I thought I’d do a little post about all the new businesses in West Meade, most of which I have visited myself.

First is the new Publix in Hill Center. For some time, the closest Publix was way down in Bellevue (I don’t like to drive more than 5 minutes to get anywhere), and I’d only make that trek for special occasions to get some good deli meat or a fancy cake or something. But now I have one right around the corner! It’s a little smaller than the one in Bellevue, and the layout is a little confusing upon first visit, but eventually it starts to make sense. Of course, they have samples and demo stations, fresh sushi all day, a moderate seafood selection and a large deli and bakery section. The food does generally seem to be a little pricier for premium items, but they have a good line of value generic store brands that have matched the name brands in quality so far. Parking is pretty easy, although on a busy Saturday or Friday night, the smallish parking lot gets pretty full/congested. Plus, it is shared by the other businesses…which leads me to Moe’s.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill is a very welcomed addition to this area. Every other neighborhood seems to have their version of the build-your-own-burrito joint or, at the very minimum, a Baja Fresh. Yes, there’s one of those in Green Hills which is also very close, but still. Anyway. If you’ve ever been to Moe’s, you know that you’ll be welcomed by a cry of “Welcome to Moe’s!!!” when you walk in the door. It’s equally inviting and embarrassing at the same time, because if it’s been a bit since someone’s walked through the door, the welcome usually draws attention to your entrance. Which is why I dress up to go eat at Moe’s. Not really. Anyway. The menu items are creatively named like “Art Vandelay” (Seinfeld) and “The Homewrecker” and can be made with or without the meat of your choice. They also serve up some tasty frozen margaritas, which I guess kind of negates my less-than-enthusiastic opinion of The Local Taco’s service of margaritas. I guess because they are pre-made and just have to be poured makes the ones at Moe’s more enjoyable; you don’t have to stand and wait for yours to be ready. But yes, back to my point, Moe’s shares the parking lot with Publix and….

A new wine and spirits shop. According to my bank statement, it’s just called West Meade Liquors but I think they had a fancier name than that. They are two doors down from Publix and seem to have a very good selection of wine and a liquor selection that ranges from the standard to the little more unique or hard to find variety. I only stopped in for a moment, but I’m glad they’re there. If Tennessee is going to keep up this “can’t sell wine or liquor in the grocery store” thing, every grocery store should have a liquor store within walking distance. It just makes sense.

In between Publix and the liquor store is a frame shop, I believe. I might have to do a little more homework on that one to be more exact. Next to Moe’s, there appears to be a new hair salon in the works, but it is yet to be named. There are still some vacancies in Hill Center, but I think it’s a great use of that land.

The Picnic Cafe had to suffer through all the construction, but their new building is way cute (even though I’ve never been inside since they’re really only open for lunch or catering).

Across Harding is a new Great Clips, but the highlight on that side of the road is the new Harris Teeter that’s about to open! Yes, that’s right, West Meade is about to have a Kroger, Publix and Harris Teeter all within eye shot of the White Bridge/Harding intersection. It may seem a little excessive, but really its all about variety. HT generally seems to run midway between Kroger and Publix in price and variety. I just hope they aren’t planning on putting their personal items section on the second floor like they did on 21st Avenue. That’s majorly annoying.

There are a few new things on the other side of White Bridge, but I don’t know enough about them to even list them here, so this will have to do! I’m just glad my neighborhood continues to expand it’s options. Now to just replace that Taco Bell/Pizza Hut with something more appetizing….