BIZ BITES

Memphis Cafe to undergo renovation in early 2008

The Memphis Cafe in Costa Mesa is set to undergo a thorough interior renovation early next year, co-owner Dan Bradley said.

Bradley and Steve Jones, the president of the Westside Business Culture support group, are working together on a new design for the restaurant and bar, which resides next to The Lab alternative mall on Bristol Street.

Preliminary plans include a new paint job, landscaping work, new signage and a new awning outside.

Bradley said the restaurant, which opened in August 1995, was overdue for a touch-up.

“It hasn’t been changed since 1995 and, with The Lab and The Camp and SoBeCa [the South on Bristol Entertainment, Culture and Arts district] kind of developing around it, it’s kind of time to update it,” he said, then added humorously: “It has kind of a mid-last-century feel and we’re hoping to bring it up to the late 60s.”

The project, Bradley said, would likely begin in the first quarter of 2008.

? ? Learn benefits of joining Chamber of Commerce

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its first membership reception for the new year Thursday.

Business owners and other community members can learn about the benefits of joining the chamber as well as steps of applying for membership.

Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be provided.

The reception is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the chamber headquarters at 1470 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach. Call (949) 729-4410 for more information.

— Michael Miller