Crafting the Future: Bartlett’s Push for Breweries and Boutiques

Bartlett is actively working to expand its retail landscape, with a strong interest in attracting a brewery and specialty shops. While the city has never hosted a brewery, local leaders believe it’s time—and they're making that case publicly through outreach and promotion.

Community and business leaders see a brewery as a natural fit, particularly in the Bartlett Station area. But with retail vacancy rates low, identifying suitable properties remains a key obstacle. Many vacant buildings either lack parking or need significant upgrades, pushing city leaders to consider alternative approaches, including off-market real estate deals.

In addition to a brewery, the city is also focused on bringing in boutique retail—though leaders are steering away from traditional apparel and instead aiming for hands-on, craft-focused businesses like bakeries and butcher shops.

Bartlett is already cultivating relationships with regional breweries through events like the Bartlett LIVE Music Series, which will feature Meddlesome Brewing this year. These partnerships help build momentum and showcase local interest.

To support these efforts, there's also a push within city government to bring on an economic development manager who can proactively recruit the kinds of businesses Bartlett hopes to attract.

To read the article in the Memphis Business Journal, please click below.