Railgarten is still in its first week of operation. Partner Martha Hample says,” It will continue to operate both outdoor and indoor areas even though the bar faces zoning violations.”
The City and County Office of Planning and Development (OPD) says the bar is using shipping containers as bar seating and part of the entertainment complex without the appropriate permit, but Hample says. “She believes the matter will be resolved.”
Hample said, “I think people want us to be open, and I think everybody is safe and happy and having a good time but we take this seriously and obviously want to be within the code and do what we need to do for the OPD to approve the zoning for it and we will.”
The repurposing of railcars is not just a zoning violation Hample says, “It is unique to Memphis and drawing increasing crowds.”
Railgarten has filed a conditional use permit for the area. A hearing is set for April 26.
