Memphis July 2026

I T T A K E S A V I L L A G E celebrating 40 years O F Y O U T H V I L L A G E S

MAGAZINE

THE OZARKS ARE CALLING

LOVE LETTER TO A HOUSE

.

.

.

2026_MM07_COVER_ID26_v01.indd 1

6/18/26 10:21 AM

T HE S OU TH’ S L E A DE R IN ESTAT E J EW ELRY AND DIAMOND SOLITAIRES HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY | ON THE SQUARE IN OXFORD | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TUPELO 1. 8 66 .VA N AT K I N S | W W W.VA N AT K I N S .C O M

901-482-2929 | 901-679-6818

Alex Turner 901-628-4114

Barbara Cowles 901-351-2365

Betsy Kelly 901-870-6244

Brian Mallory 901-870-4663

Carolina Capote 901-921-9921

Christina Morris 901-277-1699

Deborah Mays 901-487-6533

Derek Howell 901-569-5426

Eleanore Maynard 901-219-1905

Gordon Stark 901-488-4050

Graham Winchester Janis Canale Hasen 901-292-1424 901-483-1433

Jennifer & Joel Hobson

Jennifer "Bird" Williams 901-825-0044

Katie Hill 901-229-4515

Michele Crump 901-483-5088

Laurie Stark 901-486-1464

Paula Sansom 901-335-7909

Janie Beanblossom Jeff & Stephanie Bennett 901-828-8028 901-359-1463 | 901-558-8502

Leigh Martin 901-351-3877

Ruth Morris 901-335-3668

Mary Ruleman 901-489-2114

Thomas Henze 901-833-8419

The Sign of Distinction since 1972 (901) 761-1622

|

5384 Poplar Avenue Suite 250 Memphis, TN

|

HobsonRealtors.com

The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®

2026-27 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB BOARD OF GOVERNORS The Multi Million Dollar Club is an honor society created to give recognition of REALTOR® and REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE members of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® who have achieved outstanding sales performace during any one calendar year.

In line with its objective of encouraging cooperation and goodwill within the real estate industry, the club hosts educational classes, several social events and networking opportunities throughout the year including its annual Holiday Party, Awards Ceremony and an Election Celebration.

Father-daughter dance made possible by Whole Spine Care™ Spine conditions, from back and neck pain to weakness or numbness in your arms and legs, can stop you from living the life you want. Even dancing with your daughter at her wedding.

Rooted in more than a century of neurological expertise, our spine care program brings the same commitment to precision and lasting outcomes that has defined Semmes Murphey since 1912.

Whole Spine Care™ is our patient-centered approach to pain-free living. Because spine conditions vary, we offer the widest range of diagnostic and treatment options in the Mid-South. From conservative care to advanced surgical techniques, we ensure each patient receives the care that’s right for them.

Visit wholespinecare.com to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Quiet. Peaceful.

Thoughtfully Designed.

Feels like it was made just for me

We chose this place years ago

When the time came, everything was already arranged just for us.

Family didn’t have to guess, so we were able to focus on each other, not the details.

Plan now. Protect your family from uncertainty later.

MEMPHIS FUNERAL HOME POPLAR | MEMPHIS FUNERAL HOME AND MEMORIAL GARDENS 901.725.0100 www.MemphisFuneralHome.net TRUSTED BY GENERATIONS SINCE 1931.

Fine Dining

Designed by You T H E O N LY F U R N I T U R E S T O R E YO U W I L L E V E R N E E D !

2755 Bartlett Boulevard  901-388-6030 bartletthomefurnishingsmemphis.com

ON THE COVER:

Our House

30

NESTLED IN NATURE OUR

HOUSE

59 UP FRONT

FEATURES

10 FROM THE EDITOR

22 A GENTLER PATH

BY A N N A T R AV E R S E

12 OUT AND ABOUT

BY SE Y NEURINGER

14

CLASSIC DINING

BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

16 ASK VANCE

B Y VA N C E L AU D E R DA L E

18 BOOKS

B Y J E S S E DAV I S

20 CITY JOURNAL B Y TO M J O N E S

As it marks 40 years of impact, Youth Villages carries on the mission of making life better for those most in need.

BY F R A N K M U R TAU G H

30 OUR HOUSE

A love letter to four walls and the life they have held.

BY A N N A T R AV E R S E

52 HABITATS

72 CITY DINING

The city’s most extensive dining listings.

Alex and Jenay Boggs make themselves at home in Hilllcrest — a piece of Midtown history.

80 LAST STAND

Spider-Man endures across generations, and this is his superpower.

BY C H R I S M C C OY

59 NESTLED IN NATURE

BY F R A N K M U R TAU G H

Music and the arts thrive amid Northwest Arkansas’s verdant landscape.

SPECIAL SECTION

BY A L E X G R E E N E

37 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB GUIDE

70 SIPS

Finding a home away from home.

BY B R U C E VA N W Y N G A R D E N

JULY 2026 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • 7

007_2026_MM07_ID26_TOC-MAST-LFTE_v01.indd 7

6/18/26 11:28 AM

MAGAZINE

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1950

CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

anna traverse EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger

Memphis Magazine's

THE 2026

MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh

FACE

SENIOR EDITORS jon w. sparks,

bruce vanwyngarden

OF

STAFF WRITERS michael donahue, alex greene,

ORIENTAL RUGS

chris mccoy EDITORIAL INTERNS camille culbertson,

gracie driver, sey neuringer CONTRIBUTORS

tom jones, vance lauderdale

ART DIRECTOR hudd byard ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers GRAPHIC DESIGNER neil williams PHOTOGRAPHERS

justin fox burks, hudd byard, steve davis, michael donahue, wes hale, wesley hitt, mark jackson, vance lauderdale, kathy mclallen, scott munster, sharon murtaugh, john pickle,

Hand Cleaning Appraisals Sales Reweaving Repairs Color Run Restoration Pet and other Stain Removals Moth Damage Odor Removal and much more Spread love, not germs by having your rugs disinfected.

Master Weaver Ali Taghavi restoring an antique Persian Farahan rug.

Here at Taghavi’s, we would like to do our part to help stop the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus. Recent studies have shown that the virus can be brought into your home, by your shoes and can live on surfaces like your rugs and floors anywhere from two to nine days. In order to help curb the spread, we at Taghavi’s, recommend that you stop wearing your outdoor shoes into your homes and to have your rugs cleaned and disinfected. Quality rug cleaning can only be accomplished by in-store professional rug cleaners. Call us for disinfecting and cleaning of your rugs.

3554 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN • (901) 327-5033 • taghavirugs.com

bruce vanwyngarden

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE shaune mcghee ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES kelli dewitt, chip googe PUBLISHED BY CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, INC.

memphis, tennessee 901-521-9000 subscriptions: 901-575-9470

CONTROLLER lynn sparagowski CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER jeffrey a. goldberg CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER margie neal DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR kristin pawlowski WAREHOUSE MANAGER chet hastings NEWSSTAND CONSULTANT joe luca SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR molly willmott PUBLISHER EMERITUS kenneth neill

Newell Chapel CME Church CONNECT • GROW • SERVE • ENGAGE

Worship with us!

Each Sunday at 10:30am

JULY 2026 We want to hear from you! letters@memphismagazine.com

Rev. Curtis L. Nelson, Pastor Please support the Church with your tithes and offering.

• Cash App: $NewellChapelByhalia • PayPal: newellchapelCMEbyhalia@gmail.com • Mail to P.O. Box 252, Victoria, MS 38679 3085 Moore Road • Byhalia, MS • 662.838.4265 •

facebook.com/nccmec

member: City and Regional Magazine Association member: Circulation Verification Council

8 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • JULY 2026

007_2026_MM07_ID26_TOC-MAST-LFTE_v01.indd 8

6/18/26 11:28 AM

Gossett Porsche 1875 Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128 901-388-8989

©2025 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of trac laws at all times.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

K

CAUTION: WET PAINT

E E N - E Y E D R E A D E R S may notice a few changes in our page design this month. It’s not your imagination: The logo on the cover really is a little bigger; the headlines use different typefaces; our feature stories open in a new, two-page format. I’ve commented before that this magazine is a living, breathing container of ideas — and in that spirit, we continue to evolve, sometimes slowly but sometimes more quickly. Our June issue was the final one designed by Brian Groppe. After a remarkable career, Brian has retired in Chattanooga, where he’s spending more time with family, gardening, playing guitar, making art, and generally being the very cool dude he is. Brian made us look good month after month — he’s a visual magician and a wonderfully patient colleague. (Brian, sorry for all the times we tested the “patient” part. I promise never to ask you for another PDF to review.)

This July issue is the first one designed by Hudd Byard — or, well, his first one this time around. Hudd was our art director before Brian, you see; Brian says he was only keeping the seat warm for Hudd. When we began to think about who we would most want to design the magazine next, Hudd was our first and best thought. He already knows us (good/bad/ ugly), he already knows our systems and processes — but he’s been doing work other than this (including teaching graphic design at the University of Mississippi) for long enough to bring a newcomer’s perspective. And indeed, he’s already made his mark. I feel more energized than ever about this magazine.

10 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

007_2026_MM07_ID26_TOC-MAST-LFTE_v01.indd 10

I referred to a magazine as a container of ideas. In that way, magazines and houses share some similarities. True, you don’t want your house to be made of flimsy paper and glue.

Both magazines and houses, though, are constructed around what they’ll hold. Most of us don’t want to own a house just because; we want to have a stable, safe, maybe even beautiful place to shelter our families. We don’t want a magazine on our coffee table because we are just very into clumps of paper; we want to explore the worlds represented within.

Every new family who occupies a house will want to make the place feel like home, with fresh paint and finishes, and every few years

I referred to a magazine as a container of ideas.

In that way, magazines and houses share some similarities. they might feel compelled to rearrange the furniture. Well, I guess you could say we’re repainting the house that is Memphis Magazine. One thing won’t change, though: We’re always happy to see you at our door.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

6/18/26 11:28 AM

The trusted real estate authority in Memphis since 1868

WILL ADAMS

ELIZABETH AMODEO

CATHLEEN BLACK PARTNER

JEFF BLAKENEY

MELANIE BLAKENEY

ASHLEY BONDS

KATIE COOK

CHRISTINE DECOLLI

KELLY ERB

RIP HANEY

ANDREA LOPEZ HAYES

MICHELE JOHNSTON

BLAKE LICHTERMAN

TRACY LOMBARDO

DIANE BENSON MALKIN

HUGH MALLORY

MARGARET MIKKELSEN

JULIE MOLLAYMERI

JIMMY REED PARTNER

PARTNER

SHELDON ROSENGARTEN

MINDY OKEON WAGERMAN

MAX RUBENSTEIN

MYRA SHEDDAN

PARTNER

ALTA SIMPSON

MELONIE SAIN SIMPSON

MELODY BOURELL

LEIGH ANN CARKEET

LAURENCE KENNER RELOCATION DIRECTOR

CINDY LEAVELL

THOMAS MURPHREE

JORDAN NICHOLS

PARTNER

ANGIE STREET

PARTNER

WARD WALTHAL

WARD WALTHAL IV

JENNY VERGOS

DAVID TESTER

JOHN WEST

Now serving TN and MS

Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors® 5860 Ridgeway Center Parkway, Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38120 Marx-Bensdorf.com 901.682.1868

OUT AND ABOUT IN MEMPHIS

JULY 2026 COMPILED BY SEY NEURINGER

MEMPHIS CLASSIC

MEMPHIS REDBIRDS BASEBALL July 1-5 vs. Charlotte Knights, July 17-19 vs. Iowa Cubs, July 21-26 vs. Durham Bulls. AUTOZONE PARK.

2026 FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, food trucks, a “Show and Shine” car show, and of course, an impressive fireworks display. BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, JULY 2, 6 P.M.

ALL-AMERICAN WEEKEND AT GRACELAND Enjoy a packed weekend of July 4th events, including a photo experience, a welcome dinner, two live concerts, a firework show, brunch, and more! GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JULY 3–5.

THE DREAMBOATS Set to the tune of ’50s and ’60s rock, The Dreamboats channel the energy and melodies of classic rock-and-roll. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JULY 3, 7 P.M.

MORIAH / TWELVE SPIES / MERCIFUL Tune into some independent artists for this Independence Day. HI-TONE CAFE, JULY 4, 8 P.M.

JIMMY HOLMES AND PAT DUNN: ELVIS TRIBUTE CONCERT Two tribute artist winners join forces to pay homage to essential favorites of the King of Rock-and-Roll. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JULY 4, 7 P.M.

INCOGNITO ART AUCTION AND PARTY Bid on anonymous, original works by Mid-South artists, then experience the artist reveal at the concluding party, along with live music, drinks, and creative fashion. Dressing up is encouraged!

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, JULY 6–31.

YOTUMA / FRONTAL ASSAULT / SLIP INTO DUST / ERA OF EXTINCTION Join Yotuma, Frontal Assault, and more on their “Southern Extinction” tour. HI-TONE CAFE,

SUFFS

JULY 6, 6:30 P.M.

CONGRESS THE BAND Charleston-based band Congress the Band shares a musical catalog that blends indie rock, Americana, and classic Southern sounds.

MINGLEWOOD HALL, JULY 9, 8 P.M.

EYES ON THE WORLD TOUR

AMBER WALLIN Comedian Amber Wallin quips about the chaos of motherhood, relationships, modern life, and more.

MINGLEWOOD HALL, JULY 11, 6 P.M.

Sleazebagjones, John Coupe, Steel Waves, and more combine forces for their “Chapter IV: Midnight Comes Alive” branch of their “Eyes on the World” Tour. HI-TONE CAFE, JULY 9, 8 P.M.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

STRICTLY JAZZ Darryl Sanford and his band dip into deep cuts from Prince’s expansive discography.

CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JULY 12, 6 P.M.

DUDE PERFECT: SQUAD GAMES TOUR

Add a delicious meal from local food trucks to your farmer’s market visit. BARTLETT STATION FARMER’S MARKET, JULY 10, 11 A.M.

2000S RAVE

YouTube phenomenon Dude Perfect showcases inventive trick shots, stunts, and battle games. FEDEXFORUM, JULY 17, 7 P.M.

ELMIENE

Revive the sound of the 2000s with hits, remixes, and EDM. GROWLERS, JULY 10, 9 P.M.

ANIME BLUES CON Chat with fellow anime cosplayers and enthusiasts, meet voice actors, and explore a variety of themed panels. RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER, JULY 10–12.

YOUR ROMEO

“Soul prodigy” Elmiene shares his sounds for someone album, described as “intimate and ambitious.” GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JULY 17, 8 P.M.

THE REVIVAL Tony B. Dickerson inspires a revival of joy and spirit through his blend of gospel, funk, and lyrical mastery. CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JULY 18, 7:30 P.M.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS

In this charged play, two lovers who formerly played Romeo and Juliet experience a catastrophic breakup and an even more catastrophic fallout. PLAYHOUSE ON THE

This Mississippi-born band pairs the sounds of their hometown with psych rock and modern improvisation in their 2025 album Still Shakin’.

HIGHLAND CAPITAL PERFORMANCE HALL, JULY 18, 8 P.M.

SQUARE, JULY 10–26.

12 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

012_2026_MM07_ID26_CALENDAR_v04.indd 12

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: TENNIS © 2026 JIMMIE48 TENNIS PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHERS COURTESY OF THE EVENTS

6/12/26 11:47 AM

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

BLACK BRIDAL EXPO Explore a selection of wedding vendors specially curated for Black brides, including designers, florists, makeup artists, venue coordinators, and more. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, JULY 18–19.

PJ MORTON The six-time Grammy winner performs songs from his new album, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, as well as other favorites. CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, JULY 23, 8 P.M.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS In this humorous spin on “The Princess and the Pea,” Prince Dauntless must evade his overbearing mother to find a princess who can pass the queen’s test. GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE, JULY 24–AUGUST 2.

LOW KEY LIVE translates her music into an immersive visual display. CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JULY 24, 7:30 P.M.

THE MEMPHIS CLASSIC Women’s professional tennis returns to Memphis. LEFTWICH TENNIS CENTER, JULY 25–AUGUST 2.

LET’S EAT 1ST ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Sneak in one last food festival before you go back to school! SHELBY FARMS PARK, JULY 25, 11 A.M.

Ready For Summer! …from the St. Tropez collection in Teak, by Kinsgsley Bate.

STARGAZING WITH THE MEMPHIS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Guided by the Memphis Astronomical Society, witness sunset and moonrise through telescopes in Tom Lee Park. BEALE STREET LANDING, JULY 25, 7:30 P.M.

EMO NITE Dig out your black eyeliner, band shirts, and beat-up Converse, and sing along to your favorite emo songs of the 2000s. MINGLEWOOD HALL, JULY 25, 9 P.M.

MEMPHIS REPTILE EXPO Ssssay hi to your favorite creepy-crawlies.

LIBERTY PARK (PIPKIN BUILDING), JULY 25-26.

HEATWAVE HALF-MARATHON Fight the heat as you take on one of Shelby Farms Parks’ 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or relay races. SHELBY FARMS PARK, JULY 26, 7 A.M.

SUFFS Travel back to 1913 and discover the challenges, stories, and dreams of a new generation of suffragettes. THE ORPHEUM, JULY 28–AUG 2.

Lighting | Outdoor Living | Hardware

Proudly Serving the Mid-South Since 1957 grahamslighting.com 901 . 274 . 6780

‡

550 Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104 J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 13

012_2026_MM07_ID26_CALENDAR_v04.indd 13

6/17/26 12:39 PM

C L AS S I C

D I N I N G

Jim’s Place Grille

The extended Taras family has opened classic restaurants downtown, in East Memphis, and now Collierville.

BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

left, middle: Sam and James Taras stand before a vintage photo of James Catsoodas, who opened Jim’s Place in 1921.

J

im’s Place is celebrating its 105th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, Jim’s Place Grille in Collierville is celebrating its 20th.

The Collierville location is one of a series of Jim’s Place restaurants that began here in 1921. “We opened this one in October 2006,” says James Taras, who owns the restaurant with his brother, Sam. Jim’s Place Grille is all about family. The menu includes original recipes. The walls feature photographs of numerous family members.

They decided to open Jim’s Place Grille when one of Jim’s Place East’s owners, Angelo Liollio, whose wife was the former Tina Taras, was thinking about retiring.

“They wanted to do something new and kind of expand,” says Angelo. “The idea was to go out in the suburbs. Somewhere we were kind of unfamiliar.”

The new location, at Summer and Shelby Oaks Drive, “would carry on the old tradition in a more modern approach to a new market,” says Angelo. “An emerging market at the time.”

Angelo and Tina’s dad, Dimitri Taras, who still works at the restaurant a few days a week, and Dimitri’s brother, Costa Taras, were the original Jim’s Place Grille owners. James and Sam were managers before they became owners about six years later.

The original Jim’s Place was named for its owner, Jim Catsoodas, a relative of the Taras family. The first restaurant opened downtown on Monroe Avenue in the basement of the Wm. Len Hotel. Catsoodas then sold it to Nick Taras, Dimitri’s uncle. In 1927, Nick and his brothers, George and Bill, opened a second Jim’s Place on Union Avenue directly across from The Peabody. “After Union, we went briefly to South Second Street for a few years,” says Angelo. “That’s when my dad and Costa Taras joined.”

They occupied a building that was home to another classic Memphis restaurant.

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous was in the basement and Jim’s Place was upstairs.

In the early ’70s, the family opened the location most people remember: Jim’s Place East, a sprawling establishment owned by Dimitri, Costa, and Angelo on eight acres at Shelby Oaks Drive and Summer.

“It was originally the summer

14 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

014_2027_MM07_ID26_CLASSIC-DINING_v01.indd 14

home of Bill and Bessie Taras, my grandfather and grandmother,” says James. “They bought that property in the ’50s.”

Jim’s Place East remained one of this city’s most popular dining spot for 40 years before it closed. The area had “totally changed,” James says, and “they decided to move on.”

Costa and Bill Taras then opened another Jim’s Place at Poplar and Perkins. That location closed around 2010. But the family wasn’t quite done with the local dining scene.

Jim’s Place Grille didn’t start off in Collierville with “an explosive opening,” James says, adding, “it was new to a lot of people who were new to the area and who didn’t know the history of Memphis.”

They enjoyed a steady stream of customers for the next couple of years, then picked up as more businesses moved out east.

The restaurant expanded to its current 6,500 square feet, which includes a main dining room with booths and tables, two spacious dining rooms that can be converted to private functions, and the popular bar lounge area.

His mother, Mary Katherine Taras, an interior designer for 50 years, has designed the restaurants and updated the decor over the years.

The first menu was a

“shortened version of the original menu from Jim’s Place East,” says James. “Spanakopita puffs, pork tenderloin souflima, and shrimp dishes. All stuffed, of course. Steaks and lamb chops.”

They added different items, including a beef tenderloin chimichurri, fresh Ahi tuna, and fresh calamari with remoulade and fried green tomatoes. Signature items include cheese-less cooked spinach with white and dark leeks, classic Greek salad, and the triangle-shaped tiropitakia or feta cheese blend puffs.

But, James says, everything “goes back to the way we do our steaks.”

Those steaks are charcoalgrilled over an open fire. “Our steaks have always had a nice sear and a nice char crust,” he says. “Very flavorful. We don’t use a lot of butter and all the stuff you splash on steaks.”

James says he has been approached to open Jim’s Place Grilles in other locations, but “I’ve never wanted to open a restaurant empire.”

He works just about every night greeting the throng of people who patronize the restaurant.

Some customers think he’s the “Jim” in Jim’s Place Grille.

“People who don’t know me will say, ‘Hello, Jim.’” James will then point to a photo of James Catsoodas and say, “The guy on the wall is Jim. He died 70 years ago. But thanks. I’ll be Jim for you.”

Jim’s Place Grille, 3660 South Houston Levee Road, Suite 12, Collierville, TN PHOTOGR APHS BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

6/18/26 11:00 AM

October

116& 6

117 7

AWARD-WINNING TAMALE MAKERS

d o o F y t l a i c e p S S t s U e HANDMADE ARTS & e B h t n CRAFTS VILLAGE i l a v Festi Greenville, MS

www w.h hottamalefest.c com

proudly supported by :

MUSIC ON THREE STAGES

AS K

VA N C E

Aeolian Pianos

Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.

BY VANCE L AUDERDALE

Our reader’s George Steck baby grand, complete with the original bench.

DEAR VANCE: I have a baby

grand piano which I was told was actually made in Memphis.

Can you confirm that?

— D.S., Munford, TN DEAR D.S.: I can indeed confirm that your beautiful George Steck piano was made in Memphis in 1968. I know this because I spoke with Don Flippin, who has been tuning pianos at local schools, churches, and private homes for 56 years, 26 of those working for his father. He consulted the Pierce Piano Atlas, now in its 70th printing, an amazing resource that documents the production of almost every piano made in America, based on the serial number stamped inside.

“I’m familiar with the piano owned by D.S., because I’ve tuned it, and it’s a really nice baby grand,” says Flippin. “Steck also made a parlor grand, back

when homes had music parlors, and even a concert grand, which is nine feet long. Prices for some of those can begin at $120,000.”

I also spoke with Rick Jefferies, vice president of Amro Music, in charge of their piano division for 35 years. “George Steck was one of the better products from the Aeolian Corporation,” he says, “and if it was made in 1968, then it definitely came out of their Memphis plant.”

But if it’s Memphis-made, why does the piano shown here say New York, Paris, and London on the “fallboard” above the keys? “That’s where George Steck originally opened his factories,” says Flippin. “A

16 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

016_2026_MM07_ID26_VANCE_v01.indd 16

Baldwin piano, though today made in Mississippi, might still say Cincinnati on the fallboard.”

Okay, but how does Aeolian fit into our story? Why isn’t the company called George Steck? Well, I’ll try to keep this simple. Let’s begin with the piano owned by D.S. Born in Germany in 1829, George Steck learned the art of piano-making in Europe and moved to New York City in 1853 to open his own firm. He gained contracts for supplying pianos to schools and won prizes at the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair and the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. When he died in 1897, his company was acquired by the Aeolian Corporation.

In 1887, an enterprising businessman named William Tremaine established the Aeolian Organ and Music Company in Meridian , Connecticut, to produce pianos, organs, phonographs, and records. (“Aeolian” was a type of harp used in ancient Greece.)

After moving to New York City, over the decades the company began merging with other well-known piano-makers, such as Chickering, Knabe, Ivers and Pond, and at least a dozen others. By the 1920s, Aeolian was producing almost one-third of the pianos made in the United States, and even branched out into player pianos, which used a pneumatic system to “read” the notes punched in paper piano rolls. But let’s bring this long story back to Memphis.

In 1951, The Commercial Appeal reported that a piano manufacturing firm, Winter & Co. of New York, planned

to establish a “research division” here at 2718 Pershing, “to devote itself primarily to wood technology and construction.” The one-story building just north of Summer most recently served as a warehouse for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. This was a humble beginning, and over the years, the newspaper told readers very little about the growing operation taking place here, sometimes referring to the company as Aeolian, and at other times, by its main division, Ivers and Pond. “They just kept a low profile,” says Flippin. “They weren’t like Steinway, Baldwin, or Kimball, using worldwide advertising.”

In 1964, after a multi-milliondollar expansion, the property on Pershing occupied some 250,000 square feet in three separate buildings. Three years later, the company consolidated all of its operations in Memphis, prompting The Commercial Appeal to declare, “Aeolian Corporation is the world’s largest company devoted exclusively to piano manufacturing.” Their reputation soared when New York’s Metropolitan Opera selected a Knabe concert grand — made in Memphis — as its “official piano.” Rudolph Bing, the Met’s conductor, even declared that Knabe “was the favorite piano of many of our artists.”

The plant also ramped up production of player pianos, produced under the names Duo-Art, Cable, Musette, and Pianola. Anyone who visited a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor was listening to a player piano crafted in Memphis.

“The Memphis plant now turns out every type of modern piano,” reported The Commercial Appeal, “including grands, consoles, studio uprights, players, and spinets.” Now employing more than 800 skilled workers, by the late 1960s production exceeded 100 pianos daily.

PIANO PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVE STEVENS

6/12/26 11:18 AM

Disaster struck on the night of August 15, 1969, when a threealarm blaze destroyed two of the company’s main buildings. The fire, its origin never officially determined, caused $5 million in damages, and slowed but didn’t stop operations. The company resumed business in temporary facilities across town, while clearing away the debris to construct a larger, more modern plant at the Pershing site. “We hope to be shipping pianos again in November,” company president Henry R. Heller Jr. told reporters, “about 75 a day, and all employees will eventually return to work.”

In February 1985, our magazine featured the Aeolian Corporation (“Piano Forte: Making Sweet Music in Memphis”). Writer Mark J. Davis offered readers a tour of the plant, calling it “one of the best-kept secrets in Memphis,” while noting that it was now producing 20,000 instruments annually. By this time, there was no trace of the devastating fire, and he wrote, “Perhaps as a testament of Aeolian to remain the largest company in the world devoted to the production of pianos, only 60 days passed before production resumed.”

Davis considered the Action and Keys Plant, which occupied an entire building, “a marvelous monument to man and machine.

And if you ever examine the ‘action’ — where the hammers and dampers transmit the pianist’s movements from key to string — you’ll understand what a remarkable ‘machine’ a piano really is.” More than 4,000 separate parts go into a typical piano, and he was impressed

by Aeolian’s “refreshing commitment to quality.”

Just one example: “Each keyboard is cut from a single piece of wood,” he wrote.

FACTORY PHOTOS BY STEVE DAVIS

016_2026_MM07_ID26_VANCE_v01.indd 17

Skilled workers add the strings and carefully tune a piano at the Memphis factory in 1985.

“The resulting set of 88 keys remain together for the life of the piano. It is just such ‘marriages’ of parts which help make a piano an instrument, rather than a noisemaker.”

Readers probably never imagined the variety of wood that goes into pianos. “Hard-rock maple, walnut, spruce, pine, and basswood are but a few of the types graded and chosen to perform various duties,” Davis noted, and those were just for the structural or “action” parts. Other species — cherry, pecan, walnut, and mahogany — formed the outer casing.

“In the course of a year, some four-and-a-half million board feet of lumber are unloaded from flatcars originating from every corner of the nation.”

All of this wood was carefully stacked for a special “curing process,” which gradually reduced the moisture content — as high as 60 percent in some species — down to the 4 percent acceptable for a musical instrument.

Davis described the stringing operation — 245 individual strings, in sets of two or three for the 88 keys: “They work like weavers at a loom, leaning to and fro, side to side, until the strings are in place, a lattice-work of steel strands.” These are attached to a massive iron plate, cast in a foundry also owned by Aeolian, strong enough to sustain some 20 tons of string tension.

After each piano was carefully assembled, with testing and inspections at each step of the way, the instrument was moved to the piano tuner, working in special sound-muffled rooms.

“Key by key, note by note,” he observed, “they will detect qualities in pitch and tone that are indistinguishable to the untrained ear.”

Davis’ story came out in February 1985. By June, sooner than anyone expected, the company was in financial trouble.

“When I started at Amro in 1981, there were eight piano dealers in Memphis,” says Jefferies. “By the time I retired ten years ago,

there were three. A piano is such a labor-intensive instrument that nobody in the U.S. could compete with giant factories in Japan, Korea, and China.”

Aeolian hired Peter Perez, the former president of Steinway, to rescue them. The Commercial Appeal wrote, “Retuning Aeolian to Right Key Is Goal of Newly Formed Firm,” which would reorganize and even rename the company as Chickering & Sons.

Business leaders stepped in with loans and bailout plans, but the Wurlitzer Company — best known for its organs and jukeboxes — bought Aeolian in 1985 and shut it down. The buildings still stand on Pershing, now home to a packaging supply firm. The Aeolian motto, proudly displayed throughout the plant, was: “You either have a quality piano, or you have no piano at all.”

Hundreds — perhaps thousands — of those quality pianos crafted here have survived, though the business that produced them is barely remembered.

Got a question for Vance?

EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com MAIL: Vance Lauderdale,

Memphis Magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ask-vance Or visit him on Facebook.

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 17

6/12/26 11:18 AM

B O O KS

Time After Time

Trauma and comedy create a lush counter-melody in Ellen Morris Prewitt’s When We Were Murderous Time-Traveling Women.

BY JESSE DAVIS

“I was told many years ago by my grandmother who raised me: If somebody puts you on a road and you don’t feel comfortable on it and you look ahead and you don’t like the destination and you look behind and you don’t want to return to that place, step off the road.” — Maya Angelou

E

llen Morris Prewitt charted a non-traditional path to publication.

Though she has long enjoyed the art of storytelling, Prewitt practiced law for 19 years before she eventually set her sights on writing as a profession.

Her unorthodox entry to the world of professional storytelling has not hampered her, though. In 2009, she won Memphis Magazine’s fiction-writing contest, and she has had stories nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, including one that received Special Mention in 2007. She has won other awards, as well, including the Tennessee Writers Alliance Fiction Contest.

In addition to an impressive array of awards and honorable mentions, Prewitt’s stories have been published in Fourth Genre, storySouth, Porchlight, Southern Women’s Review, the Mississippi Free Press, The Pinch, the University of Memphis’ literary journal, as well as other publications, most of them with a clear bent for literary Southern fiction. Her award-winning short-story collection Cain’t Do Nothing With Love was published in 2014.

When she is not in Memphis, Prewitt and her husband split time between New Orleans and her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, giving her a deeply rooted understanding of the South and all its intricacies. That knowledge permeates her fiction, imbuing it with a deep sense of the place that forms the backdrop of her stories.

Prewitt’s voice is warm, with a pleasant Southern lilt, and she laughs often, hinting at the thread of humor running through her work, glittering like a rich vein of gold among quartz.

TELLING TALES

P

rewitt spent her early years in Jackson, but her family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, after her mother remarried. The family spent many summer vacations and Christmas breaks making the drive back and forth between the two cities to visit family, and Prewitt drew on her imagination to entertain herself.

“When we would make these long trips, I would look out the window and

18 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

018_2026_MM07_ID26_BOOKS_v02.indd 18

tell stories to this captive audience that I had about anything that was passing by. It was like, ‘Let me tell you about the people who live in this house,’” she says.

The image comes to mind of a young Prewitt delightedly spilling the dirt on the imaginary lives of people glimpsed out the window of a moving car.

Eventually, her penchant for storytelling drew a response. Prewitt remembers her mother, who “didn’t give out compliments easily,” telling one of Prewitt’s aunts, “This child can tell a story about anything.”

As Prewitt tells it, her mother stopped in her tracks, pointed to a dead fish lying on the sand of the beach, and set her daughter a challenge.

“She said, ‘Tell a story about that fish,’” Prewitt remembers with a side-splitting laugh.

It should come as no surprise that Prewitt met her mother’s challenge with determination — and a story about a fish she had never before seen or given a thought.

Her goal as a teller of tales has always been to amuse. Prewitt rarely used her talent for off-the-cuff storytelling for nefarious ends, though she did once invent a more exciting profession for her father.

She says that as a child, she had a poor grasp of what her dad actually did, so she said, “He works for the mafia.”

Her father was a wholesale grocer.

When Prewitt told the “fish story” to one of her beta readers, the reader responded, “That reveals a lot about When We Were Murderous Time-Traveling Women.”

MURDEROUS TIME-TRAVELING WOMEN

“W

hen I fled Mississippi, I ran to New Orleans because the city had spent the last few years same as me — rocking a romanticized past until a giant storm rolled in and blew the myth to hell, leaving a shaky grip on the future,” the novel’s protagonist, Aurora

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ELLEN MORRIS PREWITT

6/16/26 11:58 AM

Etoile, says of her recent past.

Aurora is forced to flee Mississippi after killing her boss (there are reasons, of course), and the story snowballs from that sedate stare. She inadvertently opens a temporal portal of some kind when, lost in the Bywater, she recites a little ditty to help keep track of the order in the streets in New Orleans.

“I gave her my terrible sense of direction,” Prewitt admits with a laugh.

Aurora’s seemingly magical poem transports a saint, a prince, and her three ancestral grandmothers, the titular murderous time-traveling women, to twenty-first-century Louisiana.

“I took little truths from my grandmothers and blew them up into fiction, but my grandmothers were not murderers. That I know of. I just want to make that clear,” Prewitt says with one of her trademark chuckles.

Many Southern women become the de facto keepers of the family lore. That sense of the partially obscured past making itself known in the present is a hallmark of so much Southern storytelling, from Southern gothic to When We Were Murderous Time-Traveling Women. Memory and myth, history and trauma — those are hallmarks of Southern fiction, and Prewitt deftly pairs those motifs with the complementary genre trope of time-travel.

“The past defines the present,” Prewitt says. “The past is the very thing that these women have to figure out a way to deal with.”

Though the author’s new novel is, technically, a fantasy, Prewitt prefers the terms “speculative fiction” and “magical realism,” noting that her novel is missing many of the hallmarks of high fantasy. There are no werewolves, elves, or knights in armor bravely carrying pennants snapping in the wind.

“It falls into a genre that they call traumedy,” Prewitt says. The word is a kenning of trauma and comedy, and it

succinctly sums up the blend of humor and painful history that characterize Prewitt’s work.

THE PATH TO PUBLICATION

I

n something of a full-circle moment, Prewitt’s first-ever short-story submission was to Memphis Magazine for its fiction-writing contest. “I got an honorable mention and a $500 check, and I thought, ‘This writing business is going to be a piece of cake.’ But no,” she says with a laugh, seemingly delighted at the challenge that “this writing business” has presented her. Of course, challenges met are more easily remembered with a laugh.

Prewitt eventually did go on to win the magazine’s fiction-writing contest in 2009, for a story she called “Just Now.” Early in her writing career, she wrote radio commentaries for WKNO. As with her other public-facing work, a thread of humor runs through her output. Prewitt worked on her own projects as well, both long-form novels and short stories.

Determined to publish a novel, Prewitt wrote three manuscripts in three different genres, and sent them to three different agents, who eventually failed to sell them. “They died on submission, which is an awfully graphic way to put it,” Prewitt says, and for once, there’s a hint of disappointment coloring her voice.

Unwilling to concede defeat, she decided to fall back on her childhood storytelling roots. When she began her next manuscript, she had one goal only: to entertain herself. Prewitt diligently plugged away at her manuscript, until she had finished enough to stick it in a drawer. It’s a piece of relatively conventional writing advice — to set a finished work aside until the writer can gain a healthy dose of perspective on it. Unfortunately, there the manuscript languished, until a forgotten assignment recalled it to her mind.

At the time, Prewitt was part of a writ-

ing group. The group would give each other prompts at each meeting and would bring back their responses the next month.

“I hadn’t done my homework,” Prewitt remembers.

“That first chapter, maybe I could slide that in there and say it was my homework.”

The response from her compatriots was glowing, so she picked the manuscript back up and determined to put in the absolutely Herculean amount of work to shepherd it through revisions and to publication.

Determined to take a different route to publication than her previous attempts, Prewitt found a home for When We Were Murderous Time-Traveling Women with small press Literary Wanderlust, an imprint out of Denver, Colorado. In the end, her whirlwind tale has found its right place, even as Aurora, the novel’s protagonist, has had to cross geographic and temporal barriers (not to mention enlisting the help of her ancestors) to find her place in the world.

“You have to do what works for you,” Prewitt says.

“There are all different ways to get to someplace.”

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 19

018_2026_MM07_ID26_BOOKS_v02.indd 19

6/16/26 11:58 AM

C I T Y

J O U R N A L

Hitting the Right Notes?

Will a $74 million upgrade to Beale Street destroy the historic district’s authenticity?

BY TOM JONES

T

he late Jim Dickinson wasn’t just a legendary musician and producer. He possessed a passionate — and provocative — mastery of the meaning of Memphis music, its authenticity, and warned against reducing Beale Street to nostalgia and a branding hook for tourists.

He earned the right to his opinion. After all, it was sought by national music journalists and even Martin Scorsese for his documentary series about the blues. Music greats sought him out to play with them — from Albert King and Aretha Franklin to the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Dickinson’s genre-bending band, Mud Boy & the Neutrons, was nothing less than the “missing link between Furry Lewis and the Rolling Stones,” according to author and documentarian Robert Gordon.

In 1979, with Beale Street a largely abandoned ghost town, Dickinson produced the masterpiece album, Beale Street Saturday Night. Listening to it now, it is compelling evidence for his case that these were the music and musicians this mythic music street should spotlight.

At the time, Beale Street could pass for an archaeological site. It was in shambles and city government pursued urban renewal and development as the answers to its future. Dickinson insisted that the bedrock of the street’s authenticity should be Black music and culture to achieve what Rufus Thomas promised: “If you were Black for one night on Beale Street, you would never want to be white again.”

Until he died in 2009, Dickinson continued to sound the alarm about Beale Street losing its soul in a battle between authenticity and real estate development.

Almost 50 years later, that fundamental, underlying question remains and today it is fueled by $74 million in state funding: Do the

current plans for Beale Street risk the street’s authenticity in pursuit of it becoming a twenty-first-century entertainment district?

The Downtown Memphis Commission, which is charged with management of Beale Street, announced the state money will be spent on safety enhancements and to create a welcoming experience within the Beale Street Historic District. The boundaries for the work suggest the prime motivator for the funding is the Memphis Grizzlies.

Within the area marked for improvements are the areas bordering FedExForum on the north and west plus Beale Street from Second to B.B. King Boulevard. Not included is the north side of Beale Street between B.B. King Boulevard and Fourth Street, the section of the street long overdue for help.

The Downtown Memphis Commission said upgrades include street lane reductions, better sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, new landscaping and hardscaping features, community spaces for music and events, and new public bathrooms.

The $74 million represents one of the largest investments in the historic district in its history, but infrastructure is only one piece of the puzzle. There are the safety concerns amplified by the media (although only 3 percent of the total crimes in Memphis happen in the 38103 ZIP code).

There are underused and uncared for historic buildings owned by the City of Memphis, inconsistent programming, bureaucratic contract approvals, management

20 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

020_2026_MM07_ID26_CITYJOURNAL_v01.indd 20

inexperienced in operations of historic entertainment districts, and the sense that the district is underactivated outside of peak tourism periods.

The planned investments aren’t glamorous. Better lighting doesn’t inspire ribbon cuttings and better sidewalks don’t normally generate viral excitement. That said, effective urban districts need to be safe, connected, walkable, and comfortable, areas where Memphis has often underinvested. Even today, visitors to downtown are familiar with uneven sidewalks, weak lighting, and substandard landscaping and hardscaping.

However, City Hall’s ambition for Beale Street is to create positive impressions and the main one being sought is from the Memphis Grizzlies. It is said in City Hall that plans and changes to Beale Street require the stamp of approval from the NBA team.

The mayor’s preoccupation and rhetoric about Beale Street are about sending a message to the Grizzlies that city government is doing all it can to improve the area for people attending its games. Coupled with the $550 million for arena renovations, the hope is to get the team to sign a new contract sooner rather than later to remain in Memphis.

Often lost in these conversations is the fact that the State of Tennessee estimates Beale Street has five million visitors a year — or eight times more people than fans attending Grizzlies games.

So, what exactly should Beale Street be?

Entertainment districts are treated as magic answers for cities across the country looking to jumpstart their downtown economies, but they are hardly a sure thing. Many suffer from homogenization with identical

corporate chains and architecture. New Orleans, Austin, and Memphis are often cited as exceptions to the urban cloning trap by leaning into authenticity.

It’s Beale Street’s competitive advantage; however, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need more diversity in its tenant mix and programming, stronger local musician pipelines, family-friendly attractions during the day, and greater connectivity with nearby assets.

For decades, downtown has been disconnected islands of assets: Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum and South Main, The Edge District and Sun Studio, Tom Lee Park and the riverfront, and the convention center. If the money from state government could improve pedestrian movement and greater integration between the assets, the return on investment would be much more than a few blocks of nightlife.

The Memphis mindset about downtown fluctuates between defensive boosterism and relentless pessimism. The Beale Street funding offers an opportunity to think bigger if the vision about Beale Street is about more than avoiding decline and making the Grizzlies happy.

That’s why the larger debate shouldn’t be about infrastructure. It should be about vision.

The question ultimately is whether Memphis has the imagination to match this historic investment with a historic vision, — maybe, just maybe, one that Dickinson might have endorsed.

Tom Jones is the principal of Smart City Consulting, which specializes in strategic communications, public policy development, and strategic planning.

He tends the 20-year-old Smart City Memphis blog and is an author with experience in local government.

He can be reached at tjones@ smartcityconsulting.com PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KIRKISIS / ISTOCK

6/12/26 11:19 AM

JULY 25 - AUGUST 2 LEFTWICH TENNIS CENTER Professional women’s tennis returns to Memphis.

See top WTA players fresh off of their Wimbledon appearance.

EXHIBITION MATCH July 25 feat John Isner, Sam Querrey, Stevie Johnson

Official Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Partner

TICKETS • VOLUNTEER

MUSIC • FOOD • SPECIAL EVENTS • WORLD CLASS TENNIS

22 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 22

PHOTOGRAPH BY WES HALE

6/12/26 11:26 AM

a gentler pa t h As it marks 40 YEARS OF IMPACT, YOUTH VILLAGES CARRIES ON THE MISSION OF MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED.

by FRANK MURTAUGH

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 23

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 23

6/12/26 11:27 AM

to the bucolic Dogwood campus of Youth Villages, you’ll find it hard to leave. Nine cottages serve as residence halls for boys and girls (and Youth Villages staff ), but they are nestled among multiple ball fields, a swimming pool, a school house, and an activities center that includes a drum room, basketball court, pickleball court, movie theater, climbing wall, and — get this — a hair salon.

You can’t walk the campus without feeling young, and that seems to be the point. The years that form us are critical. And as Youth Villages turns 40 in 2026, those years matter more than ever. For adulthood awaits.

A small sign as you exit the campus could serve as a twoword mission statement for an organization that now reaches 29 states and more than 40,000 kids nationwide: “Buckle seatbelt.”

atrick Lawler has served as Youth Villages’ CEO since its inception in 1986. Following a merger of two youth-services organizations (Dogwood Villages and Memphis Boys Town), 88 kids found themselves under the care of Lawler and the hope that a single nonprofit could find traction where two smaller entities had struggled. And traction they found. Today, Youth Villages employs more than 1,500 locally, serving 110 kids on the Dogwood campus in Arlington, 300 on its 82-acre campus in Bartlett, and hundreds more through its community outreach programs.

Reflecting on the early stages of his career at Dogwood Villages, Lawler chuckles and says, “I’m not young enough to know everything anymore.” A graduate of Bishop Byrne High School and the University of Memphis, Lawler knew nothing in 1980 about licenses, boards, budgets … essentials for a nonprofit to survive, let alone thrive.

“We had nine staff and 25 kids,” says Lawler. “Nineteen boys and six girls. Six brick cottages and an administration building. We had a capital campaign in 1984 led by Spence Wilson and we raised $1.6 million.” From a pre-merger budget of $150,000, Youth Villages has grown to a national budget over $600 million, with a Memphis budget of $200 million.

Eight of the nine Dogwood cottages are home to 11 or 12 children. (The newest will house 20.) They are same-sex residences and the children are housed among their age groups, 12 to 17. Youth Villages assigns

administrators and a psychiatrist to each cottage, providing 24/7 access and support. The kids attend school together, eat meals together, and enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities as a group. They become a community within the larger Youth Villages community, a family of peers.

“Most of the kids who come here,” explains Lawler, “are in the custody of the child-welfare system. They’ve been removed from their families. Abuse.

Neglect. Emotional problems.

[Youth Villages] is for kids with the greatest needs. They’ve been in foster care, in and out of psychiatric hospitals.

Every transition is difficult.

We want kids to feel like this is a very special place. They’ve had terrible lives before they come here, for the most part.”

Lawler likes to emphasize the Youth Villages slogan: “A force for families.” When a child moves onto one of the campuses, he or she receives an individual tour, ideally with an adult family member. The mission is to transform a harmful environment into one that’s enriching. That goes for entire families.

“We’re looking to build confidence in kids,” says Lawler. “Some kids may not play pickleball, but they love arts and crafts, or music. We want to give the kids as many opportunities to be successful as we can. It brings them joy, and provides them something to look forward to.” He emphasizes that the confidence-building starts with addressing past trauma, overcoming that trauma, then reinforcing good behavior.

“Problems are addressed by talking about it,” says Lawler.

“Being around people who care about you makes a difference.

And help others. They’ll see you as a leader. They take ownership of group activities.”

24 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 24

6/12/26 11:27 AM

“When Ethan [now 10] was in 2nd grade, it was about naming the emotions he was feeling. This second time [with Youth Villages] has been more impactful because he’s built a relationship with the worker he has. Ethan’s our oldest of five kids, and it’s impacted our whole family. My husband and I are involved; sometimes just the two of us will meet with the counselor. Other times, all of our boys are involved, to help navigate relationships. “[Youth Villages] has given me more strategies to try, or they’ve encouraged me on the strategies I’m already trying. Having a third party to talk to, in an unbiased way has been beneficial. It’s helpful to have someone who’s not emotionally involved [in an argument or discussion]. Just go straight to the strategies.

“Ethan has taken more ownership of his behavior and emotions. When his brothers are having a hard time, he’s able to coach them. The strategies he’s learned, he’s able to teach his brothers.”

lmost a decade into its mission, Youth Villages pivoted dramatically. Having served primarily as a residential transition from foster care, the organization identified a need to expand focus to the families of at-risk children.

What good would nurturing a child do if that child were to return to the same trauma after Youth Villages? With considerable funding from the Plough Foundation, the Intercept program was born. Trained Youth Villages staff would now enter the homes of children suffering abuse and open a dialogue aimed at nurturing the environment — starting with the caregivers — of the children in need.

“Kids are a reflection of who they’re with, and what [those

­ ­

people] are doing,” notes Lawler.

“In the early Nineties, half of the kids were not doing well after going home. And we had hundreds of kids on a waiting list. We determined that the best way to help a child was to try and keep him with his family.

We started everything over, every policy procedure. Kids used to bring ten pairs of tennis shoes. We told them to bring one. The reason for being here is to get you home sooner and have an effective return to your family.” A heart-squeezing part of the Youth Villages equation: No matter how comfortable and therapeutic campus life may be, nearly every child wants

to get back home, and soon.

A specialist with Intercept will manage four or five cases at a time, visiting the home of a child at least three days a week.

Together, a family-management plan is built. Are bills getting paid? Healthy food on the table?

Access to medicine? “There are three principle problems,” explains Lawler. “There’s conflict in the home, people just not getting along. They’re failing in school, not going to class. The last one is the most important: peer pressure. Doing things they shouldn’t be doing.” The specialist will bring trigger locks and lock boxes for any guns in the household. More supervision and more structure go a long way.

But it’s more caring — both from Youth Villages and family — that achieves the greatest goals.

“Over my four years at Austin Peay [State University], LifeSet helped me manage the months, every semester.

Mentally, physically, financially …

[Youth Villages] helped in all aspects.

It’s one of the reasons I was able to get my undergrad degree without going into debt. A lot of my friends struggle with the problem of staying in college and having financial stability. It’s not cheap.

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 25

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 25

6/12/26 11:27 AM

And a lot of people don’t have extra resources. Mentally, I was not stressed out about that, didn’t have to worry about that. It made a big difference in my life.

“Whatever situation I’m in, I’m going to try and make the best of it. One thing I’ve learned: Keep going. There have been hard times. Overall, you grow with those times. There are brighter days ahead.”

— JAMAL WRIGHT, ENTERING A MASTER’S PROGRAM AT TENNESSEE TECH IN COOKEVILLE THIS FALL

N RK HEART & VASCULAR CARE

Ritin Bomb, MD, FACC, RPVI Cardiologist in Memphis  Voted Top Doctor by Castle Connolly • In practice for 20+ years • Same-day appointments are welcome • Rapid pre-surgical assessment • All patients seen by MD Cardiologist • All Insurances accepted

ear the turn of the century, Lawler and Youth Villages administrators discovered a troubling trend. A large percentage of Youth Villages alumni — now young adults — were struggling to find their way. Early, unplanned pregnancy. Prison. Or worse. Philanthropist Clarence Day invited Lawler to a meeting, and Day insisted the conversation focus on those Youth Villages was not helping.

If Lawler could raise $1.5 million in state funds, Day’s foundation would match it for new programming. Lawler answered the challenge, and LifeSet entered the Youth Villages universe, a program aimed at young adults (ages 17-23) and the management of life skills. Finding a job, managing a budget, and steering clear of damaging decisions.

“A specialist has a case load of eight to ten [individuals],” explains Lawler. “The job is to help the young person transition successfully into adulthood. Some of them have children, so you also have daycare, public assistance. The program is seven to ten months. There’s also a scholarship program to help kids in LifeSet get to college. It’s become a national model.”

Hospital Affiliations: Baptist, St. Francis, Methodist Memphis, and Highland Hills Senatobia 995 S. Yates Road, Memphis, TN 38119  403 Getwell Drive, Senatobia, MS 38668 (901) 979-4140  www.rkheart.com

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS DESIGN PEOPLE PLACES Blair Parker Design, LLC. Site / Master Planning

“Mentorship was the biggest thing for me. And the LifeSet program. A lot of us have the potential and want to go to college but don’t have the resources. I was valedictorian of my high school, but going to college, you may not have the same level of support as your peers. Having counselors who come in and support every aspect of your life … that really stood out.

“There are so many aspects of Youth Villages, and the leadership. After I first met Pat [Lawler], he remembered my name. He drove down to my home in Mississippi. [Youth Villages] helped me get my teeth fixed. They cared about me holistically.

It helped my self-confidence, the way I speak.

They saw me as a person and not a number.”

— FRED BURNS, NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER FOR YOUTH VILLAGES

9 0 1 . 7 6 7 .6 5 5 5

26 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 26

6/17/26 12:39 PM

n 2022, emerging from the pandemic, Lawler began losing sleep over the amount of gun violence in Memphis. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported 307 murders in Memphis in 2021, the vast majority from gunfire. With Memphis youth in the crossfire, Lawler wondered, how could Youth Villages not get involved. From that uncomfortable musing was born Memphis Allies, a program tasked with reducing gun violence in the region, even if it’s one weapon at a time.

“We started off with no money and no plan,” notes Lawler, “but we couldn’t stay on the sidelines anymore. I read books about stopping gun violence with intervention work. I called business leaders all over the city. No one was doing anything, but everyone was concerned. This wasn’t kids [doing the killing]. The average age [of murderers] was 28. What if we put our resources toward slowing this down? We traveled to five cities that first summer. We’ve served 1,609 people since 2022 and 90 percent of them have not had a new gun charge.”

Staffed in part by survivors of street violence, Memphis Allies seeks discussion in an environment that thrives on dispute.

Counselors speak the language a gang member recognizes, and from a vantage point the gangster may want to occupy himself in a less-violent future. The TBI reported 184 murders in 2025 with shooting incidents down almost 40 percent. Youth Villages played a role.

In caring for at-risk children in a country bountiful with guns, crises will hit. In April 2025, gunmen opened fire on a Memphis Allies gathering in Hickory Hill (one of its seven locations in the city) and a young man was killed. Others were injured, but based on the damage to the facility, Lawler is amazed that only one person died. Youth Villages has the legal, financial, and insurance resources to manage a calamity like this, all the while taking steps to make them less likely. A brick wall now stands in front of the building shattered by bullets 15 months ago.

“We do everything possible to make this a safe place,” says Lawler. “There are cameras in every [Youth Villages] building [though not in bedrooms]. There is one staff member for every three kids. There are conflicts every day, but our staff is trained [to resolve disputes].

“Memphis Allies has 225 people on staff, working with some of the most violent people in the city. You build a certain level of trust.

Once they’re enrolled in stage one, they get access to group therapy, a case manager, whatever they need. While Intercept is a four- to six-month program, Memphis Allies is usually 12 months to two years. It’s cognitive behavior therapy. By stage three, they’re doing volunteer work in the community.”

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERICAL

Building the Best Construction Experience

OXFORD MEMPHIS

901-465-3400 | www.rka.build

PICKWICK

1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Utilities Included RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR A PENTHOUSE AVAILABLE

THE EMBASSY APARTMENTS A

DAT T E L

R E A LT Y

PROPERTY

“Luxury and Location”

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 901-685-8020 505 South Perkins Rd. • In the Heart of East Memphis See our floorplans @ embassyaptsmemphis.com

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 27

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 27

6/17/26 12:39 PM

N

Love a little, die a little and break the law.

Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.

From Sartoris Literary Group, the debut novel by Frank Murtaugh.

Available NOW at Amazon.com. Paperback ($19.95) and eBook ($8.95).

Also available at Burke’s Book Store (936 S. Cooper) and Novel (387 Perkins Extd).

ationwide, Youth Villages received more than $47 million in donations and pledges in 2025, and with a modest marketing budget. (Think about the last time you saw a Youth Villages TV spot.) That figure is merely 9 percent of total revenue. Lawler emphasizes that Tennessee’s state government is among the country’s most generous when it comes to the child welfare system ($180 million for Youth Villages in 2025 and an additional $25 million from TennCare).

One prominent Youth Villages partner is rock legend Steven Tyler. The Aerosmith frontman founded Janie’s Fund in 2015 to aid girls who have been victimized by domestic abuse. (The name derives from their 1989 hit, “Janie’s Got a Gun.”) The newest girls’ cottage on the Dogwood campus — a two-story facility with a prominent patio — is called Janie’s House.

Every Youth Villages facility has one thing in common: large windows. “Everyone likes a view,” notes Lawler. “We try very hard not to look institutional.” Natural light has long been recognized as a contributor to strong mental health. The cottages and activities center are also equipped with heavy, rounded furniture (harder to injure oneself or someone else). The intentional architecture and interior design are born from the same nurturing philosophy that reduces the number of TV screens and cell phones. Active children engaged with other active children, it turns out, are healthier both inside and out.

As for Lawler, 40 years aren’t enough.

An ideal world — no child at risk of trauma or abuse — would put Youth Villages out of business. But that’s the stuff of fantasy. Ambitious but grounded, the organization enters its fifth decade knowing the next child, and next challenge, may live in your neighborhood today.

“It’s a life mission,” says Lawler. “I love this work, helping young people and families. It’s all I’ve ever known. We have great staff, great volunteers, a great board of directors. You need to get up every day thinking you can make life better for somebody. All of our staff is this way.”

As for how Youth Villages is different today than it was 40 years ago, Lawler doesn’t hesitate. “In 1986, we thought we were a residential program for kids,” he says.

“That’s all we thought about until 1993. I’m hopeful we’ll continue to grow and expand our services. I’d like to see Memphis as one of the most safe cities in America ten years from now. I’d like to see Intercept and LifeSet in every state in the country. Come visit our programs. Learn about our work. I’m tired of being the best-kept secret in Memphis.”

28 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

024_2026_MM07_ID26_YV_v01_.indd 28

6/17/26 12:40 PM

Where Professionals Can Pause, Reset and Heal Building a bridge to a better tomorrow You show up for everyone else – now it’s time to show up for yourself. The Landing offers focused treatment for adults seeking real progress and long-term stability. Through personalized therapy, medication management and coping skills you can use immediately, we can help you move from surviving to thriving.

Rediscover clarity. Rebuild confidence. Start feeling like yourself again.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety or another behavioral health issue, we can help. Call us today at 901-377-4733 or visit lakesidebhs.com to find out more.

We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We offer level-of-care assessments to help determine the best care for you or your loved ones.

2911 Brunswick Road | Memphis, TN 38133 | 901-377-4733 1083 W. Rex Road | Memphis, TN 38119 | 901-377-4733

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakeside Behavioral Health System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakeside Behavioral Health System. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 264865621-4938284 4/26

30 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

030_2026_MM07_ID26_Our_House_v01.indd 30

6/17/26 9:03 AM

31

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 31

030_2026_MM07_ID26_Our_House_v01.indd 31

6/17/26 9:03 AM

I H A D M Y D O U B T S about the place. The paint was peeling;

the kitchen was cramped; oak saplings sprouted in the gutters. But — Cameron argued — the house had potential. The siding would need to be repainted, true, but that would be an opportunity to choose a deeper, moodier color, one we truly loved. The kitchen could be opened up — all we would need to do was knock out a few cabinets and countertops and maybe a pantry, and swing the dishwasher 90 degrees, and also install new floors, appliances, and lighting.

No problem! As for the saplings — neither of us was keen to clean gutters that high off the ground, so we would go gutter-free.

We agreed that the downstairs flowed beautifully, with few doors to obstruct movement and abundant windows to welcome natural light. And we agreed that the location felt right, set amid the graceful canopy and quiet beauty of Central Gardens. The house was even on a street that my parents had dreamed of one day calling home, though they never did.

Our own search had centered on tidy three-bedroom bungalows, whereas this was a spacious American Foursquare, c. 1906, with cloud-high ceilings and an attached sunroom adding even more living space. I was moving from a one-bedroom apartment, Cameron from a compact house in Birmingham. Even with all of our belongings moved in, our new, shared home felt … minimalist, without

meaning to be. Over time, we made the house our own. We unpacked, learned the quirks and squeaks, bought furniture.

Then, a few months after we had moved in, an electrical fire sparked in the wiring to the dryer. I thought Cameron was burning dinner; his son, Noah, thought I was burning sage. By the time we realized this was no singed sweet potato, the fire was climbing inside the walls. We were fortunate that the fire department arrived swiftly, and that the damage was, mostly, repairable. For several months, we and our pets were a traveling circus around assorted Airbnbs of Midtown Memphis; even after professional cleaning, I still smelled smoke on our jackets.

The fire clarified and strengthened our family, bonding us as survivors of a pretty

horrifying event. The house CAMERON’S itself grew stronger after the VINTAGE flames, too. Crews mended the TYPEWRITER SITS BESIDE damage done and then some A PHOTO OF — a half-bathroom that had ANNA’S FAMILY wanted love finally got it; the (SHE’S THE BABY NOT IN sunroom, previously a bright A BASKET). orange puzzle of terra cotta tile, was refloored, and a wet bar replaced by a wall of bookshelves; the downstairs was repainted and the floors refinished, to address smoke damage and water damage. We also engaged the repair crew to finish a half-done kitchen renovation while they were at it. We took extra measures to ensure that our home would be safer in the future, by hiring an electrician to inspect and modernize every outlet and socket.

By the time we resettled, months later, our home was both safer and more pleasant than it ever would have been, had the wires not sparked a conflagration. We christened it “The Phoenix,” for its rise from the ashes.

Over the years to follow, we would invest in many more projects around the house — some to improve function, others to add beau-

32 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

030_2026_MM07_ID26_Our_House_v01.indd 32

6/17/26 9:03 AM

44K DAYS ty. We replaced doors, repainted walls inside and out, installed new skylights where the leaky ones had been, re-roofed the sunroom addition, bought new appliances. Sometimes, occasionally, we grumbled at the place — a 120-year-old house has her own ideas. But the longer we lived here, the more we loved our home: the gorgeous light, the wide-open sightlines, the space for our family just to be.

We have loved this house, but its 2800+ square feet are more than we’ll need as our lives evolve. My stepson will depart for college in a matter of weeks; Cameron and I don’t need so much room. This spring, we decided to list the house for sale.

(I will pause the story here to note that I am not leaving Memphis Magazine — you’re still stuck with me! Just moving house.)

We contacted the same real estate agent, Lynda Baddour, who had represented us in purchasing the home. Lynda, who happens to be a former account executive for this very magazine, would be uniquely positioned to tell the story of the house, having seen it before we moved in, while it was being renovated, and now.

The house had come a long way already, but Lynda recommended a few more spruces before we listed it for sale. We had the exterior painted about five years ago, and while most of the paint and boards were aging well, a few sections of siding needed to be repaired or replaced. I love our home’s wood siding, but wet weather and warm sun had had their way with the east-facing side, even since we had the full exterior scraped, mended, and repainted a few years ago. In the backyard,

a section of the privacy fence THE SOURDOUGH was wonky and wobbly; the STARTER’S workers here added fencing NAME IS BREAD ASTAIRE. to their growing list. Inside, an upstairs bathroom cried out for a new vanity and sinks — we had simply never gotten around to it, but the fixtures in place were in rough condition — and we obliged.

Once the pre-listing work was complete, Lynda engaged a real-estate photographer to capture images. I don’t think our house ever looks particularly cluttered, but I learned that for staging purposes, nearly everything that lives on a flat surface needed to be hidden. Pepper grinders, cooking utensils, candles, kitchen scales: all tucked out of sight.

Dog bed: stashed atop the washer/dryer.

Newspapers and magazines: gone. (Maybe there’s more clutter than I realize?) Cat boxes: sorry, but they stayed put — freshly cleaned, of course! Also, every single light in the house needed to be switched on — even at 3:00 in the bright summer afternoon.

Even though I might have rolled my eyes at the process, I had to admit that the photos turned out beautifully.

Photos made — and, crucially, a listing agreement signed — it was official: Our home was for sale. There was a web link to the listing, a sturdy sign in the front yard, and an open house on the calendar.

I don’t know what we expected. Homes in our neighborhood have been selling, but the market is moving more slowly than a few years ago. Still, we were surprised (and yes, worried) that we didn’t need to vacate for showings right away. On the Sunday of

L I K E M O S T of Central Gardens, this one was built in the early twentieth century. My colleague, Michael Finger, investigated its specific history. He found that the Shelby County Assessor shows a construction date of 1900, but since there is no evidence of an actual structure until later, Michael surmises that either property taxes were being paid on vacant lots purchased by developers, or the date is wrong.

By 1906, residents were listed at the house for the first time: one J.H. Moyston, along with several other members of the Moyston family (including a reporter/editor for the Memphis News-Scimitar!). By 1910, the Moystons had left and the house was occupied by a variety of folks, including a paper company sales rep, a bookkeeper for an iron company, a dressmaker, a foreman, and a nurse.

In the mid-1940s, the house was divided into apartments and seems to have been occupied by as many as ten individuals (five couples) at once, not counting any children who may not have been listed in city directories.

By the late 1960s, the house seems to have been vacant, but by the 1970s, it apparently was used as apartments again: The residents’ livelihoods were listed as: “no job; retired; no job, Pure Oil Station.”

Then, in 1984, a respected local attorney bought the house, along with his wife, an artist; the two raised their children here. We bought the house from this family, who took loving care of the place for some 35 years — by far the longest it has remained with any singular owner.

I love to think of all the life that’s been lived under this roof — nearly 44,000 days, more than a million hours, after the house was built.

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 33

030_2026_MM07_ID26_Our_House_v01.indd 33

6/17/26 9:04 AM

the open house, we cleaned and tidied and styled the house, arranged fresh flowers in a few rooms, and then piled three humans, one dog, and two cats into a Subaru Crosstrek. We drove to Harbor Town, popped into Cordelia’s for picnic supplies, and then draped our blanket and ourselves on the riverbank. The cats stayed in their travel enclosure, but we opened the hatchback so that they could see the rolling, roiling Mississippi for the first time. (Being cats, they frankly were unimpressed.)

Lynda said the open house had gone well: There may not have been huge crowds, but several visitors had expressed genuine interest. One or two even planned to return for private showings. And indeed, in the days to follow, we (and the four-legged crew) did vacate the house again for further showings — not nearly as many as we had hoped and expected, but, as Cameron kept reminding me, we only needed one buyer. We were very lucky to receive an offer just six days after the listing was posted. The offer was contingent on the sale of the buyers’ home, but — lucky again — their process went relatively quickly, too, another stroke of luck. I’ll admit that in the negotiating period, little struck me as lucky or charmed: I was more … annoyed.

But that period ended, and in hindsight, I can see how fortunate we were. Yes, even though the buyers’ inspection prompted a series of repair requests: more wood repair; a fogged window; this, that, and the other, but nothing truly major.

This house has been very sweet to us. Yes, sure, it did catch on fire that one time. But maybe that was just the house’s way of pressing a reset button?

This house has been very sweet to us.

Yes, sure, it did catch on fire that one time.

But maybe that was just the house’s way of pressing a reset button? We have loved our

years here, and all the moments THE FAMILY RENOVATED that we’ve experienced within THE KITCHEN these walls. But I think we huTO MAKE IT mans are meant to keep movMORE OPEN ing. I’m excited to begin again, AND AIRY. and again, and again.

If you’re thinking of listing your home, my advice: Trust the process. Be prepared for surprises. Advocate for yourself. Do your best to extricate emotion from business. (I had a hard time not being offended when a potential buyer didn’t fall head over heels for our house. It’s not a personal affront — but can feel that way.) Try to be patient and flexible; surprises are inevitable. Your real estate agent is there to help you navigate: Let them.

Above all — and I struggle with this one — give yourself grace and keep perspective.

The house we’ve loved for seven years has been standing for 120. It was nearly 80 when I was born, and I fully expect these walls to outlast me. We’re temporary caretakers of our homes, keeping them safe and making them beautiful just in time for someone else’s shift to begin. The assessor’s office can tell you what your house is worth in dollars, but there’s no quantifying what the feeling of home is worth to your soul.

34 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

030_2026_MM07_ID26_Our_House_v01.indd 34

6/17/26 9:04 AM

Small Steps Lead to Extraordinary Outcomes Walk with us!

10.24.26 | MEMPHIS, TN

WWW.MIDSOUTHHEARTWALK.ORG

Sponsored by:

KPMG Semmes-Murphey Clinic Vascular V Va scular Interventional Physicians University of Tennessee T nnessee Health Te Healt lt l h Science Center

MEET THE MEMBERS Multi Million Dollar Club / L I F E M E M B E R S

MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE

Multi Million Dollar Club

T

he Multi Million Dollar Club is an honor society created to give recognition to REALTOR® and REALTOR®-Associate members of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®, who have achieved outstanding sales performance during any one calendar year.

In line with its objective of encouraging cooperation and goodwill within the real estate industry, the club hosts several social events and networking opportunities through-

out the year, including its annual holiday party, awards gala, and an election celebration.

The club has hosted educational events to provide club members with free CE credit from nationally renowned speakers in recent years.

The MAAR Multi Million Dollar Club has also contributed to the MAAR Benevolent Fund.

The chapter is governed by the MMDC Bylaws, as approved by the MAAR Board of Directors.

Membership in the Multi Million Dollar Club is open to MAAR members in good standing who meet MMDC’s eligibility requirements. To qualify for membership, an applicant must be a REALTOR® or REALTOR®-Associate member of MAAR and meet one of the following criteria for sales volume in the previous calendar year: ◗ A minimum of $4.5 million in accumulative total gross sales or leases. ◗ A minimum of 30 sales units.

Multi Million Dollar Club | BOARD OF GOVERNORS

President Eleanore Maynard

President-Elect Kaylee Oaks

Treasurer Renee Victory

Assistant Treasurer Monica Bynum

Two-Year Director Jenny Vergos

Recording Secretary Julianne Carney

Corresponding Secretary Fourth-Year Director Peterson Wellford Ashley Tinker

Third-Year Director Cecilia Fernandez

Second-Year Director Anna Grace Green

First-Year Director Rob Hyde

Two-Year Director Amy Murrah

Director Robin Fauser

36 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 36

6/11/26 9:53 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / L I F E M E M B E R S

Multi Million Dollar Club LIFE MEMBERS

Barbara Acree, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Todd Adams, Keller Williams Helen Akin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Stephen Akindona, Kairos Realty Andrew Akins, CB Properties of Memphis, LLC Fontaine Albritton, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Linda Allad, Fast Track Realty, LLC Frances Anderson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kent Anderson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Stephen Anderson, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Tammy Anderson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Tina Andrade, Fast Track Realty, LLC David Apperson, McWaters & Associates Jennifer Arendale, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Paige Arnold, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Mia Atkinson, eXp Realty, LLC

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREKULIASZ / ISTOCK

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 37

Kira Auvert, Adaro Realty, Inc. Sarah Aylward, The Firm Lynda Baddour, Ware Jones, REALTORS Patti Baggett, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Erin Baker, Grant & Co., REALTORS Lisa Ballard, D & D Homes Realty Sarah Bard, The Firm Bill Bates, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Amy Batson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Pam Beall, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Amber Beard Bean, Groome & Co. Barbara Becker, Adaro Realty, Inc. Sandra Beibers, Clearpoint, REALTORS Linda Bell, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Cassandra Bell-Warren, 4 Success Realty, LLC Dustin Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Tracie Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Carrie Benitone, Ware Jones, REALTORS Flor Bernal, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Rik Berry, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Stacey Berry, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS M. Scott Bettis, Crye-Leike Commercial Jeanne Billings, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Anna Bishop, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Felix Bishop, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Cathleen Black, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Vicki Blackwell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Melanie Blakeney, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Ashley Bonds, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Melody Bourell, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Ric Bowman, Weichert, REALTORS-BenchMark Steve Boysen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 37

6/11/26 8:54 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / L I F E M E M B E R S

Marina Brinkley, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jeffrey Britt, REMAX Experts Jeff Bronze, Premier Realty, Inc. Deborah Brooks, Main Street, REALTORS Juan Brooks, Process Realty Services Alexis Brown, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Jennifer Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jessica Brown, REMAX Experts Mary Brown, Groome & Co. Sharon Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Steve Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jeannie Bruce, KAIZEN Realty, LLC April Bryan, Bryan Realty Group Michael Bryan, Bryan Realty Group Tammy Bunnell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kenneth Burden, New Home Realty Vickie Burgess, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Danny Burke, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Julie Burke, Keller Williams Realty Margaret Burke, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Carole Ann Burns, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jeff Burress, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Shannon Byers, John Green & Co., REALTORS Monica Bynum, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Angela Cage, Harris & Harris Realty Group, Lisa Cannon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Lauren Cansler, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Carolina Capote, Hobson, REALTORS Fara Captain, Zeitlin Sotheby’s Internation Julianne Carney, Keller Williams William Carr, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Nancy Carroll, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jen Carstensen, Real Estate Agency Betty Carter, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jeanette Carter, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Chase Chasteen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Joyce Chasteen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Lisa Chou, Adaro Realty, Inc. Alli Clark, Keller Williams Kevin Clark, Keller Williams Laura Clark, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jessica Collier, Collier REALTORS Doug Collins, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Abby Cook, Keller Williams Theresa Cook, eXp Realty, LLC Angela Correale, Correale Builders and Realtors Violetta Couture, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Barbara Cowles, Hobson, REALTORS Lisa Cox, Groome & Co. Cyndi Craft, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Michelle Creamer, Groome & Co. John Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Lauren Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tommie Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Melinda Crosslin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS William Crosslin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Michele Crump, Hobson, REALTORS Harold Crye, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Suzanne Culpepper, The Murphy Company, REALTORS Nancy Cunningham, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Mary Currie, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury David Da Ponte, Sowell, Realtors Doug Damico, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Barbie Dan, Ware Jones, REALTORS Katie Davidson, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Lisa Davis Wills, Adaro Realty, Inc. Audrey Davis, REMAX Experts Curt Davis, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Tammy Davis, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Cindy Diaz, MidSouth Residential, LLC Jon Dickens, The Firm Clarence Dickson, BEST Real Estate Company Patricia Didlake, Didlake Realty Group, LLC Tracy Dougan Lombardo, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Joseph Doughton, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Rhea Douglas, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Tracy Duggan, Real Broker Elizabeth Duke, The Firm Mark Duke, Ware Jones, REALTORS Alan Durham, Groome & Co. Heather Durham, Groome & Co. Loura Edmondson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Rebecca Edwards, Keller Williams Susan Edwards, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Griffin Elkington, River City Land Co., LLC Anthony Elliott, John Green & Co., REALTORS Cindy Elliott, John Green & Co., REALTORS Sharon Ellis, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kelly Erb, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Patty Everitt, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Rosemarie Fair, One Source Commercial, Inc. Nadia Fares, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Robin Fauser, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Karla Fayne, Keller Williams Lisa Fields, Ware Jones, REALTORS Scott Fields, Fields of Dream Homes. LLC Jimmie Finch, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Lisa Fitzgerald, Main Street, REALTORS Barbara Fletcher, Adaro Realty, Inc. Marsha Fletcher, John Green & Co., REALTORS Steven Ford, The Carter Group LLC, REALTORS Trey Foster, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Susan Fouse, Groome & Co. Lana Fowler, Real Estate Agency Maureen Fraser, John Green & Co., REALTORS Danny Freeman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Michael Frizzell, Grind City Realty Jason Gaia, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Vicki Gandee, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS J. Gary Garland, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kathryn Garland, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Ken Garland, Ken Garland Co., REALTORS Abbey Garner Miesse, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Jason Gendron, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Jodi Gibbs, Keller Williams Katy Gillespie, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Rachel Gilliam, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Ashley Gillihan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Beth Glosson, Fast Track Realty, LLC Greg Glosson, Fast Track Realty, LLC Patrecia Goldstein, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jan Gordon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Robert Gorman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Misty Gossett, Crye-Leike of MS Karen Gray, REMAX Experts Allen Green, John Green & Co., REALTORS John Green, John Green & Co., REALTORS Michael Green, John Green & Co., REALTORS Michael Greenberg, Makowsky Ringel Greenberg, LLC Carolyn Gregory, Adaro Realty, Inc. Billy Groome, Groome & Co. Jeanna Groome, Groome & Co. Katrina Grubb, The Firm Melvin Guy, Reid, REALTORS Kim Hairrell, Crye-Leike Inc., REALTORS Lisa Haley, Keystone Realty, LLC Rita Hallum, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kesha Hamilton, Keller Williams Kendall Haney, 901 Real Estate Services Rip Haney, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Sherry Harbur, Harbur Realty Lauren Harkins Wiuff, Ware Jones, REALTORS Tamara Harrald, Epique Realty Crystell Harris, Harris & Harris Realty Group, Kenneth Harris, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Reginald Harris, Harris Realty Services Shirley Harris, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Gary Harte, KAIZEN Realty, LLC James Harvey, Keller Williams Whitney Harvey, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Janis Hasen, Hobson, REALTORS Michelle Hayes Thomas, Hayes Homes and Realty, Inc Meatha Haynes Tapley, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Michele Haywood, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Elizabeth Hendricks, Groome & Co. Camela Henke, Enterprise, REALTORS Thomas Henze, Hobson, REALTORS Marissa Hertzog, Zeitlin Sotheby’s Internation Jerry Hewlett, John Green & Co., REALTORS

38 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 38

6/11/26 8:54 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / L I F E M E M B E R S

Lexie Hicks-Johnston, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Carole Hinely, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kelli Hobbs, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jennifer Hobson, Hobson, REALTORS Joel Hobson, Hobson, REALTORS Hank Hogue, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Leana Holcomb, John Green & Co., REALTORS Danielle Holland, Reedy & Company, REALTORS Paige Holmes, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Stan Holmes, Welch Realty, LLC Debbie Holtermann, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Larry Holtermann, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jimmie Hopson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jeffrey Howard, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC Richard Howle, Keller Williams Neil Hubbard, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Regina Hubbard, Fast Track Realty, LLC Nancy Huddleston, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Marcia Hughes, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Shawn Hughes, MidSouth Residential, LLC Sherry Hulen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Barbara Huntzicker, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Sally Isom, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Carol Iverson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Cathy Ivey, Enterprise, REALTORS Michael Jacques, Reid, REALTORS Susie James, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kelly Jankovsky, Hometown Realty Tracy Jefferson, Regency Realty, LLC Katy Jeffrey McAlexander, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Gail Johnsey, eXp Realty, LLC C. Lauren Jones, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Christie Jones, Rogers Real Estate Group James Jones, 1 Percent Lists Midsouth Jan Jones, Groome & Co. Michael Jones, Regency Realty, LLC Tiffany Jones, Tiffany Jones Realty Group Worth Jones, Ware Jones, REALTORS Louise Jordan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Angie Kelley, Compass RE Betsy Kelly, Hobson, REALTORS Hart Burke Kelman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Laurence Kenner, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Tara King, Tara King Realty & Associates Angie Kirkpatrick, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Michelle Koeppen, Ware Jones, REALTORS Varma Kosuri, United Real Estate Mid South Nataraja Krishnaraju, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Rebecca Kuntzman, D R Horton Memphis Marjo Labonte, McWaters & Associates KC Lam, Cordova Realty, Inc. Cheryl Lamghari, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Dana Landry, Foundation Property Management

Daniel Lane, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Randal Lankford, Lankford Realty Co. Janice Latimer, Multi-South Management Service Jake Lawhead, Ware Jones, REALTORS Lilly Leatherwood, The Home Partners Realty Cindy Leavell, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Amanda Lee, McWaters & Associates Dick Leike, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Barry Less, Leco Realty, Inc. Connie Lester, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Pat Lichterman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jeanette Lin, Pinnacle Realty John Linthicum, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Verna Littleton, Fast Track Realty, LLC Amanda Lott, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Carol Lott, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Karen Love, Groome & Co. Laura Lovelace, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Theresa Lucas, C21 Patterson & Assoc. Real Es Christine Lundy, Key Connect Group, LLC Brian Lurie, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Felecia Magro, The Stamps Real Estate Company David Maley, Right Way Realty, LLC Diane Malkin, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Bill Malone, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Enarn Malvezzi, Grant & Co., REALTORS Anthony Mannie, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Tamara Manuel, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC Thomas Marchbanks, eXp Realty, LLC Brandy Marek, Grace and Grit Realty Co. LLC Jan Mars, Keller Williams Lewis Marshall, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Vanessa Marshall, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC Leigh Martin, Hobson, REALTORS Mary Martin, Regency Realty, LLC Melody Martin, 4 Success Realty, LLC Kathryn Anne Matheny, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Monica Mauricio, REMAX Experts Bill Maury, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Eleanore Maynard, Hobson, REALTORS Deborah Mays, Hobson, REALTORS Laurie McBride Connors, Ware Jones, REALTORS Veronica McCasland, VLM Realty & Auction Group Emily McEvoy, Keller Williams Joyce McKenzie, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jill McKnatt, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Judy McLellan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Tiffany McLemore, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Shannan McWaters, The Firm Brenda Medling, Keller Williams Melinda Merkle, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Chris Meyer, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Beverly Michalek, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Jason Miller, eXp Realty, LLC Karen Miller, Adaro Realty, Inc. Dianne Milner, eXp Realty, LLC Crystal Mitchell, Renshaw Company, REALTORS Crystal Mitchell, Crye-Leike Inc., REALTORS William Mitchell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Livona Monday, Groome & Co. Leah Mooney, Keller Williams Dianne Moore, VLM Realty & Auction Group John Moore, Keller Williams Juliette Moore, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jolynna Morales, Groome & Co. Matt Morgan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Christina Morris, Hobson, REALTORS Paul Morris, Morris and Morris Ruth Morris, Hobson, REALTORS Donnie Morrow, eXp Realty, LLC Christopher Mosby, ResiAmerica, Inc. Jon Moultrie, Enterprise, REALTORS Holly Mount, Compass RE Cheryl Muhammad, Assured Real Estate Services Cynthia Murden, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Brad Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC Natalie Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC Amy Murrah, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Karen Newton, John Green & Co., REALTORS Saeed Nia, Crye-Leike Commercial Katherine Nichols Cook, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Mary Lynn Nicholson, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Debbie Nixon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Tammy Norman, MidSouth Residential, LLC Jonathan Nunez, Fast Track Realty, LLC Leslie O’Leary, McWaters & Associates Kaylee Oaks, Hometown Realty Kirby Oldham, John Green & Co., REALTORS Ashley Onsby, MidSouth Residential, LLC Claire Owen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Janet Pace, Heritage Homes Co. Robbie Ann Pahlow, Ware Jones, REALTORS Mike Parker, The Firm Mike Parker, REMAX Experts Caleb Parr, Renshaw Company, REALTORS Kay Paul, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Alicestine Payne, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Shay Payne, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Milleigh Pearson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Weesie Percer, Keller Williams Pablo Pereyra, 901, REALTORS Diane Peterson, Keller Williams Silvana Piadade, eXp Realty, LLC Pam Pierce, Ware Jones, REALTORS Mary Frances Pitts, Ware Jones, REALTORS Kimmer Plunk, Centric Realty LLC continued on page 42 J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 39

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 39

6/11/26 10:11 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / , LLI IFFEE MMEEMMBBEERRSS

continued from page 39

Molly Plunk, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Amber Poe, D R Horton Memphis Terri Porter, The Porter Group Billy Price, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Andre Pruitt, TRG Real Estate Services, LLC Landra Pryor, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Heather Quinn, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Wendy Quinn, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Patty Rainey, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Shelly Rainwater, Ware Jones, REALTORS Amanda Rathbone McGill, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Morgan Ray, Ware Jones, REALTORS Evette Reaves, Grant & Co., REALTORS Jimmy Reed, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Melissa Reed, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Bradley Reedy, Reedy & Company, REALTORS Greg Renfrow, NextHome Cornerstone Realty Karen Reyes, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Michelle Reynolds, D R Horton Memphis Jane Riggen, MidSouth Residential, LLC Connie Robertson, Bridgetowne Homes Josie Robinson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Debbie Rodda, Ware Jones, REALTORS Billy Rodgers, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Cheryl Rogers, REMAX Experts Stephanie Rooks, Keller Williams Stacia Rosatti, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Sheldon Rosengarten, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Nan Rountree, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Max Rubenstein, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Laquita Rucker, Crittenden Realty, LLC Mary Ruleman, Hobson, REALTORS Aven Russell, John Green & Co., REALTORS Kristi Ryan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jennie Sampson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Kathleen Sampson, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Harry Samuels, Pinnacle Realty Itzel Sanchez Bustamante, Keller Williams Ronald Sandefer, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Marc Scheinberg, Keller Williams Realty Taj Schuerman, Keller Williams Realty Hedda Schwartz, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Sherry Scott-Chambers, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Debbi Scruggs, John Green & Co., REALTORS Donna Scruggs, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Edwin Scruggs, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Virginia Sharp, Ware Jones, REALTORS Michelle Shaver-Simpson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Dominey Shaw, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC Channing Shaw-Wright, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Stephanie Sheahan, Ware Jones, REALTORS Myra Sheddan, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Alta Simpson, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Wally Sisk, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Donna Skaarer, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Lynn Slayton, Sowell, Realtors Brooke Smith, REMAX Experts Crissy Smith, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Hannah Smith, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC Jeffrey Smith, JASCO Realty Judy Smith, Enterprise, REALTORS Kaye Smith, Property Place Lynn Smith, C21 Home First, REALTORS Marty Smith, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Mary Jean Smith, Banyan Tree, REALTORS Suzanne Smith, Enterprise, REALTORS Allyson Smothers, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Macky Sneed, Sneed Company, REALTORS Steve Solomon, Sowell, Realtors Linda Sowell, Sowell, Realtors Joe Spake, NextHome Cornerstone Realty Thomas Spencer, Dalton Wade John Stamps, The Stamps Real Estate Company Dian Stanley, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Laurie Stark, Hobson, REALTORS Tracie Stephens, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Molly Stevens, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Carrie Stewart, Regency Realty, LLC Sue Stinson-Turner, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Carol K Stout, Ware Jones, REALTORS Gloria Strawn, C21 Home First, REALTORS Alan Stricklin Crenshaw, Ware Jones, REALTORS Conlee Stringfellow, Ware Jones, REALTORS Camille Sudduth, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Sally Summerlin, Summerlin & Associates, LLC Matthew Talley, Keller Williams Tim Tanner, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Tyler Tapley, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Annie Taylor, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Alicia Teeter, The Firm Loyd Templeton, Ware Jones, REALTORS David Tester, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Lisa Thomas, BEST Real Estate Company Meleah Thurmond-Edwards, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Aubrey Tilson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Richard Travers, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Eric Trotz, Trotz Real Estate Serv., Inc. Ana Trujillo, Trujillo Realty David Truong, eXp Realty, LLC Alexandra Turner, Hobson, REALTORS Paul Turner, Germantown Properties Adam Underwood, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Julie Upchurch, McWaters & Associates Christy Utterback, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Nasreen Valiani, Pinnacle Realty

Sissy Vaughan, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Robert Vaughn, The Carter Group LLC, REALTORS Meredith Vezina, Keller Williams Mindy Wagerman, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Petra Walker Jones, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Karen Walker, Epique Realty Jason Wallace, Keller Williams Realty Laura Wallace, Keller Williams Realty Ray Wallace, REMAX Experts Edward Walthal, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Michael Ward, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Angie Ware, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Denise Ware, Ware Jones, REALTORS William Ware, Ware Jones, REALTORS Randall Weatherall, Memphis Metro Realty Ashley Weatherly Stafford, eXp Realty, LLC Barbara Weir, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Sheryl Wells, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS John West, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Jill White, Fast Track Realty, LLC Sam White, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Suzanne White, Groome & Co. Ryan Whiteside, Lankford Realty Co. Halle Whitlock, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Chet Whitsitt, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Dana Whitworth, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Melissa Wilbanks, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Justin Wilburn, Fayette Realty, LLC Randall Wilder, Sowell, Realtors Deborah Williams, 4 Success Realty, LLC Jennifer Williams, Hobson, REALTORS Mary Williams, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Mig Williams, eXp Realty, LLC Winona Williams, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Barbara Wilson, Unique Properties Kelly Wilson, Adaro Realty, Inc. Myles Wilson, Keller Williams R. Annette Wilson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Ashley Wisch, eXp Realty, LLC Amy Woods, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Pamela Worley, Unique Properties Adam Wright, Duane Wright Realty Cat Wright, The Firm Duane Wright, Duane Wright Realty Clara Yerger, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Rosemarie Yoon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Gay Young, eXp Realty, LLC Patricia Young, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Staffardnett Young, REMAX Experts Steve Young, eXp Realty, LLC Leslie Zarshenas, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Andres Zuluaga, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

42 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 42

6/11/26 10:11 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / M U L T I - Y E A R T H R O U G H F I R S T - Y E A R

Multi Million Dollar Club M U LT I -Y E A R T H R O U G H F I R S T-Y E A R M M DC M E M B E R S

MMDC FOURTH YEAR Stephanie Arender, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Nicholas Aylward, The Firm Niki Berry, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Jaya Bhatlapenumarthy, Adaro Realty, Inc. Tanika Bland, BEST Real Estate Company Mary Grayson Caradine, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Stacy Cardwell, Keller Williams Brittany Cobb, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC David De La Paz, Keller Williams Realty Kayla Delk, D & D Homes Realty PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREKULIASZ / ISTOCK

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 43

Lauren Edwards, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Cecilia Fernandez, The Home Partners Realty Amy Foster, Bryan Realty Group Michelle Goode, Hometown Realty Joanne Hardy, Duane Wright Realty Charles Harris, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Aaron Jacques, Reid, REALTORS Holly James, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Elizabeth Jones, Ware Jones, REALTORS Adam Kalin, Keller Williams LaTonya McGowen, C21 Patterson & Assoc. Real Es

Jordan Nichols, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Mark Nichols, Fast Track Realty, LLC Scott Perryman, The Porter Group Austin Randall, Keller Williams Rebecca Reid, Ware Jones, REALTORS Rene Sanchez Bustamante, Keller Williams Juan Torres, Fast Track Realty, LLC Sandra Villamil, Keller Williams Realty Saundra Whiteside, Lankford Realty Co.

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 43

6/11/26 8:55 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / M U L T I - Y E A R T H R O U G H F I R S T - Y E A R

Proudly part of the history & fabric of our terrific city!

Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Since 1868

A Company & Career Built Upon

Trust.

Jimmy Reed President, Broker

jreed@m-brealtors.com jimmyreedrealtor.com O: 901.682.1868 x 303 C: 901.461.1868

44 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

036_2026_MM07_MAAR-MMDC_LISTS_v02.indd 44

MMDC THIRD YEAR Stephanie Arender, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Nicholas Aylward, The Firm Niki Berry, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Jaya Bhatlapenumarthy, Adaro Realty, Inc. Tanika Bland, BEST Real Estate Company Mary Grayson Caradine, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Stacy Cardwell, Keller Williams Brittany Cobb, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC David De La Paz, Keller Williams Realty Kayla Delk, D & D Homes Realty Lauren Edwards, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Cecilia Fernandez, The Home Partners Realty Amy Foster, Bryan Realty Group Michelle Goode, Hometown Realty Joanne Hardy, Duane Wright Realty Charles Harris, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Aaron Jacques, Reid, REALTORS Holly James, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Elizabeth Jones, Ware Jones, REALTORS Adam Kalin, Keller Williams LaTonya McGowen, C21 Patterson & Assoc. Real Es Jordan Nichols, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Mark Nichols, Fast Track Realty, LLC Scott Perryman, The Porter Group Austin Randall, Keller Williams Rebecca Reid, Ware Jones, REALTORS Rene Sanchez Bustamante, Keller Williams Juan Torres, Fast Track Realty, LLC Sandra Villamil, Keller Williams Realty Saundra Whiteside, Lankford Realty Co. MMDC SECOND YEAR Elizabeth Amodeo, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Alton Cryer, Keller Williams Kate Duke Echols, The Firm Alissa Dunn, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Elizabeth Fair, Bryan Realty Group Evett Furr, D. C. A. Realty, LLC Anna Grace Green, Keller Williams Toni Green, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Caleb Hall, Keller Williams Jaime Hathcock, Bryan Realty Group Jacob Herring, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Lauren Hill, Ware Jones, REALTORS Allison Holden, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Lili Jones, Ware Jones, REALTORS Leigh Lamb, The Firm Catrell Maclin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Allen Nason, Keller Williams Alexis Oetter, The Firm Anna Palazola, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jordan Ray, eXp Realty, LLC Brittan Robbins, Real Broker Jessica Rogers, Rogers Real Estate Group Jordan Schieffler, Ware Jones, REALTORS Elizabeth Smith, Reid, REALTORS Maria Vescovo Foley, McWaters & Associates Ward Walthal IV, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Heath West, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Lela Yates, Ware Jones, REALTORS MMDC FIRST YEAR Beth Barker, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Brad Beall, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Melanie Bell, Main Street, REALTORS Chasity Blackburn, Blackburn & Co Arica Blake, Keller Williams Matthew Caldwell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Mollena Cima, Tiffany Jones Realty Group Danielle Cook, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Kyle Couvion, Reid, REALTORS Kelly Day, SimpliHOM Fred Floyd, Hometown Realty Lauren Haynes, The Firm Robert Hyde, Ware Jones, REALTORS Lindsay Jenkins, Real Estate Agency Hailey Jowers, REMAX Experts Blake Lichterman, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS Elizabeth Montesi, Centric Realty LLC Kelly Moore, Reid, REALTORS Leah Newton, Main Street, REALTORS Darcus Payne, Keller Williams Wendy Provence, Keller Williams Realty Christine Ramsden, Collier REALTORS Mayra Viscaya, Fast Track Realty, LLC Madelyn Winstead, Real Estate Agency Grace Wrenn, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREKULIASZ / ISTOCK

6/18/26 11:44 AM

Celebrate Your Company’s Milestone

Contemporary Media — locally owned publisher of Inside Memphis Business, Memphis Magazine, the Memphis Flyer, and more — is proud to offer book publishing for your company. We produce the finest quality books through our Creative Content division for many of the Memphis area’s leading businesses.

For additional information or to discuss the creation of your book or other custom content for your brand, please contact: Jeffrey A. Goldberg | 901.606.7542 | goldberg@contemporary-media.com

2024_CreativeContentAd_FullPage_v01.indd 1

12/15/23 11:50 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

presents

2026

MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB MEMBER GUIDE

46 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WHEN IT COMES TO exceptional service and standout results in Memphis real estate, Mia Atkinson is a name that rises to the top — literally. As a Top 1% agent in the region, a multiple-time Icon Award recipient with eXp Realty, and a Lifetime Member of the MultiMillion Dollar Club, Mia’s career is built on consistency, excellence, and heart.

Her impressive accolades, including a feature on the cover of Top Producer Magazine, only tell part of the story.

What truly sets Mia apart is her unique combination of media savvy, market expertise, and personal connection. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism, she understands how to craft a narrative — whether that means telling the story of a home or helping her clients write their next chapter. Her background has served her well not only in real estate but also as a past host of the Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning show American Dream, where she highlights the vibrant lifestyle and distinct neighborhoods of Memphis and surrounding areas.

Mia’s approach to real estate is deeply personal. Faith, family, and service are her foundation. Whether guiding a first-time buyer or negotiating a luxury sale, she brings unwavering integrity, top-tier marketing, and a level of communication her clients have come to rely on.

Her clients often say that working with Mia doesn’t feel like working with a typical Realtor — it feels like working with someone who truly listens, truly cares, and truly delivers.

Rooted in Germantown, TN, where she lives with her husband and four children, Mia has built a business and brand around relationships — not just results. From showcasing local businesses to giving back to the community, she believes in investing in what matters most: people.

She’s not just selling homes — she’s helping people step confidently into the life they’ve been dreaming of.

2026MMDCGUIDE

MIA ATKINSON

Affiliate Broker Licensed in TN & MS Icon Agent, Lifetime MMDC Member ABR, MRP

eXp Realtor

Miaatkinson.com 901luxurydreamhomes.com 901.316.6552 mia.atkinson5@gmail.com @miaatkinsonrealtor

2026MMDCGUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WITH AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE of Memphis neighborhoods and a genuine passion for helping clients find their perfect home, Juliette Middleton-Moore is the trusted name in real estate. Whether you’re buying your first house, selling a cherished family home, or investing in property, Juliette combines expert market insight with personalized service to make the process smooth and rewarding.

Known for her integrity, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication, Juliette goes above and beyond to negotiate the best deals and exceed expectations.

Her clients consistently praise her friendly approach, clear communication, and deep commitment to their goals. Juliette is dedicated to serving the Memphis community, as well your family’s real estate needs with integrity and grace.

Ready to make your Memphis real estate dreams a reality? Juliette MiddletonMoore is here to guide you every step of the way. Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.

JULIETTE MIDDLETON-MOORE Realtor, ABR, CRS, Lifetime MMDC, SRS, e-pro

Crye-Leike, Inc. Realtors®

901.277.0476 | juliette@mooredeals4u.com MooreDeals4U.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2026MMDCGUIDE

FARA CAPTAIN

REALTOR®, CRS, SRS, ABR,PSA, SRES, RPAC Major Investor FARA CAPTAIN IS a luxury real estate advisor and top-producing REALTOR® with The Captain Group at Sotheby’s International Realty, representing discerning buyers and sellers throughout the Memphis region and beyond. A graduate of University of California, Davis with a degree in Civil Engineering, she combines analytical expertise, strategic marketing, and skilled negotiation to deliver exceptional results for her clients. Fara is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) — a designation held by only a small percentage of REALTORS® nationwide — and is recognized among the nation’s top-performing real estate professionals. Her accolades include recognition by Memphis Business Journal as an Executive of the Year Honoree, Women Who Lead Honoree, Super Women in Business Honoree, 40 Under 40-Class of 2025. Known for her discretion, market knowledge, and concierge-level service, Fara specializes in luxury properties, executive relocations, and serving high-networth clientele.

Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 901.500.8034 (c) | 615.383.0183 (o) fara.captain@zeitlin.com fara.captain@sothebysrealty.com

HUGH MALLORY Realtor / GRI, SRES, SRS, PSA

HUGH IS A LIFELONG MEMPHIAN a Life Member of the MultiMillion Dollar Club, and a Partner with Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors.

He is a certified Seller Representative Specialist, a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and holds the Graduate Real Estate Institute designation.

Hugh is extremely proud of his involvement in the betterment of our community and has served as a leader in numerous non-profit organizations. He has most recently served as the President of Carnival Memphis as well as the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, a supporter of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Hugh is equally proud of his considerate, energetic, and highly professional representation of buyers and sellers from Germantown to East Memphis and from Midtown to Fayette County. He will manage the arduous process of either buying or selling your home. Hugh provides genuine peace of mind navigating today’s challenging real estate market.

Hugh will MOVE you!

Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors® 5860 Ridgeway Center Drive, Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38120 901.682.1868 (o) | 901.497.9756 (c) hmallory@m-brealtors.com

2026MMDCGUIDE MICHAEL JACQUES

Owner/Broker

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LISA THOMAS Real Estate Broker / Realtor

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

2026 AS BROKER/OWNER OF REID REALTORS, Michael Jacques has spent more than 17 years helping buyers and sellers navigate the Memphis real estate market. Continuing his family’s legacy in real estate, he combines local expertise, honest guidance, and a relationshipfirst approach to deliver exceptional service. From first-time buyers to luxury homes and new construction, Michael is committed to helping clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence.

REID REALTORS

901.246.8916 michael@reidrealtors.com reidrealtors.com

Cardiac Electrophysiology

READY TO MAKE your next big move in TN or MS? Whether you are hunting for your very first home, searching for a sprawling mansion, or looking to sell your property for top dollar, you need an expert in your corner. Lisa Thomas — your dedicated, full-time Real Estate Broker! With 20 years of proven experience, Lisa doesn’t just know the market; she dominates it. Why work with Lisa? Top-Tier Reputation: 5-star rating with over 100 Zillow reviews! Elite Status: Lifetime Member of the Multi-Million-Dollar Club for both MMDC and NAREB. Preferred Expert: A Preferred Buyer’s Agent on Realtor.com. From fixer-uppers to luxury estates, Lisa has the thorough market knowledge to get you the best deal possible.

Stop guessing, call Lisa and start packing!

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

MMDC GUIDE please contact:

MARGIE NEAL

at: 901.521.9000 or margie@memphismagazine.com.

901.679.2984 | lisa@lisathomas.net

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Every HERO

needs a mentor, every mentor

needs a GUIDE. memphisparent.com

Mended Therapy

Combining mental health with a love of fashion, creativity, and sustainability, Mended Therapy was born. Ashley wants to show that although things may seem like they cannot get better, there is hope.

Just like a mended piece of clothing is brought new life, the same can be said of us. She is here to walk with you through this journey with laughter, creativity, and challenging your beliefs about yourself. She is MENDED (and constantly mending). She hopes you will let her join you as you MEND. Ashley specializes in working with LGBTQ+ populations and mood disorders.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit mendedtherapypllc.com.

She currently accepts Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Quest Behavioral Health, All Savers (UHC), Health Plans Inc, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, Surest (Formerly Bind), UHC Student Resources, UMR, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS), UnitedHealthcare Global, and UnitedHealthcare Exchange Plans (ONEX) insurance plans. She does provide a superbill for out-of-network clients if they want to submit to their insurance. Self-pay is $125 for individual sessions.

52 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 52

6/18/26 10:38 AM

Hill crest \’hil krest\ n.

1 A New Old Home

Alex and Jenay Boggs make themselves at home in H I L L C R E S T — a piece of Midtown history.

53

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 53

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 53

6/18/26 10:38 AM

T H E S T O N E H O M E known as Hillcrest on Peabody Avenue

in Midtown is not just historic in its own right. Even the construction materials have deep roots in Memphis history. The story, passed down to Hillcrest’s current owners, goes like this: “When they were building this house, they were doing construction downtown on the courthouse,” says Alex Boggs. “A giant slab was on a truck going to the courthouse, and the truck fell over,” says Jenay Boggs. “The slab had fallen and broken, and they were like, ‘Well, we can’t use it now.’”

Hillcrest’s construction foreman saw the pile of marble rubble. “They asked what they were going to do with it, and if they could buy some of it,” continues Alex. “And [the courthouse contractors] said, ‘Actually, you don’t have to buy any of it. If you want some, just take it.’ So they took stone that was supposed to be for the façade of the courthouse, and layered it down on the porch right in front of the entryway.”

By the time Alex was in school at Grace-St. Luke’s, in the same neighborhood, Hillcrest had acquired a long and storied history. (See

the opposite page.) “We grew up on Evergreen, but I went to Grace-St. Luke’s, so all of my buddies lived right around here,” says Alex. “We were very familiar with this house.

I mean, when you drive past it, you generally recognize it and remember it.”

Alex and Jenay started dating when they were sophomores in high school and have been together ever since. Last year, the Boggs were living on Eastmoreland in Central Gardens. Jenay was pregnant with the couple’s fourth child, who would be joining Reagan, age 8, Thomas, 6, and Henry, 3.

“We had a growing family, so we were looking for a bigger house,” says Jenay. “One of the things that really brought us to this house was that we always wanted more yard — and more yard in Midtown and Central Gardens is obviously a rarity! And so with us having chickens, ducks, bees, the dogs, and with all the kids that we want to encourage to be outside as much as possible, having more of

54 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 54

6/18/26 10:38 AM

The History of Hillcrest date of origin : see also : IN 1912, the Gravure Illustration Company of Chicago published a nine-volume series of books called The Artwork of Memphis. Full-page photographs depicted homes, streets, parks, and areas of our city the editors considered “artwork.” Among the residences featured was the “Goodman-Richardson Home” — better known to Memphians as “Hillcrest.”

Calling the property two names suggested that two different families occupied the impressive stone mansion, when in fact it was occupied by a mother and daughter, both widows. Walter and Corinne Goodman were originally from Mississippi. After moving here in the late 1800s, he made a fortune as founder of the Goodman Cotton Company, president of the Dixie Electromagnet Company, and director of a railroad line called the Lakeview Traction Company.

They had a daughter, named Corinne after her mother. She eventually married John Richardson, a wealthy planter with offices in Memphis and Liverpool, England, who also served as vice president of the Memphis Cotton Exchange.

Walter Goodman died in 1883.

When son-in-law John died suddenly on Christmas Eve, 1905,

the two widows decided to share a home. They hired the architectural firm of Jones and Furbringer — creators of such landmarks as the Claridge Hotel, Shrine Building, Masonic Temple, and other landmarks — to design a grand residence for them.

Since the granite-faced structure stood at the highest point along then-new Peabody Avenue, they named their new abode Hillcrest.

Corinne Goodman passed away in 1914. Her daughter continued to live at 1554 Peabody until 1932, when she moved to New York City, where she died in 1969, at the age of 99.

In 1933, Madeline Gott purchased the property. A clerk at Levy’s Ladies Toggery, she was also a widow. Husband Samuel Gott’s death certificate identified him only as a “traveling salesman,” but he must have been a very good one to afford

Hillcrest. During this period, quite a few Memphians could say they lived at 1554 Peabody. Judging from classified advertisements, part of the home, as well as the original servants’ quarters out back, were rented out over the years. They had plenty of space; the house is more than 7,500 square feet.

In 1957, Dr. Aden Barlow, a surgeon with the Stevenson Clinic on Poplar, purchased Hillcrest, but financial difficulties forced him to give up the home. A mortgage company held a foreclosure sale in 1962, with Sadler & Co. Realtors running ads headlined “HUGE! HANDSOME!” and asking buyers, “Do you have need of an extraordinarily large property?”

A local attorney apparently thought so. Palmer Miller and wife, Betty, purchased the house that year. Just like the original owners, they shared the home with another family, that of Dr. Byron Garner, a specialist with Lee’s Orthopedics.

Over the next several decades, Hillcrest was home to prominent Memphians. Stephen and Kelly Laffey took possession in 1999.

The director of research for Morgan Keegan, Stephen later became the brokerage firm’s president and chief operating officer. His family didn’t stay long at Hillcrest, though. The Laffeys moved to New England in 2001,

where Stephen became mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island.

Next came John and Susan Jerit. John, vice president of the American Fireworks Company, conceived special glasses that transformed pyrotechnics into a psychedelic lightshow. His new company, American Paper Optics, also produced more than five million pairs of glasses for the growing trend of 3-D movies, a feat that put him on the November 2005 cover of Memphis Magazine (above).

The most recent owners have been restaurateurs. Tyson and Karen Bridge moved to the Peabody property in 2013. Tyson operated the Paramount, The Vault, Backlot, and other downtown establishments.

Finally, just last June, Alex and Jenay Boggs moved into Hillcrest. If the Boggs name sounds familiar, he’s the son of Huey’s co-founder Thomas Boggs, and now serves as president of the restaurant chain.

—

PHOTOGR APH COURT ES Y OF T HE GR AVURE ILLUS T R AT ION CO.

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 55

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 55

6/18/26 10:38 AM

a piece of property and some more yard was the number-one quality we were looking for in a new home.”

Around that time, friends from the GraceSt. Luke’s community called to tell Alex that they were moving, and offered them a first look at Hillcrest. “We toured it with them, which was a very cool perspective, getting to tour it with the current family who lived there. They got to tell us what they had done, what they wished they had done, what they would have done if they had four kids. It was in shockingly good shape. The previous two owners did a really good job taking care of it.”

Although it meant moving sooner than they were planning, the Boggs family decided to take the leap. Then, something else happened sooner than expected. “We were hoping to have already moved in before baby came, but then baby came early,” says Jenay.

“So we lived in Le Bonheur for 72 days. My mom and our children lived at our other house, and this one just hung out for a while.

We moved here on a Monday, and brought Samson home on that Friday.”

With a premature newborn ABOVE: who still required suppleMUCH OF THE mental oxygen, the first days ORIGINAL WOODWORK in Hillcrest were difficult and HAS SURVIVED. fraught. But the family quickly RIGHT: OSCAR acclimated to their new surAND BODHI. roundings — and the kids loved their much bigger rooms.

“The people we bought the house from left three really nice framed photos of the house from, I believe, 1916,” says Alex. “On top of that, they left us stacks of the Central Gardens historical books, home tour books, and Midtown architecture books that the house is mentioned in. And they left us dozens and dozens of photos. So that was kind of the wake-up call — you are a part of something a little bit bigger.”

THE FABRIC OF MEMPHIS Alex Boggs is the son of Thomas Boggs, drummer for The Box Tops and founder of Huey’s, the burger joint whose original

location on Madison Avenue helped nurture Midtown’s bohemian reputation. Now, Huey’s has ten locations, stretching from downtown to Southwind. “We sell cheeseburgers for a living,” Alex says. “We like to think we do a wonderful job,” Naturally, when the subject of Huey’s comes up, Alex and your correspondent had an animated conversation about which Huey burger is the best. We agreed on the Señor Huey, which adds jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the basic burger template — although Alex says he has been gravitating lately toward the trendy Smash Burger, a recent addition to the menu. “The old-school folks will tell you it all started with the Smokey Melt. That was really what you think of as the original greasy Huey Burger at the dive bar,” he says.

Alex currently serves as president of the Huey’s corporation. “We look at our legacy as Huey’s and as the Boggs family as two things.

56 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 56

6/18/26 10:38 AM

LEFT: THE POOL ROOM WAS THE GENTLEMAN’S PARLOR. THE DINING ROOM WAS THE LADIES’ PARLOR.

of their families in probably the toughest time the restaurant industry has had in the past 150 years? We were very proud that we kept every single employee we had on payroll.”

BUILT FOR A BIG FAMILY Dad always said, when you take care of the community, when you do things out in public, they’re going to, in turn, take care of you. We live by that motto. It is one of the biggest pieces of our culture, the biggest things that we talk about as a family. Fortunately for me, that’s a huge part of my job right now. The easiest way to describe what I do is, everything else that is not inside a Huey’s. We did the huge Le Bonheur fundraiser last Saturday [Le Bon Appétit], and we’re involved in everything from Soup Sunday to Zoo Rendezvous — all of the big, longtime Memphis community events, charities, and fundraisers. We love being a part of those, and we make it a point of emphasis to support them, to get out there and have a public face at all of those.”

But the second part of the legacy is newer, he says. “As we’ve continued to grow, it’s our employees. We’ve always prided ourselves in taking good care of our employees and being a place that people want to work.”

The pandemic era was a great example of that. “It was never an option for us to just shut our doors for a couple of months or a year or so and then reopen,” he says. “Our number one goal was safety and our number two goal was: How do we keep our employees on payroll? How do we make sure they can take care

Hillcrest sits on a double lot in Central Gardens; Jenay points out that they share their back fence with four houses on Vance.

The kids have their own playground situated on the north side of the carriage house, and they make use of it.

“We’re kind of the opposite right now than with most families,” says Alex. “A lot of times you’re begging your kids to go outside, turn off the TVs. Sometimes, we look at each other, kind of laughing. We’ll be sitting at the back door, hollering, “Kids! You’ve got to come inside!”

The kids share their yard with a menagerie that includes two dogs, Oscar and Bodhi. A coop full of chickens supply the Boggs and their neighbors with fresh eggs. In the small strip of land on the west side of the carriage house sit four beehives.

“Our queens are named after our grandmothers and great grandmother — Ann, Helen, Lacey, and Elaine,” says Jenay. “I got into beekeeping about 10 years ago. Unbeknownst to me, my great grandmother, Lacey, was a beekeeper. This is a story that’s been handed down, but she had really bad arthritis. She was in her 90s, keeping bees. One day, one of her hives ended up toppling over, the bees came out, and she got stung quite a lot. She survived and was fine — but after that, she had no more arthritis for her remaining days.”

Inside, many of the turnof-the-century details of the 7,500-square-foot house have been preserved, such as the dark wood detailing, the ornamental metal door signs that say “Push” and “Beware of the dog,” and the stained-glass windows over the landing of the central staircase.

“I think our previous home was 3,500 square feet,” says Jenay. “In terms of the number of rooms, it’s not that much bigger — but the room sizes are just gigantic! There’s so much storage in this home, it is incredible. It is almost scary because you can very easily put things away, things that you probably should just get rid of, and forget about it.”

The photographs of the home taken around 1915 show that the family’s spacious parlor was once the dining room. A pass-through window to the kitchen has been added at some point in the last century. “What is now our dining room was the ladies’ parlor. What is now the pool room was a gentleman’s parlor,” says Jenay.

Most of the home’s current furnishings came with the Boggs from their previous domicile, including family pieces such as the antique buffet in the dining room, and a small desk which was gifted to Jenay’s father by his family doctor when he became a physician himself. All of the art on the walls come from local artists. Alex’s collection of music posters and prints adorn the pool room and the finished attic space on the third floor that was once a nanny’s quarters, but which had a copper-top bar added by a previous owner.

“I got a couple of Huey’s bar stools out of storage and threw them up there,” says Alex.

The home’s many fireplaces were built to be coal-burning, so they are shallower than standard wood fireplaces. Several of them have been converted to gas logs. Young Reagan’s favorite fireplace has been updated with green tile work.

“We love the fact that this house was built for a big family,” says Alex. “So many kids have grown up here. We always joke that if there are already ghosts in the house, we’re on their good side because we filled it with a huge family.”

Jenay is aware that they are the latest in a long line of prominent Memphians who have called Hillcrest home. “We feel honored, honestly, to live here,” she says. “There’s so much history, and it’s so beautiful, and you can feel the positive energy in this home. We love it so much.”

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 57

032_2026_MM07_ID26_Habitats_v01.indd 57

6/18/26 10:39 AM

FRIDAY, OCT 9TH FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms

Join us for a fantastic evening of great tastes and great fun, bringing together bourbon and whiskey distillers from around the region PLUS great bites from some of your favorite local restaurants!

VIP Admission starts at 5pm, GA at 6pm.

TICKETS

AND MORE INFO

NESTLED IN NATURE

By How happy I am to be able to wander among bushes and herbs, under trees and over rocks; no man can love the country as I love it. Woods, trees and rocks send back the echoes that man desires.

59 PHOTOGR APHS BY JUS T IN FOX BURK S

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 59

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 59

6/16/26 11:56 AM

ARK

­

Arkansas will speak

of its wild beauty, of how the state’s countless forests, streams, lakes, and mountains have led it to be called the Natural State. Fewer connect that verdancy to the arts, but Arkansas is at its best when they go hand-in-hand, with concert and theater stages and galleries nestled in nature. That’s one takeaway from any trip to the Fayetteville-Bentonville area in the northwest corner of the state, where music and the arts are not only thriving, but are poised to make even greater strides forward.

Vocalist Elizabeth Bainbridge would have to agree.

Having moved to Fayetteville from Memphis some 25 years ago, she’s been involved with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) ever since, even while raising two kids and pursuing a career in speech therapy. She also sings jazz regularly at venues like the Inn at Carnall Hall, Calle,

and Sassafras Vinyard. Soon after she joined the SoNA Singers choral ensemble, she became chorus manager, and continues in that capacity to this day. Yet it was the natural beauty of the town that most impressed her as she settled in.

“When I first moved here, there were already paved bike trails following the creeks through the middle of town.

Fayetteville has a lot of hills, and at the base of the hills you have creeks, and they created these

60 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 60

concrete bike trails all through the city along them. When Ella was a baby, I would put her in a little baby seat on the back of my bike, and I was like, ‘I’ve died and gone to heaven!’ and ride my bike with her along the trails. Then over the last 20 years they just keep adding more and more trails, to the point where you could now walk or bike anywhere in the city on a trail within a block of your house.”

For this Memphis transplant, these aren’t just any bike trails, but passages bound to the surrounding mountain terrain.

“The best part is,” Bainbridge adds, “you’re riding next to a creek with clear clean water flowing over Arkansas field stone, and almost the entire ride is shaded because we have so many trees in the city.”

Commuting to work on her bike more than ever these days has helped Bainbridge keep

perspective on balancing her work with her art, she says, and has allowed her to keep music at the center of her life. By her reckoning, a similar spirit animates both the bike trails and SoNA’s mission: a commitment to everyday folks. The trails are meant to serve all of Fayetteville.

“You’ll see people in McDonald’s uniforms and other people walking to and from work,” she says. SoNA, too, has a deeply populist ethos, exemplified by their SoNA Beyond series.

“SoNA Beyond is a smaller ensemble series, related to Walton Family Foundation outreach,” says Bainbridge.

“They’ll say, ‘If you perform at a public library under these certain conditions, then we’ll underwrite the performance.’ So the chorus has given an annual live public library concert where we coordinate with local poets. In years past, we

CREDIT S: SCOT T MUNS T ER, WESLE Y HIT T, WALTON ART S CENT ER, E XPERIENCE FAYE T T E VILLE, MARK JACK SON

6/16/26 10:41 AM

Southaven

SHRA High-Impact Results

AMPLIFIER

RIBBON CUTTING Office & Meeting Space Tailored Business Benefits Networking Opportunities Marketing Opportunities Advocacy And so much more! www.southavenchamber.com info@southavenchamber.com

500 Stateline Rd, |662.342.6114 | Southaven, MS, 38671

­ ­

ARK

used the University of Arkansas poetry department, and they would have two or three masterlevel poets come and read. Terry [Hicks, choral conductor] would pick, say, eight or 10 choral pieces with lyrics written by famous poets.

Then we would sing whatever

ALL IN ALL, IT’S A TESTAMENT TO THE POWER OF MERGING NATURE AND ART, AND THAT INCLUDES MUSIC. arrangement was made for it, followed by readings of poems in response to that. This year, for the first time, we worked with the Arkansas Poet Laureate [Suzanne Underwood Rhodes].”

Known as Transcending Words, the poetry and music series within SoNA Beyond just performed this May at the Fayetteville Public Library, and with titles like “Two-Faced Spring,” “Beautiful Morning,” and “Hark! Hark! The Lark,” nature’s inspiration was very present. SoNa Beyond also ventures outside of Fayetteville.

Upcoming events will include a new setting of Holst’s The Planets arranged by SoNA bassoonist Richard Bobo for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin, and cello, performed at the Siloam Springs Public Library (July 14th) and the Bella Vista Public Library (July 15th).

Other times, SoNA performs in nearby Bentonville and its crown jewel, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Even without leaving Fayetteville, the Walton Family Foundation, founded 30 miles north in Bentonville, is never far away. SoNA, for example, typically performs its full orchestral shows at Fayetteville’s Walton Arts Center, as do other major touring acts.

Meanwhile, the center’s newly renovated Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse just kicked off a new exhibit on native son Levon Helm, running through September 6th, celebrating the singing drummer’s life in The Band and other musical endeavors.

62 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 62

It reveals just how profoundly the Walton family has impacted the area, especially since forming its foundation in 1987. When Walmart founder Sam Walton died in 1992, he granted the foundation $172 million, and members of his family have helped direct it ever since, focusing its efforts on education, environmental conservation, and supporting communities from Northwest Arkansas to the Arkansas and

Mississippi Delta. And yet, while those are the foundation’s official concerns, they don’t really convey its further support for music and the arts.

One visit to Crystal Bridges, though, will make that plain enough. Founded in 2005 by Sam Walton’s only daughter, Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges — the campus — sits in 134 acres of forest and includes several buildings dedicated to art and wellness: the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (founded in 2011), the Heartland Whole Health Institute, and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house has also been relocated to the CREDIT S: ARCHE T YPE, SELL S AGENC Y, SONA

6/16/26 10:41 AM

Looks like hell.

Tastes like heaven.

Just don’t eat the shucks.

The Hot Tamale Capital of the World invites you to enjoy an eclectic collection of events and entertaining stops. » MAY « Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Festival, including Frog Fest and Leland Crawfish Festival LelandChamber.com

Future Tour Golf Championship » JUNE « Delta Soul & Celebrity Golf Event facebook.com/DeltaSoulGolf

Lake Washington’s “Straight Off The Lake” Music Festival Snake Grabbin’ Rodeo

facebook.com/GrabUOneOutfitters

» JULY « WWISCAA Food Festival

» AUGUST « MS Delta Duck Boat Races at Lake Washington » SEPTEMBER « Delta Blues & Heritage Festival deltabluesms.org

Gumbo Nationals

greenvillespeedway.net

Highway 61 Blues Festival highway61blues.com

Monuments on Main Street Historic Greenville Cemetery Tour deltacenterstage.org/events

YMCA Cotton Classic 10K/5K Run racesonline.com/ymca-cotton-classic

Sam Chatmon Blues Fest

» NOVEMBER « Roll’n on the River Car Show

facebook.com/SamChatmonBlues

facebook.com/redwinecarshow

Stephone Hughes Old Time Gospel Fest

» DECEMBER « Christmas on Deer Creek

» OCTOBER « Delta Hot Tamale Fest mainstreetgreenville.com/ delta-hot-tamale-festival

wwiscaa.com

visitgreenville.org • (800) 467.3582

LelandChamber.com

ARK

museum grounds. Thus, the campus unites art, architecture, nature, education, and wellness in an unprecedented way. Over five miles of trails connect the buildings, with art installations both inside and outside, and with terrain ranging from Ozark forest (and an accredited arboretum) to display gardens.

All in all, it’s a testament to the power of meshing nature and art, and naturally that includes music. Just this April, for example, SoNA Beyond held a special iteration of the series at the museum’s Great Hall, a string ensemble performance of American music to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Titled Declaration and curated by SoNA violist Jesse Collett,

DO GOOD. BETTER.

901.726.5725 • tnnonprofits.org We help nonprofits succeed.

64 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 64

the program’s repertoire featured works

by American composers like William Grant Still and Florence Price — both of whom have deep Arkansas roots.

Just last month, Crystal Bridges unveiled a new 114,000-square-foot expansion, years in the making, that will profoundly enhance the presentation of art and music there. Adding two new galleries, the expansion extends the museum’s original looped circulation, completing a figureeight across two stream-fed ponds within the surrounding ravine. As described in a press release, “It is inspired by the region’s natural setting and building traditions.

The expansion features exposed Southern yellow pine beams, sloping roof forms with extended overhangs, expansive floor-to-ceiling glass and copper cladding, and a series of porches overlooking the landscape.” All in all, it’s a perfect space CREDIT: HUDD BYARD

6/17/26 12:40 PM

Highest Rated and Voted the th he Best Dental Implant Specialist in the Mid-South

We W e LListen. istte enn..

Liste Li W eC arre e.

We Care.

W eM akke e IItt A orrd dable.

We Make Affordable.

Ma Affffffo fordable.

Boar Board ard ar rd Certified Cert rti rt tif ifi fied Peri Periodontal r odo ri d nt do nta tal al & Dent nta nt tal al Imp m lan mp ant an nt Surgeons Surg rge rg geons n ns Dental Implant

662-655-4868 6 62-655-4868 aadvanceddentaltmj.com d v aan ncedd en m dv va de nttaallltttm mjj.com

1300 + Reviews

Enroll Your Child in Pre-K Pre-K will help give your child the basic skills they will need later in school. Plus some programs provide extra support, like devices, for home learning. And, depending on your income, it’s all free.

High-quality early childhood programs benefit the whole community. First 8 Memphis coordinates services for kids birth through third grade.

To enroll your child in Pre-K, visit:

PrekMemphis.com

ARK

to view a collection spanning five centuries of American art, including colonial portraiture, nineteenth- and twentiethcentury works, and a rotating selection of contemporary and Indigenous art.

As Rod Bigelow, executive director of Crystal Bridges, noted, “This project represents an extraordinary undertaking for the museum, not only expanding our physical space, but shaping a renewed campus where architecture and nature work in close dialogue.”

Furthermore, as Bainbridge explains, it’s all part of a shared regional community.

A serious biker could even explore it all without a car. “Northwest Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Bella Vista, has created this network of paved trails,” Bainbridge says.

“They either go right next to the road or they follow creeks, and twice a year you can do the Square 2 Square ride, where you start in Fayetteville and ride to the Bentonville town square, which is like 22 miles, in the spring, and then in the fall it’s from Bentonville to Fayetteville. And you know, everybody, even people who can’t ride very well, gets out and does it.”

Via bike or car, there are plenty of musical reasons to make the Bentonville trip, including the Walmart AMP (in neighboring Rogers, Arkansas). This month, the massive pavilion will truly shine, featuring Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams & Her Band, and The John Doe Folk Trio on July 3rd, and a fireworks display with patriotic pops performed by SoNA on July 4th. There’s also the Crystal Bridgessponsored venue in downtown Bentonville, The Momentary, which hosts both musical and culinary events. Its standout concert for July will be Rhiannon Giddens and her show, American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing. And December will see the next edition of the Inverse Performance Art festival, with details yet to be announced.

There are many ways to help kids who stutter...

Doing nothing is not one of them!

800-992-9392 StutteringHelp.org tartamudez.org

THE

STUTTERING FOUNDATION

®

A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter

If all this makes it clear that Northwest Arkansas is hopping in terms of the arts and music, it’s really a state-wide phenomenon. That’s the point of a new initiative that’s fast gaining steam: Arkansas Music Week. Having begun last year, with great success, plans for this year’s version, from August 23-30, have only expanded it, with more than 40 events and 100 artists returning to Fayetteville this summer. In addition to bands filling up local venues, there will be Irish and

66 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 66

6/17/26 12:41 PM

2026

VOTE! JULY 15 - AUGUST 12 VOTE FOR YOUR LOCAL FAVORITES

Winners announced in the September 24th, Best of Memphis issue.

bom26.memphisflyer.com

Empower Deaf Children to Listen, Learn, and Talk.

Listen, Learn, and Talk.

HELP Empower Deaf Children to

ARK

HELP HELP Empower Deaf Children to

bluegrass jams at the Fayetteville Folk School, sponsored by Ozark Folkways Presents, not to mention The Music Industry Meetup, a free networking series for all who make Arkansas’ music scene thrive, at George’s Majestic Lounge.

George’s is a venerable venue in the region’s history, and next year the state’s oldest continually operated live music venue will be celebrating 100 years. Until then, it remains the place to see bands of all genres. And that embrace of diverse styles is key to Arkansas Music Week as well.

As Robert Locke, president of Arkansas Music Experience, the week’s organizer, notes, “We’ve got local legends playing like the Cate Brothers, or Paul Boatwright, who was the lead singer of a band called

Listen, Learn, and Talk.

GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF SOUND

GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF SOUND

www.mosdkids.org www.mosdkids.org GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF SOUND

www.mosdkids.org

68 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

059_2026_MM07_ID26_Travel_ARK_v04.indd 68

Punkinhead. They were massive in the area, and they just announced a reunion show that sold out in like six hours. We also have really cool bands that have been playing around the market for a few years, like Avery Lee, Fight Dream, the Dawn Cate Band, and a big punk show with TV Preacher, Count Your Cards, and Liquid Courage. We’re working on a metal event right now, and we’re about to add some hip-hop to it.”

In Locke’s reckoning, this kind of celebration of the state’s music is long overdue. “We’ve got a lot of history in Arkansas that we really want to shine a light on,” he says, “because oftentimes Arkansas’ musical past gets overshadowed by Levon Helm and Al Green and Johnny Cash, but there’s a whole lot more under that surface. I think if musicians in Arkansas realized the cultural impact that Arkansas music has had on the country, I think they would find it completely mind-blowing.”

CREDIT: SELL S AGENC Y

6/17/26 12:41 PM

S I P S

Full Circle

Finding a home away from home.

BY BRUCE VANW YNGARDEN

at First Tennessee. By then I’d decided banking really wasn’t for me, and my friends wanted to expand into having a bar service, so I ended up leaving the bank to manage it for them through Memphis Botanic Garden.”

But while he enjoyed it for a couple of years, he decided he’d rather be a teacher. “One of my former coaches had become the principal at Houston High School, so I had a connection there and decided to take advantage of it,” he says. “I left the catering business in late 2019 with plans to go into teaching high school. Then

Matt Fischer

“Italian Margarita”

“I

’m not a mixologist, I’m a bartender.

I can take the classics and do them well, but I think my most important job here is to cultivate a comfortable environment for people.”

That’s Matt Fischer, the fellow who mans the bar at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Germantown, which was the bar at Frank Grisanti’s when he first learned the restaurant trade there. It’s also a place where Fischer has found a home of sorts, after a circuitous journey.

“I actually started working here in 2003, when I was 19 and a student at the University of Memphis,” he says. “It was a great college job.” After changing majors a couple of times, he graduated with a B.A. in economics six years later, at which point he quit Grisanti’s to take a job at First Tennessee

Bank. That corporate sojourn in downtown Memphis lasted five years — until Fischer felt the pull of food service calling him back.

“Some friends of mine had started CFY Catering, which at the time did mostly weddings,” he says. “I worked for them as a ‘weekend warrior’ while still

70 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

70_2026_MM07_ID26_SIPS_v01.indd 70

Covid happened, which was not the best time to get into teaching, to say the least.”

After a Covid-induced down period, Fischer returned to the restaurant trade, managing Bounty on Broad for a time, then working for Kelly English at Second Line and Iris.

But he wasn’t home yet.

“After banking, catering, restaurant management, and attempting to start teaching, I was at a career crossroads,” he says. “I needed a course correction and I’d saved up some money, so I took a brief sabbatical. I still knew a lot of people who worked here at Embassy Suites, and one day I came in just to hang out and talk.

I sat down, looked around, and

said, ‘It looks like you could use a bartender.’ They said, ‘You want to come back?’ And they were serious. That was in 2024, so it’s kind of come full circle, and it’s been a perfect fit.”

“So, what do you think is the main difference between a hotel bar and a regular bar?” I ask.

“Ninety percent of my business at Embassy Suites is people who are on the road, working,” he says. “They’re not able to go home after work, so I try to make a home for them here. I’ve got local regulars, but I also have weekly regulars, monthly regulars, and quarterly regulars from out of town. A lot of people don’t realize that Memphis still has a pretty robust level of business travelers, and lots of them stay here. My thinking is that we live in a complicated, stressful world, and alcohol — used responsibly and moderately — can make that world five percent better; it can soften those harsh edges.”

“So, if I came in off the road with my edges feeling harsh and sat down here, what would you recommend?” I ask.

“Well, a gentleman was in here last night asking about an ‘Italian Margarita,’ which uses Amaretto in place of the traditional Triple Sec. I made one for him and I think it turned out pretty well. Want to try it?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’m using Reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, and Disaronno amaretto, which is an under-rated classic liqueur,” Fischer says. “I think you’ll like it.”

Minutes later, a salt-rimmed cosmopolitan glass filled with a rich, golden elixir is sitting before me, taking dead aim at my harsh parts.

“That looks pretty delightful,” I say. And indeed it is. As is Matt Fischer’s thoughtful company. And the good thing is, you don’t have to travel very far to enjoy it.

Embassy Suites, 1022 Shady Grove Rd. PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN

6/12/26 11:48 AM

!

E T A D E SAVE TH Explore a curated market of local artists & makers, enjoy craft brews, and soak up the best of Midtown!

PRESENTED BY

FEATURING

FOR MORE INFO: MEMPHISCRAFTSANDDRAFTS.COM

COCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq., 609-1111. D, $-$$ COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway, 527-9158. L, D, $ CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union, 467-0308. B, L, D, $-$$ DOCKS OFF FIFTH—Fine dining and special plates, including mango habanero-glazed salmon, seafood linguini, glazed lamb “lollipops,“ lobster rolls, plus wings and sliders. 310 Beale, 423-3765264. D, $$$ ESCO RESTAURANT AND TAPAS—Shareable dishes, turkey ribs, and seafood mac’n’cheese at this 2 Chainz franchise. 156 Lt. George W. Lee, 808-3726. L, D, $$-$$$ FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Elevated down-home farmhouse food, using locally sourced ingredients, served in an atmoshere of classic Southern charm. 383 S. Main, 623-7883. L, D, $$$-$$$$.

FERRARO’S CHEESY CORNER & PIZZERIA—Plenty of pizzas, along with a whole new cheese-inspired menu (fancy grilled cheeses and build-your-own mac and cheese bowls). 111 Jackson, 522-2033. L, D, $ FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, Mario Grisanti, Chef/Owner, Dino’s Grill and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$ emphis Magazine offers this curated restaurant listing FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles. 61 S. Second, 441-6686. L, D, wheelchair accessible, as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, $-$$ FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Steaks and seafood, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group matchedwithwithsuchappropriate wines. 39 S. Main, 521-8005. D, SB, MRA, that is updated yearly. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top $-$$$ GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Fish and grits, steak and eggs, and 50” but are noted as “New.” This guide also includes a representative sampling of other upscale takes on Southern brunch classics. 492 S. Main, other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. 249-7450. B, L, $$ Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis Magazine; THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their 105, 410-8169. B, L, D, $-$$ original location. This guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main, 561-306-4711. L, D, $-$$ ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are THE GOURMET GALLERY—A variety of elevated comfort dishes, like welcome: dining@memphismagazine.com. fried ribs and waffles, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon, and more. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main, 848-4691. L, D, $-$$$ GROOVY GRATITUDE—Offers a vibrant selection of cold-pressed DOWNTOWN BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes juices, handcrafted smoothies, and healthy eats like paninis and acai such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. bowls. Closed Sun. 605 N. Second, 417-8007. B, L, WB, $ breakfast, and more. 152 Madison, 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken

BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Main, 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper, 725-7437. L, D, $-$$ with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups.

496 Tennessee, 310-4341.

AMELIA GENE’S—Globally inspired fine-dining cuisine at the pies. 310 S. Front, 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown), B, L, $ One Beale project, including Rohan duck, Wagyu filet, and an 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 373-9111; 730 S. CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, extensive cheese cart. 255 S. Front, 730-7650. D, $$-$$$ Mendenhall, 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN, 901-294-2028. fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several THE ARCADE—Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet L, D, MRA, $ Northern Italian specialties.

149 Union, The Peabody, 529-4199.

B, L, D, potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and HIVE BAGEL & DELI—Bagels, bagels, and more bagels at this SB, MRA, $-$$$$ breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main, 526-5757. B, L, MRA, $ new downtown deli offering baked goods, sandwiches, and CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around ARNOLD’S SMOKEHOUSE—A classic smokehouse with vegan and salads. Closed Mon./Tue. 276 S. Front, 509-2946. B, L, $ silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green nonvegan options seasoned to perfection. Closed Mon. 2019 E. Person, HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar serves toasts with a variety of toppings tomatoes with smoked catfi sh, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, 922-5950. L, D, SB, $-$$$ including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina, 321-5553. L, D, AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime downtown favorite specializes in cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds.

WB, $-$$ contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also DINING SYMBOLS Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, extensive martini list. 83 S. Second, 525-7948. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ Madison, 333-1229. D, $ grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are B — breakfast BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE— among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the L — lunch Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with Chisca.

272 S. Main, 254-8600.

D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe, 275-8752.

D — dinner fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel.

CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$ SB —Sunday brunch 477 S. Main, 701-7577. B, L, $ French cuisine with Asian and Nordic infl uences, BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board WB —weekend brunch ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro served here, located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on MRA — member, Memphis tasting menus from chef Keith Clinton. Afternoon tea Alley, 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp Restaurant Association served Thu.-Sun., noon-3:30 p.m. (reservations BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union, $ — under $15 per person fresh and authentic Creole staples. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 145 Beale, 578-3031. D, MRA, $$-$$$ 529-4188. D, MRA, $$$$ without drinks or desserts 779-4125. L, D, $-$$ JEM DINING—Chef Josh Mutchnick offers a CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, $$ — under $25 BISCUITS & JAMS—Offering sweet and savory brunch with a Cajun dining experience that’s memorable, refined, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and $$$ — $26-$50 flare. Specialties include smoked sausage or spicy fried chicken on unpretentious, and welcoming with dishes from around Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale, $$$$ — over $50 biscuits, lemon blueberry waffles, and rum custard French toast. No the world. Closed Sun./Mon./Tue. 644 Madison, 286444-3232. B, L, D, $-$$$ walk-ins on weekends. 24 N. B.B. King Blvd., 672-7905. B, L, WB, $-$$ 1635. D, $$-$$$

M E M PH I S

D I N I N G

G U I D E

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M / F O O D 72 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 72

(This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

M

6/12/26 11:53 AM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union, 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$ KOOKY CANUCK—Home of the four-pound Kookamonga Burger (no charge to anyone who can eat it in less than 60 minutes), plus other (smaller) burgers, sandwiches, wings, soups, and salads. 57 S. Second, 901-578-9800. L,D, MRA, $-$$ LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd, 334-9411. L, D, $-$$ THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101, 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$ LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina, 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$ THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr, 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, $-$$$ LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include citrus glaze salmon and Cajun stuffed chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon), 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), $-$$$ MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Closed Sun. 45 S. Main, 526-0037; 820 S. Cooper, 443-4356. MRA, $ MAHOGANY RIVER TERRACE—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 280 Island Drive, 249-9774. L, D, SB, $-$$$ THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main, 522-8555. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe, 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford), 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), MRA, $$-$$$ MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 88 Union, 527-5337; 5960 Getwell (Southaven), 662-8902467. D, SB, $$-$$$ MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams, 524-1886.

D, MRA, $ MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up smoked wings, burgers, and beer, among other solid bar-food options.

855 Kentucky, 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $ PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second, 523-2746. L (Fri.Sat.), D, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH—A blend of Italian and American foods like artisan pizza, salads, pasta, burgers, and house-brewed beers. 704 Madison, 587-6256. L, D, $-$$ SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison, 949-8100. L, D, $ SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main, 672-7902. L, D, WB, $-$$ SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 435-6915. L, D, $

Broadway Pizza House Legendary Pizza Since 1977

2581 Broad Avenue (901) 454-7930

629 South Mendenhall

(901) 207-1546

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2026

FACE OF

PIZZA

www.LaniganAlliedVanLines.com 901.744.7070 or 800.237.5411 J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 73

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 73

6/17/26 12:42 PM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main, 249-2194. L, D, $ SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main, 526-0388; 5040 Sanderlin (East Memphis), 818-0821; 1329 W. Poplar, 286-1360. L, D, WB, $-$$ SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster. B, L, D, $ SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$ SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson, 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 844-6117. B, L, MRA, $ TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3366. D, MRA, $$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103, 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, WB, $$-$$$ TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catfish, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square, 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, $$-$$$ WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$ WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main, 543-3278.

L, D, $ WINGMAN—Downtown lounge and hookah bar offering wings galore with ten signature sauces, and plenty of other goodies. 143 Madison, 907-0586. D, WB, $-$$ MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER) ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 137, 425-2597; 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy., 754-5355 (Cordova). L, D, $-$$ ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar, 321-0082. L, D, $-$$ ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, 507-8030. D, $ ASHTAR GARDEN—Southern twists on classic brunch dishes, and plenty of cocktails. Closed Mon.-Wed. 898 S. Cooper, 443-1514. L, D, $-$$ BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison, 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$ BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texas-style barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper, 310-4141. B, L, $-$$ BAO TOAN—Traditional Vietnamese restaurant offering small bites and home-style plates, plus creative versions of street-food favorites. 1350 Concourse Avenue. 695-1265. L, D, WB. Closed Tues. $-$$ BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper, 272-0830. D, MRA, $ BAR KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new Cooper-Young neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 S. Cooper, 654-3851. D, $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison, 272-1277. L, D, MRA, $-$$ BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 S. Cooper, 722-2244. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper, 722-2193. B, L, D, $ BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison, 278-8626. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$

BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison, 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), MRA, $-$$ BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad, 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall, 207-1546. L, D, $-$$ BRIZA—Featuring specialties from the chef Moisés Hernandez’s native El Salvador, around the theme “Land–Sushi–Sea.” 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 181, 585-0553. L, D, MRA, $$-$$$ CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliflower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper, 722-2700. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean, 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square, 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, MRA, $ CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union, Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$ CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare.

Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper, 274-5151. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$ CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches.

Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central, 272-9377; 4375 Summer, 767-4672; 147 E. Butler, 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar, 417-7962. L, D, MRA, $-$$ COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick-serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper, 538-7309.

B, L, D, $-$$ COOPER’S—“A charming experience for all ages,“ with po-boys, wraps, wings, fettucini. 959 S. Cooper, 343-0103. L, D, MRA, $-$$ THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad, 730-0719. L, D, $ THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison, 272-0928. L, D, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park, 410-8200. D, $-$$ EVERGREEN GRILL—Serving classic American cuisine like patty melts, burgers, phillies, and more to bring you the comforting taste of home. Closed Mon./Tue. 212 N. Evergreen, 779-7065. L, D, X,$$-$$$ FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets.

1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 175, 800-1851. L, D, $ FAWN—Seasonal, tapas-style dishes (don’t miss the sourdough bread and butter) in a chic setting. Closed Mon. 937 S. Cooper, 310-4890. D, SB, $$ FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open-faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. Inside Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar, 654-5926. L, $ FINO’S FROM THE HILL—Italian deli offers old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. Germantown location paired with Happy Glaze Donuts. 1853 Madison, 272-FINO; 7781 Farmington (Germantown), B, L, D, $ FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666, 61 S. Second St., Suite 160 (downtown). D, $-$$ FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn, 207-6193. L, D, $-$$ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia.

1718 Madison, 244-6196. L, D, $-$$

GLOBAL CAFÉ—This international food hall hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 157. L, D, MRA, $ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison, 728-5111. L, D, $-$$ GOOD GROCERIES MARKET & CAFÉ—Providing fresh, healthy, cruelty-free meals, Good Groceries offers a classic American menu with a twist: instead of pork, they use duck for their BBQ. They also sell quesadillas, mac-and-cheese, sandwiches, and more. Closed Sun. 585 S. Cooper, 325-1269. B, L, D, $ GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar, 244-7904. L, D, $-$$ GUAC FRESH MEX—Authentic Mexican cuisine and four types of guacamole. Closed Sun. 782 Washington, 587-4100. L, D, $ HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 S. Cooper, 424-5900. L, D, $ HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison, 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 754-3885; 77 S. Second (downtown), 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 8544455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven), 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester, 624-8911; 4872 Poplar, 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown), 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 873-5025. L, D, MRA, $ IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young, 654-3455. L, D, WB, $ INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, $-$$ INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110, 509-8640. B, L, D, $ JACK BROWN’S BEER AND BURGER JOINT—Another spot to satisfy your burger craving, this time with 100% American Wagyu beef.

2197 Central, 512-6957. L, D, $-$$$ THE JUICE JOINT—Locally owned purveyor of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai bowls, and snacks. 1350 Concourse Ave., 572-1127; 3139 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 207-2535. B, L, $-$$ LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison, 2075097. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$ LOS COMALES—Authentic Mexican cuisine, daily specials, and strong margaritas. 1322 Madison, 440-8393; 345 Madison Ave. (downtown), 590-4524; 2860 S. Perkins (East Memphis), 369-0528. L, D, $-$$ LOUIS CONNELLY’S BAR FOR FUN TIMES & FRIENDSHIP—An upgraded dive bar with a neighborhood feel and a rockin’ SMASH burger.

Closed Sun. and Mon. 322 S. Cleveland, 433-9582. L, D, $-$$ MADISON TAVERN—Indoor and outdoor seating available, plus a full menu with a range of comfort foods and drinks on tap. 2126 Madison, 417-8029. L, D, $-$$$ MARY’S B.O.T.E.—This bar of tropical escapism offers over 30 specialty drinks, pizzas, bar snacks, and a cozy interior that transports customers to the beach. 21+ only. Closed Mon. 588 S. Cooper. D, $ MEMPHIS JAMAICAN KITCHEN—Authentic Jamaican specialties, including jerk chicken and oxtails. 1354 Madison, L, D, $$ MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison, 726-5343; 5061 Park, 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown), 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville), 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven), 662-5361364. L, D, $-$$ MEMPHIS TOAST—Provides authentic Memphian breakfast cuisine and features themed rooms to honor iconic Memphis figures. Specialties include French toast, shrimp and grits, and their little Lucille breakfast burrito. 954 Jackson, 417-7817. B, L, WB, $-$$ MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young, 236-7136. Closed Mon.-Tue. D, $-$$ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison, 726-1873. L, D, MRA, $-$$

74 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 74

6/12/26 11:54 AM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar, 272-1523. L, D, $-$$ PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Chinese restaurant serving chicken, fish, tofu, and more, smothered in spicy sauces. 2110 Madison, 207-6680.

L, D, MRA, $-$$$ SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison, 922-5202. L, D, $$ THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe, 590-2829. L, D, WB, $-$$ SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere, 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 309-8800; 4724 Poplar, 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett), 377-2727; 6696 Poplar, 747-0001. L, D, $-$$$ SEN TRANG—Serving a wide variety of Chinese and Vietnamese soups, stir-fries, and noodles. 1615 Madison, 276-0006. L, D, $-$$ SLICE MIDTOWN—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes (formerly known as Little Italy). 1495 Union 725-0280; L, D, $-$$ SMOKY CITY BBQ—Serving authentic Memphis barbeque, including burgers, ribs, wings, and daily specials. Closed Sun. 1023 Jackson, 4253115. L, D, $-$$$ SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper, 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown), 755-6988; 4720 Poplar, 590-0323. L, D, MRA, $-$$ STICKEM—Brick-and-mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison, 474-7214. Closed Sunday. L, D, $ TEKILA MEXICAN CUISINE—Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

Specialties include chicken mole, enchiladas verde, and the trio special. 1433 Union, 510-5734. L, D, WB, $-$$$ TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison, 410-8866. D, $-$$ TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union, Suite 109, 800-2936. L, D, $-$$ TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park, 474-7693; 265 S. Front, 949-7693. Closed Mon.-Wed. D, $-$$ TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland, L, D, $-$$ ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison, 726-5004. L, D, $ SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)

BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley, 509-3024. L, D, $-$$ CACHE 42 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS—Elevated fine dining (think golden rack of lamb or lobster queso) and cocktail lounge at MoneyBagg Yo’s restaurant; menu by chef Daris Leatherwood. Brunch and lunch options.

4202 Hacks Cross, Suite 121. 494-5458. D, $-$$ COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E., 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett), 383-1122. L, D, $-$$ CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross, 207-6051. L, D, $ DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley, 443-3000. B, D, $-$$$ DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews.

3750 Hacks Cross, Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$

FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS—”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks, 314-0735. L, D, $ THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Mon. 998 Mississippi, 507-1519.

L, D, $ HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY—No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando, 917-982-1829. L, D, $ INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third, 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline (Southaven), 662-393-5699. L, D, $-$$ JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales.

841 Bullington, 265-8761. L, D, $ LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza, 360-1963. L, $-$$ MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley, 332-4159. D, MRA, $-$$ UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies.

3633 Millbranch, 332-2367. L, D, MRA, $ SUMMER / BERCLAIR / RALEIGH / BARTLETT 901 HOT POT & KOREAN BBQ—All-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ, from short ribs to garlic shrimp. 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy., 512-4963. L, D, $$-$$$ BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage, 672-7905. B, L, $ BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer, 324-7494. B, L, $ CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer, 672-7905. L, D, $ CHEF FLAVAS AND BARTLETT BREAKFAST FACTORY— ”Flavaful” sandwiches, soups, pastas, and more from the makers of the popular local spinach artichoke dip. Traditional breakfast options served

by Bartlett Breakfast Factory. Closed Sun./Mon. 6301 Stage, 779-2200.

B, L, D, $-$$ DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more.

5266 Summer, Suite 65, 766-0831. L, D, $-$$ ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza, and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer, 761-9898. B, L, D, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage, 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay, 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway, 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown), 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline, 662-342-4544.

L, D, MRA, $ HABANA CLUB RESTAURANT, BAR & GRILLE—Offering authentic Cuban fare. 6110 Macon, 480-8173. L, D, $-$$ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer, 685-6857; 5848 Winchester, 365-4992. L, D, $ LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer, 682-1151. D, $ MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins, 7619321. L, D, $-$$ NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer, 454-0320. D, $$

NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay, Suite 3, 373-4411. L, D, $-$$ PANCAKE SHOP—Classic breakfast items plus meat-and-three lunches, sandwiches, soups, salads. Open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday. 4838 Summer, 767-0206. B, L, $ ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten, 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$ PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice.

Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer, 323-4819. L, D, $-$$ QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer, 207-4174. L, D, $ SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun./Mon. 5689 Stage, 377-2484. D, $-$$ TACO PRIME—Modern taqueria where bold Mexican dishes meet Southern hospitality. 8222 U.S. 64, 585-0858. Closed Sunday.

L,D, $-$$ TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer, 685-0097. B, L, D, $ UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)

A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center, 452-4477. L, D, $-$$$ BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries.

Closed Mon. 3519 Walker, 324-0144. B, $ CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 120, 249-3533. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown), 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64, 380-7877; 3448 Poplar (Poplar Plaza), 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova), 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-5770. L, D, MRA, $-$$ PLANT BASED HEAT—All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked BBQ jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St.; 363 S. Front St. (downtown). L, D, $ EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR / I-240) ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins, 818-2273. L, D, $$-$$$ AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove, 433-9345. L, D, $-$$ AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 761-4000. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103, 236-7784.

L, D, $-$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, 347-3569. D, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park, 729-7020; 65 S. Highland, 623-7122. B, L, WB, $ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle, 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville), 854-8748. L, D, $-$$

J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 75

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 75

6/12/26 11:54 AM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

BELLE MEADE SOCIAL—Upscale Americana cuisine including lamb lollipops, spicy tuna stack, and steak & noodle salad. 518 Perkins Extd., 480-7054. L, D, $-$$$ BELMONT GRILL—Burgers, steak sandwiches, and other classic American fare at one of Memphis’ longstanding bars. 4970 Poplar, 767-0305. L, D, $-$$ BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd., 767-8980. L, D, $$-$$$ BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar, 881-3346. B, L, $-$$ BOG & BARLEY—An all-Irish fine dining experience by the owners of Celtic Crossing, and a full bar with plenty of beer and 25-year-old Macallan. 6150 Poplar, Suite 124, 805-2262. L, D, WB, $-$$ BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 755-7413. D, $-$$$ CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar, 683-9291. L, D, $$$-$$$$ CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar, 725-8557; 1707 Madison, 421-6949. L, D, $-$$ CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL—Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads, and bowls made to order while customers watch. 5865 Poplar, 416-1944; 2046 Union, 729-2640; 4726 Summer, 590-1839; 2110 West St., 256-6202; 695 N. Germantown Parkway (Germantown), 416-1944. L, D, $-$$ CHUKIS TACOS 2—Traditional homestyle Mexican recipes. 3445 Poplar Ave., Suite 1, 888-4139. B, L, D, $-$$ CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. 5101 Sanderlin, 205-2500. D, MRA, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin, 729-7687; 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 2, 236-7223 (Germantown). B, L, D, $ COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from the Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, China, Philippines, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101, 266-9000 (Shelby Farms Park). D, $$-$$$ CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar, 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville), 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., (Olive Branch), 662-893-3663. L, D, MRA, $-$$ THE CRAZY COOP—Plenty of hot wings and sauces, plus sandwiches and other dinner plates. 1315 Ridgeway, 748-5325; 7199 Stage (Bartlett), 433-9212. L, D, $-$$ DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials.

4694 Spottswood, 761-3711; 3964 Goodman (Southaven), 662-890-7611.

L, D, $ ERLING JENSEN—For decades, Chef Erling has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, biggame entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates, 763-3700. D, MRA, $$-$$$ ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small-plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites.

5069 Sanderlin, 587-9464. L, D, $-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar, 761-6200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE— Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall, 762-8200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-andsour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince, 753-9898. L, D, $-$$ FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W. Brookhaven Circle, 758-6500.

L, D, $

FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sun. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden, 766-9900. L, $ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and a ”voodoo menu.” 688 S. Mendenhall, 682-3966; 9091 Poplar (Germantown), 590-4304. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. 679 S. Mendenhall, 499-5436. D, SB, $-$$$ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace, 452-3339. L, D, $-$$ HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Circle, 207-7396. L, D, SB, MRA. $-$$$ LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar, 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), MRA, $ LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sun. 4002 Park, 458-9264; 5689 Quince, 800-2873. L, D, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (inside Novel), 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, $-$$ THE LIQUOR STORE—All-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. 669 S. Mendenhall, B, L, D, $-$$ LITTLE ITALY EAST—New York-style pizzas galore and homemade pasta. Closed Sun. 6300 Poplar, Suite 113. 729-7432. L, $-$$ MAGNOLIA & MAY—Southern-inspired, family-owned, casual dining restaurant serving up a variety of sandwiches, chef-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails. Popular items include shrimp and grits and the double cheeseburger. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah, 676-8100. L, D, WB, MRA. $$-$$$ MANDE DIBI WEST AFRICAN BBQ GRILL—Pairs traditional West African BBQ with Memphis BBQ for a menu that offers a wide variety of flavors, including daily specials and vegan-friendly options. 6825 Winchester, 672-8995. L, D, $-$$$ MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 E. Brookhaven Circle, 682-1660. D, $-$$ MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince, 753-8755. L, D, $-$$ MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/ fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station, 683-8889. L, D, MRA, $ MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Pan-Asian fare includes sushi and Sichuan dishes. 4598 Spottwood, 347-3965. L, D, $-$$ NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale, 373-4411. L, D, $ NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122, 683-0441. D, MRA, $$-$$$ ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd., 249-4227. L, D, $ ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar, 618-2955. L, D, $ OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sun. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar, 761-0990.

L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum.

Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on

croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens), 761-5250. L, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park, 682-2852. L, D, MRA, $ PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park, 458-0694. D, $-$$$ PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 818-3889. L, D, $-$$ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar, 458-1644. L, D, $ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway, 379-8294; 2035 Union, 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville), 221-8109. L, D, MRA, $ RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar, 207-1960. L, D, $-$$ RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables.

5847 Poplar, 767-3456. L, D, $-$$ RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more Cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar, 512-5923. L, D, $-$$$ RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 4550 Poplar, 590-2828. L, D, $$-$$$ RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar, 6839305. L, D, $$$ RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—This Memphis institution serves family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, Suite 122, 850-0191. D, $-$$$ ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station, 454-3352. L, D, $-$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar, 761-0055. D, $$$-$$$$ SALSA COCINA MEXICANA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129, 683-6325. L, D, $-$$ SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar, 682-9952. L, D, $$-$$$ STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar, 509-2367; 3660 S. Houston Levee Road, Suite 104 (Collierville), 286-4335; 7704 Poplar (Germantown), 800-1951; 2902 May, (Southaven). B, L, WB, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar, 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown), 737-2088; 272 S. Main.

779-3499. L, D, $ THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince, 685-7094. B, L, D, $ TJ MULLIGAN’S—Cold drinks, comfort food, and plenty of live entertainment. 1817 Kirby Pkwy. (East Memphis), 755-2481; 8070 Trinity, Suite 1 (Cordova), 756-4480; 2821 N. Houston Levee, (Lakeland), 377-9997. L, D, $-$$ TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket,

76 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 76

6/12/26 11:54 AM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

and burgers. 1286 Union.,725-7527; 4183 Summer, 324-4325; 5391 Winchester.,794-7936; 3970 Rhodes, 323-9865; 6130 Macon, 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, $ TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall, 343-8880. B, L, D, $ VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext., 767-6872. L, D, SB, $-$$ WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall, 763-0676. L, D, $-$$ WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105, 421-6399.

L, D, $-$$ THE WING GURU—A staple of the Memphis wing scene, featuring everything from classic buffalo to exquisite lemon pepper.

5699 Mt. Moriah, 509-2405; 875 W. Poplar, Suite 6 (Collierville), 221-7488; 8253 Highway 51 North, Suite 103 (Millington), 8720849; 4130 Elvis Presley (Whitehaven), 791-4726; 5224 Airline, Suite 107 (Arlington), 209-0349. L, D, $-$$ WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, vegetable plates, and homemade desserts are specialties. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine, 327-5681. L, $ CORDOVA THE BLUE ROOM RESTAURANT—An elevated take on traditional Southern recipes, located in the U of M Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute. Closed Mon. 1245 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 101, 249-7512. D, SB, $$-$$$ BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy., 755-4114. L, D, $-$$ THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood.

107 S. Germantown, 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, $$-$$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 104, 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy., 388-0998. L, D, $-$$ EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102, 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, $ MINGXIA DUMPLING—Specializing in Chinese cuisine and street food, with handmade dishes: dumplings, soup, fried rice, meats, and vegetables. 1014 N. Germantown Pkwy., 961-6999. L, D, $-$$. Closed Tues.

POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111, 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin, 779-4971. L, D, $ PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Sichuan cuisine, from crispy duck to peony fried chicken. Be prepared for spice! 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy., 787-8886. L, D, $-$$ SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy., 384-4122. L, D, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy., 443-5222. L, D, $-$$$ VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional pasta dishes and family concoctions to hand-tossed brick oven NY pizza. 714 N. Germantown Pkwy., 753-3894. L, D, MRA, $$$ GERMANTOWN BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herb-crusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17, 552-3041. D, $-$$$ FIRST WATCH—Fresh, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch creations. 7810 Poplar, 665-5590. B, WB, L, $-$$

Celebrate with WKNO This July

Friday, July 3, at 7:00 p.m.

Encore at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 4, at 7:00 p.m.

Encore at 9:00 p.m.

4-Part Series

Tuesday, July 14, 21, 28, and August 4 at 8:00 p.m.

Encore Wednesday, July 15, 22, 29, and August 5 at 9:00 p.m.

Become a WKNO member with

Download the FREE PBS App

wkno.org J U L Y 2 0 2 6 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 77

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 77

6/18/26 11:44 AM

MEMPHIS DINING GUIDE

GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$ LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd., 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, $-$$ LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike, 791-2328. D, $-$$$ LOCAL LIME—Tacos and margaritas in a casual environment, plus other goodies like the Mexican caramel apple crisp skillet. Closed Mon. 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 1, 224-2204. L, D, $-$$$ MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown), 907-0243. L, D, $-$$ MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s.

Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117, 755-1471. L, D, $$-$$$ MR. P’S WINGS—Casual eatery featuring hot wings, burgers, fried fish, and other American food. 2075 Exeter, Suite 35, 587-6777. L, D, $$ NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, Suite 12, 755-1117. L, D, $ RIO LOBO CANTINA—Mexican and Latin-American cuisine.

3165 Forest Hill Irene Rd., 310-3432. L,D, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 6, 779-2008. L, D, SB, MRA, $$ ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops, 756-9697. L, D, $-$$ SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here.

2060 West, 758-8181; 4840 Poplar (Memphis), 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia (Collierville), 316-5638. L, D, $-$$ SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5555. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$ STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in handcut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar, Suite 101, 207-1100. L, D, $$-$$$$ SUFI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & BAR—Offers authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, from hummus shawarma to traditional moussaka. Closed Mon. 7609 Poplar Pike, 779-2200. L, D, $-$$$ TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar, Suite 26, 612-2713; 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. (Memphis), 290-1091; 7974 U.S. 64 (Bartlett), 203-0083. L, D, $ THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar, Suite 11. B, L, $-$$ UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 310-4855. L, D, $-$$ WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West, 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), $ ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 779-2796. L, D, $-$$$ COLLIERVILLE BELLY ACRES—Upscale burger restaurant, featuring creative combos such as the Cowboy (fried onion strings, pickled jalapeños, and BBQ saucer, or the Hot Pow with pepper jack and spinach. 3660 S. Houston Levee, 209-0168; 6130 Poplar (Memphis), 707-7638. L, D, $-$$ CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett, 861-1999. L, D, $-$$

CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a woodfired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1, 457-7457. L, D, $ COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee, 979-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$ DAVID GRISANTI’S ON MAIN—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional Grisanti family recipes. Closed Sun./Mon. 148 N. Main, 861-1777. L, D, $-$$$ DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center, 850-7750. L, D, $-$$ EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River Pkwy., 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd., 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy.

(Cordova), 755-1447; 1492 Union, 274-4264; 11615 Airline (Arlington), 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross, CASINO TABLES CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY / 662-357-1225 FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711 IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182 JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL’S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182 THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Lane, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, Ext. 8213 TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711

(Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 8723220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 417-6026. L, D, $ EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 384-0540. L, D, $-$$ FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees.

4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing, 850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 379-1300. L, D, $-$$$ JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee, 861-5000. L, D, MRA, $-$$$ MAEVE’S TAVERN—An Irish-themed eatery with elevated tavern classics, from signature burgers to hearty entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients. 78 N. Main on the Town Square, 403-5100. L, D, SB, $-$$$ MAROON BREW CO.—Family-friendly restaurant serving up gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, chicken, and shareables, all made to pair with beers brewed on-site. Closed Mon. 642 W. Poplar, 799-0354. L, D, $-$$ MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee, 8505288; 2149 Young, 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood, 609-8680. L, D, $-$$ NASHOBA—Offers live music, sports games, and pub classics.

Specialties are hot honey flatbread pizza, brisket fried rice, and the Nashoba burger. 4600 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 111, 630-4683. L, D, $-$$ OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call.

3670 Houston Levee, 861-4309; 3402 Poplar (Memphis), 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch), 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 425-4901. L, D, $-$$$ RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry, 286-4575. L, D, SB, $-$$

STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing; 854-3399; 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown Memphis), 207-7638 L, D, $-$$ WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River, Suite 101, 316-5590; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165, 791-4389. L, D, $-$$ ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts.

Closed Sun. 114 N. Main, 457-7526. L, D, $ ARLINGTON / LAKELAND BRENDALAY GRILLE—Wide variety of steaks, flatbreads, pasta, soups, sandwiches. Favorites: Brendalay BBQ Shrimp and Cajun Rosemary Shrimp. 6259 Quintard (Arlington), 317-6998. L, D, SB, $$$$ KITCHEN TABLE—“Crafted comfort food that makes you feel right at home.” Steaks, seafood, catfish, chicken, chops, soups, salad, even hand-spun cotton candy. 12062 Forrest (Arlington), 317-6402. L,D, SB. $-$$ VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional family dishes and pasta concoctions to hand-tossed brick-oven NY pizza. 9861 W. Lake District Dr., (Lakeland), 466-8288. L,D, MRA, $$$ OUT-OF-TOWN BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN).,901-294-3400. L, D, $-$$ CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sun. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS), 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, $$-$$$ COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main, (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, $-$$$ ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell (Southaven, MS), 662-4704497. L, D, $-$$ HARRY’S ITALIAN—Authentic Italian dishes using traditional recipes made from scratch, plus steaks and other entrees. 8472 U.S. Highway 51, (Millington, TN), 872-0056. L, D, $-$$$ MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN), 209-8525. L, D, $ MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS), 628-3556. B, L, D, $-$$$ MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS), 662-536-3762. L, D, $-$$ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, $ SAINT LEO—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS), 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$ SIMON’S—A unique dining experience situated on Court Square in a charming small town, offering Angus steaks, catfish, BBQ brisket. Closed Mon./Tue. 201 N. Main (Bolivar, TN), 731-403-3474. L, D, $$-$$$ SNACKBAR—An intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS), 662-236-6363. D, $-$$$ TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell, (Southaven, MS), 662-510-5734. B, L, D, $-$$ WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX. Cajun classics: fried alligator, pepperjack boudin, shrimp, gumbo, along with unique specialties. 2715 Snowden Lane (Southaven, MS), 662-870-8379. L, D, $$ WILSON CAFE—An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR), 870655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$

78 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

72_2026_MM07_ID26_CDL_v01.indd 78

6/12/26 11:54 AM

at

Make This Summer Extraordinary This summer at Gaylord Opryland Resort when you blend resort relaxation with high-energy fun. Spend your mornings racing down waterslides at SoundWaves or relaxing in a private cabana. Then, step inside our airy atrium for dining and spa treatments. This season, celebrate All-American SummerFest with live music, family activities, and pool parties that turn simple moments into lasting traditions.

Book your summer adventure today.

26-399 BNAGO Summer - Memphis Magazine - Glossy - Run 3.indd 1

6/4/26 10:43 AM

L AS T

S TA N D

A Web of One’s Own

Spider-Man endures across generations, and this is his superpower.

BY FR A NK MURTAUG H

S

pider-Man is a drawing. Having spent more than half a century, now, with Spider-Man climbing one wall of my life or another, this is an impossible reality to accept. The superhero we’ve seen in thousands of comic books, TV shows (live-action!), nine major movies, and on Broadway, for crying out loud, is the creation of Marvel’s Stan Lee (writer) and Steve Ditko (artist).

The drawing first appeared in a 1962 comic book, Amazing Fantasy (#15), that didn’t even have Spidey’s name in the title.

Let me tell you, when Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits movie screens on July 31st, he will be far more than a drawing to the millions buying tickets to see the webslinger do his thing in a world that has forgotten Peter Parker. (Be sure and see Spider-Man: No Way Home before you buy that ticket. The world’s amnesia requires explanation.) I see Spider-Man bicycles on the Hyde Lake Promenade, Spider-Man backpacks on children in my friendly neighborhood, Spider-Man T-shirts on fans very small and quite large.

Superman is a brand, granted. Lots of Batman and Wonder Woman out there, too. But Spider-Man? He’s jumped off the page and screen and become of us. Why? To begin with, there’s empathy for Parker and the feels-real world he inhabits.

A teenager in Queens (later a Chelsea apartment), he is a superhero who came upon his powers not just by accident. He was bitten by a spider. Might any of us, here in Memphis, find a superhuman future as Mosquito-Man? If you haven’t asked that question, you’re not fully engaged in Spider-Man’s origin story. It’s random, mildly painful, and happens — to someone, somewhere — every single day.

80 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 2 6

80_2026_MM07_ID26_LASTSTAND_v01.indd 80

Here in 2026, though, Spider-Man is not merely Peter Parker behind a mask. Three actors (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland) have each played Spidey in multiple live-action flicks since 2002, all as Parker. But Miles Morales is a newer (2011 debut) webslinging teen and the central character in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the Oscar-winning animated film released in 2018. Morales is Black, with Latino blood (his mother is Puerto Rican).

You’ll still find Parker in comic books, including the original Amazing Spider-Man title. But his alter ego is simply too large not to occupy other lives in what’s come to be accepted as Marvel’s “multiverse.” (In SpiderNoir, Nicolas Cage plays a Depression-era private eye, but with web credentials. You can find the series on Amazon Prime.)

I grew up with a crush on Mary Jane Watson, Parker’s girlfriend and later wife.

She was a vibrant redhead, flashy and fun in a way that boys reading comic books find sexy. In the new movie, you’ll see “MJ,” but she’s no flashy redhead. Played by Zendaya, Michelle Jones-Watson is a skeptical introvert, with charms more subtle than the “MJ” Parker married in a 1987 comic book. Ned Leeds? He’s Parker’s best friend

in the Holland movies. In the comic books I knew, Leeds was revealed to be one of Spider-Man’s nastiest villains.

See how this works?

Your Spider-Man is likely different from my SpiderMan. Same for his friends and enemies. You don’t have to adapt to a character’s world as it was created more than 60 years ago. Spider-Man is adapting to your world.

He’s meeting you where you are. Old-school fans have hundreds of comic books that will enliven their hero. Those new to Spidey may go from their custom bike to a video game with no sign of Peter Parker. Both diversions are magical.

I sold my Amazing Spider-Man collection a few years ago, almost 400 comic books paying for an unforgettable trip to Hawaii.

It was time. I’m in a life stage where downsizing is healthy and, more important to my heart, those comic books need to be enjoyed by new readers (or collectors). In April 2012, my family took a trip to New York City — Spidey’s home sweet home — and we saw Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway. We were seated in an upper level, near the front and, midway through the production, Spider-Man swung up and landed in the aisle next to our seats.

If 400 comic books can be brought to life, it happened that night in Manhattan.

So yes, a “drawing” has brought joy to my life in several forms for more than a half-century. It’s been said we are every age we’ve lived, for as long as we’re here.

Safe to say, the 9-year-old in me will be seated in a movie theater this summer, wondering how my pal Spider-Man can once again be greatly responsible with his great power. Bad guys beware.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHARON MURTAUGH

6/12/26 12:28 PM

Now the best room of your home... is outdoors Imagine having a transitional living space to enjoy the best of the outdoors in your own backyard. With Phantom Screens, it’s possible. Fully customizable and professionally installed, Phantom Screens appear at the touch of a button providing fresh air and shade from the sun without worrying about the bugs. They preserve your home’s design and won’t get in the way of your view by retracting completely out of sight when not in use.

Increase natural air flow

Eliminate unwanted bugs

SouthernScreens.com 00.841.435 Memphis Mag.indd 4

•

Reduce UV rays and solar heat

901-758-2121

Hassle-free installation included

• 2023-03-06 9:48:37 AM

T:9" S:7.875"

THE BMW

ULTIMATE SALES EVENT

BMW X3

BMW X5

BMW 3

In a summer filled with top-tier performance, the BMW lineup is no exception.

The BMW X3 is sure to make the crowd go wild. With a perfect balance of cargo space and agile maneuverability, you’re prepared for any play.

The BMW X5 stands out from the pack, with enviable cabin details and cutting-edge technology for a drive that’s as intuitive as your winning instinct.

And the BMW 3 Series leaves it all on the field. With responsive steering, every drive feels like a victory lap.

The only question is: Are you ready to meet your match?

The BMW Ultimate Sales Event, now through July 31st.

BMW. The Ultimate Driving Machine.® Roadshow BMW 405 N. Germantown Parkway, Memphis Cordova, TN 38018 901-365-2484 ROADSHOWBMW.com ©2026 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW trademarks are registered trademarks.

S:9.875"

FUEL YOUR WINNING DRIVE.

T:10.875"

The Ultimate Driving Machine®