Dixon-White builds portfolio in Uptown Redevelopment Area

by Emma Turri

A new smoothie and sandwich shop, Groovy Gratitude, opened June 19 at the corner of Second St. & Saffarans Ave. A couple months later, the proprietors realized an opportunity to acquire Muggin’ Coffeehouse just down the block, creating a double shot of food and beverage concepts in the Dixon-White Restaurant Group portfolio.  

Located in Malone Park Commons, you’ll find a mix of housing & cafés that create communal third-place amenities, as well as a few walkable blocks blending light commercial and sorely needed missing middle housing — courtesy of Jones Urban Development Co. This style of urban development was exactly what drew Dixon-White to the area. Alicia Dixon, co-founder of Dixon-White, has a background in healthcare and was the driving force behind creating the wellness menu at Groovy Gratitude. The other half of the restaurant group, Marquise White, hails from North Memphis and felt the Uptown Redevelopment Area was a solid opportunity to grow their brand in a familiar part of town. 

Groovy Gratitude & Muggin’ Coffeehouse are both open during breakfast and lunch. They feature espresso drinks, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, paninis, and vegan pastries. For a caffeine boost, grab one of Muggin’s specialty lattes, sweetened or flavored with syrups made in-house. At Groovy, local favorites include Dream Lover, a chicken pesto panini that’s grilled and pressed just right, and Summer Rain, a tropical fruit smoothie sure to tickle your taste buds. They make it easy with a quick grab-and-go selection or make yourself at home and chat with fellow customers. Whichever one you choose to visit, you’ll walk away feeling grateful.