2025:

• Homicides: Increased 100%, from two to four.
• Motor vehicle thefts: Increased 123%, from 39 to 87.
• Robberies: Increased 18.75%, from 16 to 19.

However, the longer-term year-over-year figures show declines in all three categories:

• Homicides: Down 29.76%.
• Motor vehicle thefts: Down 50.19%.
• Robberies: Down 37.48%.

The Memphis Police Department says it will increase its presence during Downtown Dining Week to help keep residents and visitors safe.

“Like every major event that draws large crowds to downtown, we will have a robust safety plan in place,” the department said in a statement.

Police say officers will be strategically deployed throughout entertainment, dining and pedestrian areas. Specialized units, including Mounted Patrol, will also be used, along with support from the Downtown Command Center and additional technology and resources as needed.

A bigger goal for downtown businesses

For organizers, Downtown Dining Week is an opportunity to introduce customers to restaurants they may not know exist and encourage repeat visits beyond the event.

Micic, who has worked in downtown Memphis for about eight years, said she’s never felt unsafe working downtown, including during early morning and late-night shifts.

She also hopes the event brings more attention to businesses that people may overlook, including those in Harbor Town.

Ultimately, the hope is that a week of restaurant deals can translate into something longer-lasting: more customers, stronger local businesses and renewed interest in downtown Memphis.

You can find the full list of participating restaurants here.

You can also find information about special parking deals and how you could win a hotel stay, a spa day, or dining gift cards by taking part this week.

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