The Legacy of Sweet Grass: Chef Ryan Trimm’s Impact on Cooper-Young
For over a decade, Sweet Grass served as a culinary cornerstone of the Cooper-Young neighborhood in Memphis. Known for its Low Country style cuisine and commitment to local ingredients, the establishment became an iconic destination for those seeking high-quality bistro fare in a neighborhood setting.
The Closure of a Neighborhood Staple
In March 2022, chef and owner Ryan Trimm announced the closure of Sweet Grass and Sweet Grass / Next Door, located at 937 Cooper Street. The decision followed a 12-year run that began when Sweet Grass first opened in April 2010, followed by the addition of the more casual sports bar, Sweet Grass / Next Door, the following year. According to reports from The Commercial Appeal, the closure was driven by financial considerations, specifically escalated rent costs and sales that had not yet returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Accolades and Culinary Influence
Under Trimm’s leadership, Sweet Grass earned significant recognition within the Memphis dining scene. The restaurant garnered titles such as Best New Restaurant and Best Bar across multiple local publications. Trimm’s professional standing was further cemented when he was nominated for Food and Wine’s People’s Best New Chef in 2011.
Chef Ryan Trimm’s Expanding Portfolio
Whereas the Cooper-Young location closed in April 2022, Ryan Trimm remained a prominent figure in the Memphis hospitality industry. He transitioned his staff to other ventures to ensure continued employment, including:
- 117 Prime: A downtown steakhouse concept.
- Sunrise Memphis: A breakfast staple with multiple locations, including a site on Jefferson Avenue and a location in the former Blue Plate Cafe on Poplar.
- April 2010: Sweet Grass opens in Cooper-Young.
- 2011: Sweet Grass / Next Door opens; Trimm is nominated for People’s Best New Chef.
- March 2022: Closure is announced due to rent increases and pandemic-related sales shifts.
- April 2022: The restaurant officially closes its 937 Cooper Street address.
Looking Ahead
Despite the closure of his neighborhood bistro, Trimm expressed a desire to eventually return to the Midtown area, noting a preference for a location around 3,000 square feet. As the Memphis culinary landscape evolves, Trimm continues to influence the city’s dining experience through his steakhouse and breakfast concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sweet Grass close?
The restaurant closed primarily given that the landlord increased the rent to fair market value, which Chef Ryan Trimm determined was not a sound business decision given that sales had not recovered to 2019 levels.
Where can you find Chef Ryan Trimm now?
Chef Trimm continues to operate other Memphis establishments, including the downtown steakhouse 117 Prime and Sunrise Memphis.