Memphis has no shortage of breakfast spots, but few have captured the hearts of locals quite like this downtown bakery and cafe.
Hustle & Dough opened its doors in November 2019 inside the newly renovated Arrive Memphis hotel at 477 South Main Street, transforming a former Memphis College of Art building into a neighborhood gathering spot. 🥐
The concept came from Ali Rohrbacher, a talented Memphis baker who previously worked at Crosstown Arts and The Liquor Store, where she honed her craft before launching her own cottage foods operation.
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What sets this spot apart is its commitment to being more than just a hotel amenity—it’s designed as a true neighborhood destination where visitors and Memphians mingle over fresh-baked goods and specialty coffee. ☕
How Hustle & Dough Won Tennessee Hearts
The secret to Hustle & Dough’s local popularity started with Rohrbacher’s “bread-forward” philosophy and her full-scale sourdough bakery operation.
From day one, she focused on creating a menu that showcased freshly baked breads as the foundation for every dish, from thick-cut toast topped with creative combinations to sandwiches built on house-made milk bread and country sourdough.
The savory scones became instant favorites—particularly the Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Caramelized Shallot and Mushroom varieties, which Rohrbacher developed based on recipes she made with her mother as a child. 🍞
Locals also fell for the welcoming atmosphere, where the hotel’s eclectic lobby filled with vintage sofas, armchairs, and Persian rugs creates a “put-your-feet-up” vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular.
The space doubles as both bakery and community hub, where dog owners bring their pups and neighbors work on laptops alongside hotel guests—all united by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
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The authenticity of the operation sealed the deal: Rohrbacher’s passion for quality ingredients, from Tahitian Vanilla Bean custard in the French toast to 100% real maple syrup and cultured butter, convinced Memphians this wasn’t just another trendy hotel cafe but a serious bakery committed to excellence. 🧈
Food Highlights
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French Toast: Country sourdough soaked in Tahitian Vanilla Bean custard, pan-fried in pure butter, topped with 100% real maple syrup, whipped cream, and flaked sea salt—reviewers rave that one thick slice is so delicious it’s completely satisfying despite initial skepticism about the portion size 🥞
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Avocado Toast: A thick slice of toasted country sourdough with sliced avocado, chili-lemon butter, fermented jalapeño, and garlic pepitas—consistently called “outstanding” by multiple reviewers and a must-order menu staple 🥑
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Multigrain Grits: Multi-grain grits served with cultured butter and date-maple syrup, described by one enthusiastic visitor as being “fabulous by themselves but being covered in melted butter and date syrup took it to the moon”—earning recognition as one of the best breakfasts during their entire Memphis trip 🌙
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Mushroom Toast: Thick porridge sourdough with basil pesto, sautéed mushrooms with lemony cream spread, ricotta, and shaved Parmesan—repeatedly called “outrageous” by travelers who discovered this savory option 🍄
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H&D BLT: House-made French bread toasted with crisp pancetta, spicy tomato jam, pesto aioli, and dressed arugula, served with house-seasoned chips—a creative twist on the classic that showcases the bakery’s bread-making prowess 🥓
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Tamago Egg Sando: Milk bread with kewpie mayonnaise, dashi-seasoned rolled omelet, and fermented chili paste—this Japanese-inspired breakfast sandwich has become a fan favorite for its soft, fluffy texture and umami-packed flavor 🍳
Atmosphere
The vibe at Hustle & Dough is effortlessly cool yet surprisingly cozy. 😎
Located in the Arrive Memphis hotel lobby, the space features quirky, eclectic decor with artsy interior design that includes vintage furniture pieces sourced locally—from plush sofas and armchairs to Persian rugs scattered throughout.
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The industrial warehouse bones of the former college building remain visible through exposed brick and concrete, softened by natural light streaming through large windows.
It’s a pet-friendly environment where you’ll spot dog owners alongside their pups, remote workers tapping away on laptops, couples lingering over lattes, and hotel guests checking in at the cafe counter.
The smell of coffee and fresh bread creates an inviting sensory experience the moment you walk in. 🐕
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There’s limited indoor lobby seating plus a few outdoor tables with umbrellas on South Main Street, perfect for people-watching in Memphis’ South Main Arts District.
The atmosphere achieves that rare balance of feeling like a neighborhood coffee shop where locals and visitors genuinely mingle, rather than a hotel lobby where guests keep to themselves.
Bottom Line
You should visit for the exceptional sourdough breads baked fresh daily, the creative toast and sandwich menu that elevates simple ingredients, the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular, the pet-friendly policy that lets you bring your furry friend, and the convenient downtown location across from the National Civil Rights Museum. ✨
Address: 477 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 (901) 701-7577
🕐 Open daily, 7 AM–4 PM