Memphis Restaurant Guide

The land where The Pier Restaurant is now located was used as a Confederate encampment for the defense of Memphis during the Civil War. After the Civil War Joseph N. Oliver purchased this property in 1886 for $2,316.66. It was purchased from Anne B. Stewart, Widow.

Oliver-Finnie Grocers Company operated a wholesale grocery business here until a fire destroyed the building in 1906. One year later Memphis Cold Storage Company built the structure in which you are now dining. At the time construction was completed, this was one of the tallest structures in Memphis, and one of the very first refrigerated warehouses in the entire Midsouth. Built with massive Heart Pine timber and brick, the walls vary in thickness from 2 to 5 1/2 feet thick solid brick. This design was necessary for Memphis Cold Storage Company to operate a food processing business. Along with processing fresh fruits, an Egg Breaking room was located on the upper most floors. Fresh eggs were cracked an packed in five-gallon cans. They were then removed to the lower floors where they were frozen for shipment. During World War II, dried eggs were produced, providing food for troops overseas. Remnants of the original equipment and machinery can be found intact in the lower dining areas. In later years this building became warehouse storage until purchase and renovated in 1977 becoming The Pier Restaurant.

The management of The Pier Restaurant is proud of its Heritage. We hope you enjoy dining in this historic setting.