The restaurant has taken flack across social media for citing safety in its statement announcing the abrupt closure. That feeling was shared by nearby Memphians.

SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — A Bluff City investor and entrepreneur wants to step in and take over the suddenly-shuttered Houston’s in East Memphis.

Darrell Horn and his group want a deal done with the restaurant as quickly as possible, to keep employees paid through the holidays.

“I'm one of the owners of Tops BBQ, Tiger Bryant and Soul Fish is another one of my partners there. We're constantly looking for opportunities to invest in Memphis, keep great things going in Memphis. And this is like the perfect opportunity of that model for what we're trying to do,” Horn said.

Houston's ownership group has taken flack across social media for citing safety in their statement announcing the abrupt closure.

“They came out with their press release about public safety and all that in the reasons they're leaving, and I really don't think that's the case. I'm not really that concerned about public safety. I think we're on the right track in Memphis,” Horn said.

That lack of concern was shared by Memphians out near the restaurant on Friday.

“I found that strange. I shop here at Whole Foods all the time and across the street at Kroger. I get my nails done on Sanderlin. Go to S.O.B. on Sanderlin. So I was pretty surprised by that,” said Memphian Cindy Cannon.

“My wife and I come here every so often. Quick little random getaway, nice dinner. Didn't ever think it was unsafe, so I’m disappointed,” said Memphian Hunter Cooper.

Houston’s regulars are hopeful something will come of the longtime East Memphis staple, regardless.

"I’d love to see something go in the space. You’ve got Folk’s Folly right here, they haven't had a problem,” Cooper said.

“I used to work for First Horizon bank, and I know a lot of the employees there depended on Houston’s. I think something needs to go in there,” Cannon added.

Horn said his team and their attorneys are reaching out now to Houston’s ownership group to see if a deal can be worked out.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Veterans Day is a day to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who fought for our country.

There were several events held across the Mid-South on Monday.

Cheyenne Total Care, an in-home care service company for veterans, hosted an event at the Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown. The company's director of operations, Kameisha Cox, told FOX13 she wanted to make sure veterans felt appreciated for their service.

“They went to fight for us and a lot of times they say how they don’t feel appreciated, so we wanted to let them know we are here for them," Cox said.

Patricia Clay, Administrator for Cheyenne Total Care, told FOX13 the company helps veterans with a variety of services. “Whether it’s respite services, homemaker service, meal prep. We try to be that for them, to each individual client," Clay said.

This event offered a multitude of services Cox said her clients said they needed.

“They tell us, ‘Oh, I need my haircut but I don’t have anybody to take me' or 'I want to get my nails done, but I don’t have anybody to go with me,'" said Cox.

Most importantly, a variety of resources were available too.

“Whether it’s insurance, dental, mani-pedis, so they can ask these questions to the vendor themselves that we may not know the answer, but we have a resource that we can direct them to," said Clay.

Bobbie Henderson served four years of active duty and two years in the reserves with the U.S. Coast Guard. Henderson told FOX13 he appreciates organizations that go above and beyond to honor veterans.

“It makes me and other veterans feel appreciated because for a long time we were not," said Henderson. “This is something that we earned and is a long time coming.”

Cox told FOX13 this won't be the last time she hosts this event.

“We will be back next year. Hopefully bigger with more vendors and more resource information," said Cox.

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Memphians will be able to take part in a new cannabis dining experience in December.

Buds & Brews Cannabis Bar & Restaurant will host a grand opening celebration Dec. 13-14 in the Broad Avenue Arts District at 2519 Broad Ave., formerly Bounty on Broad.

It will offer upscale bar fare for lunch and dinner, and plans to host unique events and cannabis experiences. Buds & Brews is Tennessee's first cannabis bar and restaurant, having opened its first two locations in the Nashville area before venturing to the Grind City.

“We are excited to bring the Buds & Brews experience to this dynamic arts community,” said Michael Solomon, owner and president of Craft Cannabis, the parent company of Buds & Brews. “Along with a curated list of craft cocktails and beers on tap, we’re excited to offer our very own brand of THC-infused beverages and New Highs cannabis cocktails."

If you're wondering how they're able to sell and serve cannabis products legally, here's how it works: All products are 100% derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC, the same strain of THC already available at smoke shops throughout the city.

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Craft Cannabis is based in Nashville. Solomon started the company in his hometown after learning and working in the California cannabis industry for a decade. The company's state and federally legal products — including THC-infused sauces and beverages — are all grown, crafted and sold in Tennessee.

NEW IN DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS:Sneak peek: Go inside Biscuits & Jams' new speakeasy, The Juke, in Downtown Memphis

"We’ve partnered with a brewery in Chattanooga to create these top-shelf quality cannabis beverages," Solomon said. "And [we] have collaborated with some of the very best in the food and beverage industry in Memphis to bring a truly unique culinary adventure to this community.”

Buds & Brews says it offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy cannabis in a "safe, legal and fun environment with a unique menu of bar fare like the Buds Burger, Famous Chicken Wings and Wake & Bake Brunch."

Diners can also choose their favorite condiments from a list of 19 sweet and savory sauces infused with Tennessee-grown and -extracted hemp-derived THC. The restaurant will also serve cannabis-infused cocktails like the Smoky Margarita and Spliff Sangria, beers on tap, its own brand of THC-infused beers and New Highs seltzers, as well as sweet edibles for dessert.

Ellen Chamberlain is the food and dining reporter for The Commercial Appeal. Email your dream cannabis meal and beverage pairings to her at [email protected].