Pyramid Vodka, Memphis Grizzlies partner on new FedExForum bar

Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies are back on the court, and fans of the team will have some new drinking and dining options this season at FedExForum.

Construction is underway on the Pyramid Vodka Studio, a partnership between the Grizzlies and Big River Distilling Company.

The two have teamed up on the new bar and restaurant which will replace the short-lived FLY Lounge in the Grand Lobby of the arena. It is scheduled to open Nov. 11.

Pyramid Vodka Studio will feature Pyramid Vodka cocktails, a full-service bar and small-plate menu options for fans on the go. It will open for every FedExForum event; it will open two hours prior to tip off before every Grizzlies home game and stay open postgame for up to one hour.

Big River is a Memphis vodka distillery which began production in October. Led by local entrepreneurs and brothers Alexander Folk and Winston Folk, Big River is producing its Pyramid Vodka brand at 802 Royal Avenue in North Memphis. A touring and tasting room is set to open next year.

The partnership is another indication of FedExForum’s efforts in recent seasons to feature local brands, said president of business operations Jason Wexler.

Big River’s Alexander Folk said anchoring the company to Memphis has been an important part of the business plan.
“When Jason [Wexler] approached us about partnering with FedExForum and the Memphis Grizzlies, we knew it was an amazing opportunity for us to support our city through Pyramid Vodka Studio,” he said.

The spot also will be home to the newly formatted Grizzlies LIVE! pregame show and the all-new postgame show. Rob Fischer, Brevin Knight and Chris Vernon will broadcast shows from inside Pyramid Vodka Studio, where fans will be able to watch the breakdowns, analysis and interviews live.

Another change within the arena is the Horseshoe Club featuring Kelly English, which has replaced the Lexus Lounge on FedExForum’s event level.

The club represents a renewal and expansion of the partnership between Horseshoe Tunica and the Grizzlies. The club is a premium area – open to ticketholders in the arena’s first seven rows – that offers a new, prix fixe menu along with a la carte bar menu offerings inspired by chef Kelly English of Restaurant Iris. A full-service bar also is available.

The Horseshoe Club Featuring Kelly English is open and available for reservations pregame and postgame for both Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers basketball games.

By Jane A. Donahoe
Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.