Memphis July 2022 by Contemporary Media

HABITAT S | RE ALTORS| PANCAKES & BUFFALO WINGS| DANNY BROADWAY

VOL XLVII NO 4 | J U L Y 2 0 2 2

USA $4.99

DISPLAY UNTIL AUGUST 10, 2022

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

MAGAZINE

C01_MM07_2022_Cover_01C.indd 1

6/17/22 10:00 AM

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

Kenneth Wayne Alexander - Karl Erickson - Coe Lapossy - Sarai Payne - Anthony Sims

Digital Art in Memphis

Another Dimension:

Kenneth Wayne Alexander, 'Tower of Babel' (still), 2021, Digital Collage, Courtesy of the artist

June 24 - Sept. 11

Brooksmuseum.org Open in Overton Park Memberships Available

6/16/22 5:25 PM

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/15/22 12:52 PM

MM_DoublePageSpread_18x25_11x125.indd 2

6/16/22 1:06 PM

Success story. Home means more than just the roof over your head. It means familiar faces, favorite places, and everything that’s close to your heart. We’re proud to support local journalism. Because when it comes to community, we’re right there with you.

MM_DoublePageSpread_18x25_11x125.indd 3

6/16/22 1:06 PM

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/15/22 12:52 PM

Cookie Cutter Funerals? Not at Memphis Funeral Home. Unique Remembrances No Walls — No Barriers — No Limitations

Memphis Funeral Home The Most Trusted Name In Memphis Since 1931.

5599 Poplar Avenue | 3700 North Germantown Road | 901.725.0100

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/15/22 12:53 PM

No one knows East Memphis to Downtown like our certified luxury property specialists. The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program redefines the world of luxury real estate marketing. , Realtors®

Your LUXURY is our LEGACY. 6263 Poplar Ave, Suite 220 | Memphis, TN 38119 | (901) 259-8550

collins-maury.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/7/22 11:46 AM

V O L X LV II N O 4 | J ULY 2022 on the cover: The Shack Up Inn, Clarksdale, MS. PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

UP FRONT 10 12 14

I N T H E B E G I N N I N G ~ by a n n a t r av e r s e f o g l e C L A S S I C D I N I N G ~ by michael donahue S I P S ~ by b r u c e va n w y n g a r d e n

FEATURES 17 The Best “Worst State” Ever Thank God for Mississippi.

~ by john branston

HABITATS

A Chickasaw Classic

Realtor Lynda Biggs Baddour occupies a piece of Chickasaw Gardens history. ~ by c h r i s m c c oy

38 “Telling the Truth about a Certain History” A conversation with artist Danny Broadway. ~ b y j o n w. s pa r k s

43 House Sweet Home

Members of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors offer tips on buying and selling.

ASK VANCE

The Mystery of Elizabeth V. Poulos

Our history expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not. ~ by va n c e l au d e r da l e

DINING OUT

New Wing Order

Brews and wings make for the perfect pair on Beale Street. ~ by s a m u e l x . c i c c i

CITY DINING

LAST STAND

The city’s most extensive dining listings. Active Atrocity

When will America make mass-murder an enemy?

34 Memphis (ISSN 1622-820x) is published monthly for $18 per year by Contemporary Media, Inc., 65 Union Avenue, 2nd Floor, Memphis, TN 38103 © 2022. Telephone: 901-521-9000. For subscription info, please call 901-521-9000. Subscription customer service mailing address is Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. All rights reserved. • Periodicals Postage Paid at Memphis, TN. Postmasters: send address changes to Memphis, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101.

~ b y f r a n k m u r ta u g h

80 JULY 202 2 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • 7

007_MM07_2022_TOC_v05.indd 7

6/17/22 10:02 AM

Memphis Magazine's

THE 2022

FACE OF

ORIENTAL RUGS

CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse fogle EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh SENIOR EDITORS samuel x. cicci, shara clark,

jon w. sparks ASSOCIATE EDITOR abigail morici CONTRIBUTORS john branston, michael donahue,

alex greene, vance lauderdale, chris mccoy, bruce vanwyngarden

Spread love, not germs by having your rugs disinfected.

4 EDITOR samuel x. cicci SENIOR EDITOR jon w. sparks

CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers GRAPHIC DESIGNER neil williams PHOTOGRAPHERS jenny branston, john branston,

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1950

repairs reweaving handwash/cleaning appraisals sales disinfecting padding

color run restoration pet and other stain removals moth damage odor removal storage and much more

Call us for disinfecting and cleaning of your rugs. 3554 Park Ave., Memphis, TN • 901.327.5033 • taghavirugs.com • Like us on Facebook

roy cajero, samuel x. cicci, houston cofield, michael donahue, karen pulfer focht, cameron fogle, christina huntington, michael jasud, vance lauderdale, hunter myers, john pickle, jeane umbreit, bruce vanwyngarden

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE sloane patteson taylor ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES kelli dewitt, chip googe,

michelle musolf, hailey thomas

published by contemporary media, inc. memphis, tennessee 901-521-9000 p • 901-521-0129 f subscriptions: 901-521-9000

CONTROLLER lynn sparagowski CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER jeffrey a. goldberg CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER margie neal DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR kristin pawlowski MARKETING COORDINATOR kalena mckinney ACCOUNTING AND CIRCULATION COORDINATOR mariah mccabe NEWSSTAND CONSULTANT joe luca SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR molly willmott

4 &7

PUBLISHER EMERITUS kenneth neill

july 2022

member: City and Regional Magazine Association member: Circulation Verification Council 8 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • JULY 202 2

007_MM07_2022_TOC_v05.indd 8

6/17/22 10:02 AM

5RRI DQG JDXQWOHW ERWK GRZQ ([SHULHQFH WKH %R[VWHU 6

*RVVHWW 3RUVFKH 1875 Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128 901-388-8989 https://www.gossett.porschedealer.com

3RUVFKH &DUV 1RUWK $PHULFD ,QF 3RUVFKH UHFRPPHQGV VHDW EHOW XVDJH DQG REVHUYDWLRQ RI WUDΛF ODZV DW DOO WLPHV (XURSHDQ PRGHO VKRZQ 6RPH RSWLRQV PD\ QRW EH DYDLODEOH LQ WKH 8 6

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/16/22 11:48 AM

I N T H E B E G I N N I N G | BY ANNA TR AVERSE FOGLE

Chance or Fate or Whatever

M Alta Simpson, CRS

Since 1868 901.682.1868 | 901.484.6040 asimpson@m-brealtors.com

May I help you make your move?

Interest Rates - Rising Daily. Home Values - Going up. Time To Buy? Absolutely.

Lock & Shop!

Lock in your interest rate before it goes higher and start shopping!

How?

Get pre-approved with Gold Star Mortgage and lock your rate up to 90 days - then go find a home.

Get prepared. Be ready. One Phone Call & 10 Minutes

901-494-4400

Ludy Callaway

ludy@goldstarfinancial.com

NMLS# 267872

NMLS# 3446

Interest rate lock pending pre-approval of mortgage application.

Huh? My first thought was that she had cousin at a museum in Paris before the days perhaps seen something in my Instagram of social media and cell phones. My colleague stories about where we were spending Me- Michael Donahue recalled standing in front morial Day weekend. Maybe she had visited of a painting at the Met, in New York, and the museum in the recent past and wanted to realizing that a friend’s brother was standing compare notes. Maybe, just maybe she was in before the next painting. And so on, and so on. New Orleans at the same time? Hannah and I’m not a statistician. Maybe these encounher husband, Jeremy, live in Washington, D.C., ters aren’t so felicitous and surprising as they so the chances of this seemed low, but not feel in the moment. Maybe if you crunch the impossibly so. No, better still. numbers the right way, it turns out that this is someWhen I replied that we were, in fact, where she believed thing of a predictable quirk. we were, Hannah responded, Whatever the odds, I can “Lol look up!” tell you that in the moment, As chance or fate or … hugging my first cousin on whatever would have it, Hanthat random Sunday in May nah and Jeremy were, in fact, felt damn near miraculous. standing on the sky bridge I was an only child, and directly above our heads. In both my parents died far too the crush of people at the young: Mom at 51, when I was museum that day — one of 21, and Dad just 18 months ago, at 64, when I was 36. the more crowded public spaces I’ve visited in the past None of my extended family two-plus years — she had live within a ten-hour drive happened to spot us while of Memphis, and there simply Hannah and Anna traversing (couldn’t help myaren’t very many of us. I have often felt like a planet without a solar system, self there) an elevated walkway at the precise moment we popped out into the noonday sun or a moon without a planet. I suspect many of below her feet. us feel that way, sometimes. But every once in None of us had visited New Orleans since a while, the universe hiccups. And your first before the pandemic. Hannah and I grew up cousin, whose name sounds virtually identia thousand miles apart, so we’ve never seen cal to yours, is waving down at you from a sky each other without first making extensive bridge in New Orleans. My friend Sally Elliot travel plans. And yet, here we both were, not Boyle, who grew up in the house across the 100 yards from each other, on a random Sun- street from me, described a moment like this day, in a state where neither of us lives. We all as “an amazing reassurance that the world had lunch together, then continued through is a kinder, smaller, friendlier place than we the museum, and met up again the following usually think.” morning for Café du Monde beignets in City The world can certainly be cruel, huge, and Park. Simple and startling at once. pitiless — no disputing that. I don’t mean to You hear about these sorts of reunions all rainbow my way across all the terrible occurthe time, once you get people talking. My rences of our time: war abroad, unchecked parents once ran into a couple they knew gun violence at home, financial pain at macro from Charlottesville, Virginia, on the streets and micro levels, environmental devastation of Oxford, England. This couple had attended — need I go on? my parents’ tiny wedding years earlier; the All of which is very much part of why it’s so chance encounter took place on … their wed- delightful to be transported into, or reminded ding anniversary. When I posted on social about, a version of the world that also exists, media about running into Hannah, the stories all the time, where love and familiarity are started. One friend bumped into a second just around the corner.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAMERON FOGLE

A HOUSE-SOLD NAME IN MEMPHIS!

y phone buzzed as we were standing in blinding late May sunlight outside the World War II Museum in New Orleans. After nearly four hours of historical exploration, my husband, stepson, and I had decided to take a break, take a breath, and maybe find a bite to eat, before heading back in to complete our tour. (The place is vast.) The buzz was a text from my first cousin, Hannah Traverse. Yes, there’s an Anna Traverse and a Hannah Traverse, and yes, one day we may jointly take over the world. Anyway, Hannah was messaging me to ask, “You at the WWII museum in New Orleans?”

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 2

007_MM07_2022_TOC_v05.indd 10

6/17/22 10:02 AM

Let Us Be Your Voice

Of Memphis, for Memphis. From the community, for the community. Car Accidents ♦ Personal Injury ♦ Slip & Fall We don’t get paid until you get paid.

Henry E. Reaves III Founder ♦ Attorney

901

♦

504

♦

4444

beyourvoice.com

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/15/22 12:54 PM

C L AS S I C

D I N I N G

The Pancake Shop

Whether you want fluffy pancakes at 6 p.m. or a rib-eye at 6 a.m., this iconic Memphis dining spot serves it right up. BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

f you glance down, you might see Hunter Myers wearing his “breakfast socks” — gray socks with little bacon, toast, and sunny-side-up egg designs.

They’re a perfect fit for Myers, a gift from his mother after he bought The Pancake Shop on March 1, 2022. “I looked down and I saw this pair of socks folded over with a little bow on them on the table,” Myers says. “It said, ‘Congratulations’ on the card.” So far, owning the iconic restaurant on Summer Avenue has been “a fine ride,” says the 44-year-old Myers. He was told the restaurant was started in 1957 and went through three owners until he bought it. Though his family moved to Memphis when he was five years old, Myers says, “I never went to The Pancake Shop growing up.” But he certainly knew about it. “It’s a northeast Memphis tradition. It’s a staple. You’ve got The Pancake Shop and Bryant’s Breakfast on Summer.” One of his dad’s friends, a financial analyst, told Myers, who was then general manager at the Oasis Cafe at Hilton Headquarters in Memphis, that The Pancake Shop was for sale. He

said, “Hey, I’ve got a restaurant place you might be interested in,” Myers says. Myers, who began as a kitchen manager for the old TGI Fridays in Overton Square, worked as kitchen manager or director of operations at other Memphis restaurants. Owning his own place was always something he wanted to do — one day, he says. “Anybody in this industry always has the ultimate dream of ownership and working for yourself. I always thought that was going to come later in life for me.” Before he took any steps to buy it, Myers visited the little restaurant and ordered the “Everyday Special” on the menu. “I finished my eggs, hash browns, and sausage and started on the pancakes. I thought, ‘Well, these had better be the star of the show. It’s The Pancake Shop, for crying out loud.’ I got halfway through the pancakes. I couldn’t go any further. I was stuffed. I couldn’t eat any more.”

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 2

012_MM07_2022_ClassicDining_v01.indd 12

He then told his dad’s friend, “Put my name in the hat and put me in the bidding war.” Myers couldn’t get over how thick and f luffy the pancakes were. He was especially impressed with the attention paid to the batter. “You can tell when someone doesn’t follow the recipe,” he says, “not whipping it enough to get the air in it.” Being in the food industry, Myers knows that air creates a fluff y pancake. “I could tell that batter was made perfectly, stored at the right temperature from beginning to end.” Even so, he wasn’t able to buy the business immediately. “There were several other fairly high-profile restaurant owners in the city that were wanting this place,” he says. “It was a bidding war there for a while.” He did tell the former owner after he bought it, “When you come in here 20 years from now, it will still be The Pancake Shop. I have no intention of changing the name, image, and likeness of this brand.” Myers says , “There might be new furniture and paint on the walls, but it will always be The Pancake Shop. I don’t want to change too much. I’ll do some renovations on the building. Some things need to be done.” But he considers that just “spring cleaning.” No matter what, The Pancake Shop staff stays. McKenneth “Kenny” Hamilton Jr., who has worked there for 29 years, will remain as head cook. And Billie Millner, who has been a server for 30 years, is still in the dining room, giving coffee refills and taking orders. In addition to the variety of pancakes, which includes “ba-

left: Pancake Shop owner Hunter Myers (center) with longtime employees McKenneth “Kenny” Hamilton Jr. and Billie Millner.

con chip,” “sausage crumble,” and “pecan walnut,” The Pancake Shop also features meat-andthree plate lunches, which customers can order until closing. The Pancake Shop is still cash only, but the restaurant, which for a long time was a 24-houra-day operation, now opens at 6 a.m. and, for now, closes at 7 p.m. But that closing time could change, Myers says. One of the servers created a new logo, which Myers uses on Facebook and Instagram. But he knows better than to change the legendary red-and-white sign on Summer Avenue. Franchising The Pancake Shop might even come in time, he says. “Five years from now I want to have a Pancake Shop on the Collierville Square. It needs a good breakfast spot.” For now, though, he is concentrating on the original. “It’s the last bastion of classic diners. Since the Blue Plate Cafe closed down, there are not that many classic diners left in Memphis.” And customers shouldn’t think they have to order a traditional breakfast at The Pancake Shop. “You can come in at 6 in the morning, get a ribeye that was cut at Charlie’s Meat Market, and a loaded baked potato. It happens all the time,” the owner says. “People get off a night shift at 6 a.m. and they want dinner.” The Pancake Shop is located at 4838 Summer Avenue in the Bell Plaza Shopping Center.

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL DONAHUE; AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPH BY HUNTER MYERS

6/15/22 9:35 AM

HOBSON REALTORS Jennifer & Joel Hobson

Jeff Bennett

Jeannie Bruce

Julie Burch

Carolina Capote

Leslie Carter

Barbara Cowles

Michele Crump

Chelsey Diffee

Anne Rachael Earnest

Luci Gann

Lydia Ginsburg

Allen Hamblin

Janis Hasen

Derek Howell

Betsy Kelly

The Sign of Distinction for 50 Years

Jeanene Lawhead

Eleanore Kelly Maynard

HobsonRealtors.com

5384 Poplar Ave. Suite 250 ♦ (901) 761-1622 Deborah Mays

Christina Morris

Ruth Morris

Eric Prewett

Gordon Stark

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

Lisa Robinson

Laurie Stark

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Gardner Hobson Story

Bob Rowe

Alex Turner

Mary Ruleman

Jennifer "Bird" Williams

Paula Sansom

Graham Winchester

6/15/22 12:56 PM

S I P S

Fancy Drinks Party Time!

Cameo is an eclectic hideaway in plain sight. BY BRUCE VANW YNGARDEN

l to r: McKenzie Nelson, Paul Gilliam, and Mary Oglesby.

ameo opened at the end of March on one of the busiest corners in Midtown — in the new Citizen building at McLean and Union. Thousands of cars drive past the little cocktail bar every day, hurrying east or west to home or office. Maybe you’re one of those who’s zipped by and noticed it but haven’t stopped in yet. That’s a mistake. This place is a jewel.

I’m greeted by two-thirds of the “ownership group” when I enter: McKenzie Nelson and Mary Oglesby. The other third, Paul Gilliam, is on his honeymoon in the south of France. The three bartenders became acquainted while working together at various other establishments, including Loflin Yard, Railgarten, and Lucky Cat Ramen, to name three. Their brainchild, Cameo, was conceived, as so many things were, during the great Covid lockdown. “We all lived near each other, so we became each others’ ‘pod’ during Covid,” says Mary. “We’d always find ourselves talking about opening a place, and all the conversations started with one of us saying, ‘I wish there was a place in Memphis that …’” “For example,” says McKenzie, “Memphis has this weird thing

that everything shuts down at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For people like us, who might have worked a Saturday night in a restaurant or bar, that doesn’t work. We sleep until noon or so and then there’s nothing open. So one thing we decided was that our place would have Sunday brunch until 9 or 10 o’clock at night. For people in the restaurant business, Sunday night is their Saturday night.” “And there’s so few places open late, now,” says Mary. “We wanted to offer that, too. That’s why we’re open until 1 a.m.” Cameo’s quiet interior strikes a marked contrast to the busy street outside — and to the sleek, white façade of the Citizen. The place is funky and chic and dark, with thick curtains, deep plummy walls, and an old-school, black-tile ceiling. Taxidermied elk, deer, and antelope heads

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 2

014_MM07_2022_SIPS_v02.indd 14

adorn the walls and the back have ramped the cocktail-namof the bar. Bare but warm-hued ing game to a whole new level. A decorative lightbulbs of various few examples: “Gap Year at Burnshapes hang above it all. ing Man,” “All Inclusive Sandals,” “So, what’s the, er, concept “Meiomi Campbell,” “The Flesh here, decor-wise,” I ask, cluelessly. & the Fantasy,” “Drunk Harley “We like to call it ‘Cher’s HuntGrandmas,” and “Rage Quit.” ing Lodge,’” says Mary. “Back“You know when you say somewoods but with glamour.” thing and the other person goes, ‘That’s a great band name’?” says Wel l, yep, that nails it right down. Mary. “That’s what we do for There’s a lot to like about drink names.” I believe her. this place, including the locally “What should I have?” I ask, knowing in my heart it has to sourced menu, which includes a stellar charcuterie plate, a vegbe “Gap Year at Burning Man.” an buffalo chicken “You know when you say And it is. sandwich, and sevAfter a few minsomething and the other eral house-pickutes , McKen zie led items, to name person goes, ‘That’s a great places a tall yellow just a few of the band name’? That’s what concoction on the table. The rim of food options. we do for drink names.” “I like that when the glass is coated you walk in here, with a reddish powthe clientele is as der; a large chunk diverse as Memof pineapple sits in phis,” says Mary. the middle and will “That’s what we’re not be ignored. I aiming for. We’re expect at any minin the middle of a ute to see this thing walkable neighcatch fire as a naked borhood and lots of hippie rides by on a people who live in unicycle. But that the area come here. doesn’t happen, so Our music changI take a sip. es to fit the mood My taste buds of the bartender are hit from nine directions, all of or the people. And The “Gap Year our Sunday night them good. There’s at Burning Man” karaoke ‘service’ a tequila/mezcal has been great. We like to say, thing, a lime thing, a vinegar ‘We’re coming together and liftthing, and a spicy heat thing emanating from the powder, ing our voices in song,’ even if it’s someone singing Cher’s ‘Do You which I soon discover is a limeBelieve.’” chili seasoning called tajin. I take another sip. Or two. It’s “Our working concept is ‘Fancy Drinks Party Time,’” then that I realize I’m actualsays McKenzie, pointing to a ly living Cameo’s concept: It’s “FDPT” tattoo on her right biFancy Drinks Party Time! And cep. “We all have one of these,” I like it. A lot. I would have anshe adds. “The idea is that you other, but it’s early afternoon don’t have to go to a fine dining and I’d probably be tempted to get an “FDPT” tattoo. place to get a fancy cocktail and have a great time.” And about those cocktails? Cameo is located at 1835 Union Welp, let’s just say these folks Avenue, Suite 3. PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: TOP LEFT BY HOUSTON COFIELD; DRINK PHOTO BY MICHAEL JASUD

6/7/22 11:33 AM

You’ve got your reasons.

WE’VE GOT YOUR LOAN. Apply today.

We provide financial solutions for all of life’s moments. See how at fecca.com

fecca.com | 901.344.2500

Your new smile is calling.

DR. PRADEEP ADATROW

(662) 655-4868

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

Board Certified Periodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon

6/15/22 12:57 PM

You know she’s w th it! THE SOUTH’S LEADER IN ESTATE JEWELRY AND DIAMOND SOLITAIRES.

LOCATED IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY AND THE SQUARE IN OXFORD 1.866.VANATKINS | WWW.VANATKINS.COM

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/15/22 1:02 PM

THANK

God

ER .

E H

O R S T S TAT “ W T E” ES

FOR

M i s s i s s i p pi B Y

J O H N

B R A N S T O N

editor’s note: John Branston has been thinking about Mississippi for a long while. What follows is his meditative exploration through what he calls, mostly fondly, the best “worst state” ever. You are encountering his musings in the form of a cover story, but these could just as easily ﬁll a book. (The best stories defy categorization.) The moments that he shares here take place on the road, but you wouldn’t call this a travel story. John allows the unprettier parts to take up space, but neither is this another think-piece about the ills of Mississippi. It’s more like sitting in John’s passenger seat and listening as one of our best storytellers meanders through a state he’s been in conversation with for more than half his life. Enjoy the ride. PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 17

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

6/14/22 3:00 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

#3 “Mississippi is without a serious rival to the lamentable preeminence of the Worst American State.”

eave out the parts readers skip,” was Elmore Leonard’s excellent advice to writers. Well, nobody skips the pictures — or the captions if they’re worth a damn. I have taken most of the pictures and written the captions and the short essays. I shunned Mississippi-by-the-numbers in favor of things that struck me as memorable, personal, and worthy of a collection. No selfies, parachute journalism, PR, fake news, statistics, recipes, or dispatches from distant planets here. The hardcore travel writer Martha Gellhorn was mostly right: “The only aspect of our travels guaranteed to hold an audience is disaster,” so they can launch into their own tales. I wrote for newspapers and magazines in Mississippi and Memphis for 42 years. At a time when trendspotters are knocking themselves out to make lists of “best places” and figure out why people go where they go, there is no algorithm known to man that would explain why someJohn Branston one of sound mind and body who lived in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Nashville, and Madison, Wisconsin, would choose to live in Mississippi. I logged a lot of miles and closely observed the people, places, and events gathered in this collection. I like most of it. Not the best state. Not the worst state. The Best Worst. The 1937 Federal Writers’ Project guide to Mississippi was inspirational. In the Great Depression, enterprising but out-of-work writers sponsored by the Works Progress Administration traveled the state to talk to people, do research, check facts, and suggest “tours” of the places they visited. They got a little money, no fame, and no byline. Much of what they wrote is dated now. But they made themselves useful during hard years and left something worthwhile behind. This project is structured, such as it is, along four north-south roads: The Natchez Trace Parkway, Interstate 55, U.S. Route 61, and U.S. Route 49. — John Branston, Pass Christian 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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 18

— H.L . MENCKEN, 1930 ( M E NC K E N LI V ED I N BA LT I MOR E .)

#3 “We also hold no grudges against the State of Mississippi, which came in last not just overall but on four of the individual lists, and certainly don’t attribute its woes to ‘hordes of barbaric peasants,’ as Mencken did.” — POLITICO M AGA ZIN E

#3 old joke: A poor Mississippian who led a blessed life is told at the Pearly Gates that his services are still needed and he must go back. He is sore afraid and begs and pleads but finally agrees to return on one condition. “Lord, will you go with me?” “I’ll go as far as Memphis.”

“Thank God for Mississippi.” — POPULAR EXPRESSION IN A L A B A M A A N D A R K A N S AS

#3 “There is no Mississippian of the present generation who has not been reared on stories of the War Between the States. And there are few Mississippians who, having heard the tales, have not wondered how it is possible that the Confederacy lost.” — W PA G U I D E , 1 9 3 7

PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNY BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

TH E VI EW FROM M EM PH I S

Memphis Men from Mississippi

dward H. Crump came to Memphis from the heart of Faulkner’s fictional Yoknapatawpha County. He gave Memphis what Benjy bawls for at the conclusion of The Sound and the Fury: order. By the time he died in 1954, his brand of order had turned into something he must have viewed with alarm. The Supreme Court issued its decision on school desegregation. Elvis Presley, he of the lascivious swiveling hips and leers, recorded his first record. Television spawned a new kind of politician and, sharp as he was, Crump’s peculiar Achilles heel was public speaking. Elvis died in 1977, the year before Fred Smith’s Federal Express went public on its way to becoming the most important company in Memphis.

Beale Street

or decades before and after World War II — before urban renewal, before the rebuild, before the tourists — Black blues musicians from Mississippi came to Beale Street. When folklorist Alan Lomax visited in 1942 to research their story, he was thrown out of a bar for being white in a “colored only” business. (Elvis and Lansky’s were more recent additions for marketing purposes.) Lomax wrote that the barman told him, “Mister Crump say, “If we gonna segredate [sic] one way, we gonna segredate the other.” — from “The Land Where the Blues Began” by Alan Lomax.

The view from the observation deck of the Bass Pro Pyramid shows the Mississippi River as it flows past Downtown Memphis and Mud Island on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Three Memphis movers and shakers from Mississippi — E.H. “Boss” Crump (Holly Springs), Elvis Presley (Tupelo), and Fred Smith (Marks) shared the November 1999 cover of this magazine.

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: MEMPHIS MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN BY MURRY KEITH; OTHERS BY JOHN BRANSTON

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 19

Flooded Mississippi River

loods figure prominently in the history, music, and literature of Mississippi in the twentieth century, particularly the catastrophes of 1927 and 1937. There is a common misconception among outsiders that Memphis is f lood-prone. Because it sits on a bluff, it mostly is not. The second highest river stage — 48 feet — was reached in 2011 and barely hurt a thing, but it made for some once-in-a-lifetime pictures. Tourists and residents alike f locked Downtown to see the photo-friendly f lood, the Memphis Grizzlies had a sellout crowd at their NBA playoff game the afternoon the river crested, and celebrity television journalist Diane Sawyer donned waders, stepped in a puddle, and told the world, “All we can do is pray.” Natchez and Vicksburg are also perched above the river and afford lovely views, like the one that inspired Jimmie Rodgers (Meridian) to write the mellow “Mississippi River Blues.” The Delta, protected only by levees, is another story, as sung by bluesman Charley Patton (Dockery Plantation in the Delta) in his mournful ode to 1927 “High Water Everywhere.” At a cost of $600 million, over the next ten years the Corps of Engineers strengthened levees, dug cut-offs, and built reservoirs. The control measures worked. The great flood in 1937 was held in bounds, leaving the Delta unharmed.

Jerry Lee Lewis

ometimes reporters are just in it for the picture, as I was when I went to see Jerry Lee Lewis, then 79, at his home in Nesbit in 2014. He was going to let his name be used for a club on Beale Street. A friend set up the interview. I wasn’t star-struck, but I didn’t have any questions either. When he came into the trophy room in blue pajama bottoms, I mumbled something about his new CD titled Mean Old Man and asked him if he was really a mean old man. His wife shushed, “Oh, he’s not a mean old man, he’s a sweetheart.” I got my quote and the Jerry Lee Lewis at home in Nesbit. picture. More recently, “The Lewis Ranch” has been opened to tours — pale shades of Elvis (who died at 42) and the tourism powerhouse that is Graceland. J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 19

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

M EM PH I S TO TU N I CA O N H I G HWAY 61 #3 “The land has a fertility equaling that of the Nile and making it one of the world’s finest cotton producing areas. For this reason the section is colloquially called the Delta.” — W PA G U I D E , 1 9 3 7

Cows and Casinos

n 1993, I stood outside the original Harrah’s Casino in Tunica on opening day. CEO Mike Rose, standing next to me, muttered, “Unbelievable,” as he looked at the line of cars stretching far beyond the levee to get into the parking lot. Bigger casinos were yet to come, including Grand Casino, which boasted the closest location to Memphis, the “biggest” casino and hotel between Vegas and Atlantic City, and a lot of questionable frills like a golf course, shooting range, off-site hotels, and a play center for kids. It did not work. Ownership changed hands a couple times until Harrah’s bought it in 2007, pumped in $43 million more, and hired Paula Deen to brand its restaurants.

revenues and profits in Tunica. A vintage 1950s red Cadillac with a set of longhorns for a hood ornament honors Benny Binion, a Texan who set up shop in Las Vegas in 1946. (That was 1996. This is now: No red Cadillac, no Jack Binion ads, no Jack Binion poker tournament. The former face of Tunica gambling has been erased. The only picture of him on display — and finding it took a bluff and the assistance of a friendly security guard — is in the bathroom of the high roller room.

Schilling Brothers Made a Splash Mhoon Landing is where the aptly named Splash casino and two casino novices named Rick and Ron Schilling provided screaming proof of the raw power of legalized gambling in a virgin market. Splash, a refurbished disco on a barge, opened October 19, 1992, without restaurants, entertainment, or a single hotel room. And it made so much money they couldn’t count it fast enough.

H I G HWAY 61 FROM C LARKSDALE TO G REENVI LLE #3 “There is hardly a planter, tenant, or sharecropper on the surrounding plantations whose business does not bring him to Clarksdale every Saturday.” — W PA G U I D E , 1 9 3 7

Cows and casinos are main features of the landscape around Tunica. Harrah’s closed the casino in 2014, demolished it a year later, and leased one of the hotels and the parking lot for auctions of farm equipment. Appropriate, perhaps, that there were cows grazing on the levee when I revisited the property in 2021. Despite competition from the West Memphis, Arkansas, market — closest to Memphis — North Mississippi casinos grossed $700 million in 2021, better than the $582 million gross in pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Legal sports betting helped.

Casino Fever

n a business full of men with wet, slicked-back hair and cool demeanors, Jack Binion spoofed his “aw shucks” everyman appearance in commercials (You Don’t Know Jack!) that belied his skill as a land developer and political operator. He became Tunica’s first celebrity. He had seen his downtown Las Vegas casino miss the action as the business moved to The Strip. “I’m not going to miss it this time,” he vowed after visiting Mississippi shortly after the first casino opened. BinYoung Jack Binion is the tall guy on the right. ion’s Horseshoe boasts the highest 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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 20

“The social songs of the Negro run the gamut of his social activities and range from the coarse song of the roustabout to the sentimental message of the lover. This group includes nursery songs, play, dance, and animal songs as well as ‘the blues’ and more sophisticated jazz and swing tunes. Contrasting with the gayety and homeliness of this song is a long line of melancholy blues developed from the Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues.” — W PA G U I D E

Crossroads Sign in Clarksdale

he exact location of the famous Crossroads where blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil is and ever will be a subject of great debate. This much we know. Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, lived in Tunica County, and died at the age of 21. Blues historian Alan Lomax, who interviewed Johnson’s mother in 1939, wrote that a jealous woman poisoned Robert’s coffee (others say it was a jealous husband and whiskey, not coffee). Robert’s last words, she told Lomax, were, “That what got me messed up, Mama. It’s the devil’s instrument, just like you said, and I don’t want it no more,” as she hung his guitar on the wall. Almost sounds too good to be true, but who’s to say? Johnson is often praised but rarely listened to. His signature song was called “Cross Road Blues.” Cream, the British rock trio featuring the driving electrified beat of Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker, recorded “Crossroads” in 1966 and it became part of the soundtrack of that raucous year. As for the location, this

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

A hard-to-miss sign marks the busy intersection of U.S. Highways 49 and 61 — perhaps the famous crossroads of Robert Johnson lore. sign near Clarksdale, where Highways 61 and 49 split, is certainly a worthy contender. Like most of the Delta, Clarksdale has fallen on hard times, but not everyone is singing the blues. A 2021 story in the Clarksdale Press Register noted that it is one of the least expensive places to live in America, with an average home price of $62,000. “Mississippi topped the list as the most affordable state in the union,” the story added.

Greenville

n a road trip a few years ago in Montana, of all places, I stopped for breakfast at a mom-and-pop restaurant and found a copy of Look magazine from 1957. The cover story, “The Shrinking South” by Greenville newspaper editor Hodding Carter, could just as well have been written in 2022. “The ghosts of departed people are walking the dusty roads of the rural Deep South. ... The buses, the trains, and the highways bear northward and westward young men, young women, whole families seeking greener pastures. Much of the South itself has not faced up to the melancholy facts of this emigration — indeed, it has denied them.” Carter was a white liberal in a business dependent on local advertisers. He wrote 3,000 words for Look on the shopworn theme of balancing industry and agriculture to halt the flow of emigrants. One of those emigrants, also from 1957 Look magazine story on the Delta by Hodding Carter. Greenville, was the writer Shelby

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: CROSSROADS SIGN BY ANDY MORGAN / DREAMSTIME; SHELBY FOOTE BY ROY CAJERO

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 21

Foote. This is how he summed up his hometown’s decline in only a bit more than 100 words in a 1996 interview with me: “Greenville was once known as the Queen City of the Delta, but downtown has become a shell of what it once was. It’s a great shame but there’s a certain justice in it. The whole glory of the life that I lived up until I was 30 years old was based quite frankly on the exploitation of Blacks. There was not a morsel of food in my mouth, Shelby Foote not a shred of clothes on my back, not an hour of education that I had that did not come out of exploiting some Black somewhere or other. Either the servants in the house or the workers on the plantation that brought the money in. And then that was shut off when you couldn’t get a cook for $3 a week.” Foote, who was no prude, also said this: “I’ve only been to the casinos one time. Made me want to cry. It’s just terrible. Greenville has two of them. I don’t know what’s going to come of all that. I regret very much the state being mixed up in it. I regret anybody being mixed up in it.” And there was this from state lawmaker Sonny Meredith of Greenville, who pushed the open licensing part of the casino bill to passage. “There’s too much money going to gambling that should be going to groceries. You can walk through the crowds and tell they’ve got people gambling that should be home cutting the yard. From the state’s standpoint it’s clearly been a plus across the board. It remade the coast.”

ON T H E DI AG ONA L :

TH E NATCH EZ TRAC E PARKWAY FROM I U KA TO TU PELO TO NATCH EZ

he Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful 444-mile anachronism. Lovely dogwoods in the spring and autumn leaves in fall line the route. But soft subsoil and hundreds of culverts make it expensive to maintain and always under repair somewhere. Perfect for a bike trip but dangerously narrow for a bike and one RV, much less a pair of them. An enforced 50 mph speed limit tests the patience of even the least hurried drivers after an hour or two. Following a trail used by Native Americans, rivermen, and bandits in the early 1800s, the New Deal project began construction in 1938 when Ford Model A cars were still in service. The Trace is no match for today’s pickup trucks, SUVs, and motor homes. A 1931 Model A weighed 2,265 pounds, with a cruising speed of 35 miles an hour. A 2022 Ford F150 pickup truck with a full payload weighs 8,400 pounds, with a cruising speed of 75 miles an hour. Commercial vehicles are banned, but a truck and trailer or an RV can be 55 feet long and 14 feet high. When one of them approaches, if you are on a bike, or in a small car for that matter, you’d best beware. Biking the Trace from Iuka to Natchez is no easy feat. My son and I set out to do it after he graduated from college. I made it as far as Tupelo. The hills of Tishomingo County were murder in the summer heat. After 60 miles we both cramped so badly we had to pull over into the grass and gently fall off our bikes and pull them out between our legs. I quit. He rode on to Pontotoc, the Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland, a sanctuary at his granny’s house in Jackson, and Natchez in the next three days, logging more than 100 miles a day and dodging snakes on the hot pavement. A tale to tell his children when they grow up, no doubt about it. J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 21

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

H I G HWAY 49 FROM C LARKSDALE TO C LEVELAN D TO PARCH MAN PRI SO N

The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches more than 400 miles, linking the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers.

ou would think Highway 61 is the only road in Mississippi, the way people write and sing and carry on about it. Highway 49 don’t get no respect. Mile for mile, 49 can hold its own against any road in the South for famous people and places: from Helena (Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi) to Clarksdale (Morgan Freeman) to Drew (Archie Manning) to Parchman Prison (O Brother Where Art Th ou?) to Indianola (B.B. King) to Yazoo City (man of letters Willie Morris, man of clean jokes Jerry Clower, alliterative man of motivation Zig Ziglar) to Jackson (Eudora Welty) to Hattiesburg (University of Southern Mississippi) to Wiggins (pitcher Dizzy Dean) to Gulfport. En route to Memphis from a news assignment in the Delta, my photographer partner and I passed a sign for Alligator, and I insisted we turn off to have a look. There was a general store, a vacant building with a giant alligator painted on its side, and a vast expanse of flat nothingness behind it. As we slowed down, a little girl crossed in front of us and stopped, right in the mouth of the gator. In only a little more time than it takes to say Ghost Town, we turned and headed back to Memphis. Cleveland is the Oxford of the Delta. College town (Delta State), arts and crafts, coffee shops, gift shops, tea shops, no casinos. A hearty serving of comfort food with a scented candle and a spiced muffin on the side. In a word, cute. An easy and mildly adventurous day trip from Memphis, Jackson, Oxford, or Greenville (its unfortunate neighbor 36 miles southwest). It is just far enough from Interstate 55 to be in the Delta and not be overrun by chain restaurants and fuel plazas, but not so far as to be “too far” for the day tourist. And nearby McCarty’s Pottery and Peter’s Pottery make it the peer of Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs, which is also catnip for magazines such as Southern Living in search of perky feature stories about “secret” getaways.

Tupelo was described thus in the 1937 WPA Guide: “Perhaps Mississippi’s best example of what contemporary commentators call the ‘New South’ — industry rising in the midst of agriculture and agricultural customs. It has a pattern-like consistency of one-story clapboard residences and two- and three-story red brick business buildings.” With an above-average newspaper, schools, medical center, average household income ($69,000), downtown, and a Toyota manufacturing plant, Tupelo is gaining population. A nice place to live, even if I wouldn’t want to visit there. The birthplace of Elvis, visitors to the town can tour a simple replica of his first home, memorabilia from his 1956 “homecoming concert” at the Mississippi-Alabama Farm and Dairy Show, and, more recently, an Elvis museum. Parchman Farm Graceland Lite. When I drive through Tupelo on U.S. An alligator mural brightens an old building in nsurprisingly, the notorious the sleepy town of Alligator, Mississippi. Route 78 I think of the Donald Fagen song Parchman Prison, aka the Mississiplyric: “Good citizens at work and play. Norpi State Penitentiary, is generally not visimal folks, doin’ business in a normal way.” tor-friendly, which makes it even more fascinating to curious folk. This is how the WPA Guide cheerfully described Parchman in 1937: Natchez, on the other hand, is a cautionary tale. When an isolated “The farm is a typical Delta plantation consisting of 15,497 acres city bets its future on antebellum mansions and history it must be prepared to suffer the same fate as Nellie’s whorehouse, the elevaplanted in cotton, corn, and truck, with cotton the leading crop. The tor operator in the Eola Hotel, the International Paper mill, and the DAR. Natchez is losing population. Not even the best bluff-top view on the Mississippi River can save it. A nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there. The bluff is built on fertile but unstable loess soil. To build something on that ground, you have to be either reckless or insane — as the owners of a snack shack learned the hard way in 1980. It had been raining for three days but the shack opened anyway. I was there the night the bluff gave way and two people working in the shack and a third person in the Under the Hill Saloon were killed. I was working for UPI and had the scoop on the AP for a full news cycle thanks to a tipster. A movie crew was working nearby on “Beulah Land” and had been using the saloon as a set. A decade later, the casino came in and set up shop on the relative safety of the river.

A guard tower overlooks Parchman Prison. This is as close to the notorious penitentiary as most visitors want to be.

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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 22

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY BY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; GIRL WITH ALLIGATOR MURAL BY JEANE UMBREIT; PRISON BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi prisoners, separated into small groups, live in camps. The present number of prisoners is 1,989. The prison is self-supporting and operates at a profit when the price of cotton is good.” High cotton and free labor (convict leasing) by “campers” in stripes and chains made the profits very good indeed, as I learned from Delta lawmakers when I covered the Mississippi legislature for UPI in 1980-82. On a tour for state legislators and media, we were as closely guarded as inmates. I do not recall seeing a single prisoner but do remember Delta lawmaker Ed Jackson casually bench-pressing 300 pounds in the gym, so I stayed near him just in case. Visitors’ day was the “fifth Sunday” of months with more than four Sundays, and kin came to Parchman on a train called the Midnight Special (“Let the Midnight Special shine its light on me”), made famous by blues singer Huddie Ledbetter (“Lead Belly”) who was imprisoned at Angola prison in Louisiana. Angola is about ten miles south of the Mississippi line and worth a trip. The annual prison rodeo in April and October is a first-rate show, combining real cowboys and cowgirls and prisoners playing “convict poker” and gutsy games of chicken with angry bulls and bucking broncos. Years before Jackass, Johnny Knoxville, and YouTube, Angola warden Burl Cain realized the entertainment value of a maximum-security prison, and the 10,000-seat rodeo arena is often packed. By no means is it a slice of actual prison life. The arena is set apart from the lock-ups and has the atmosphere of a state fair. Cain is now Mississippi Department of Corrections commissioner and is trying to reform Parchman.

JAC KSO N AN D SOUTH O N I - 55 TO HAZLEH U RST AN D HAM M O N D

one-way ticket from Memphis to Jackson on the southbound City of New Orleans costs $43. There are no security checkpoints, no pat-downs, no take-off-your-shoes. You can bring booze and food on board plus all the baggage you want, hole up in a comfy seat, and get pleasantly buzzed. Granted, the trip takes five or six hours. The Amtrak marketing team does the best it can to highlight Southern specialties along the way, but truthfully there is not much to look at besides green trees, brown fields where cotton and soybeans sprout, and muddy streams. In Greenwood, a sign on one of the many abandoned buildings — maybe a warning, maybe advice — reads, “Don’t Bother.” Yazoo City and Flora are not much better.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson

y wife is from Mississippi. In the museum memorabilia, I had the uneasy feeling we might come across the name of some old family acquaintance. We lived in Jackson from 1979 to 1982 while she was a nurse and I was working for UPI. Some of the old

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened in Jackson in 2017. Just next door is the Museum of Mississippi History.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN BRANSTON

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 23

Passengers board the City of New Orleans, linking the Crescent City with Chicago, at the Amtrak station in Jackson. heroes and villains were still around then, and I had a cup of coffee with James Meredith’s nemesis, former Governor Ross Barnett, and watched Ronald Reagan speak at the Neshoba County Fair in 1980 with the notorious deputy Cecil Price. The years, I wrote then, had softened them. They weren’t so bad. How little I knew. The Civil Rights Museum is next to the Museum of Mississippi History. There is a notable lack of signs, iconic symbols, or banners outside. The most iconic thing is the word Mississippi. One building is black, the other white. Together they are billed simply as “Two Mississippi Museums” which connotes segregation and

#3 The Civil Rights Museum is next to the Museum of Mississippi History. … One building is black, the other white. Together they are billed simply as “Two Mississippi Museums” which connotes segregation and separate-butequal, rather than assimilation and progress. separate-but-equal, rather than assimilation and progress. (If you count the nearby Old Capitol Museum, which preceded the other two, there are actually three museums.) The museum opened in 2017. The enshrinement and monetizing of civil rights history in Mississippi took off some 40 years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Montgomery, Alabama, has five civil rights shrines. Selma has two. Memphis has the National Civil Rights Museum. Atlanta has the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and The King Center, founded in 1968. Civil rights history sells. Mississippi violence, which is a subset of Bad Old Days in the South violence, sells. Authors, reporters, pundits, documentarians, and movie producers know this and churn out “fresh” takes on the Fifties, Sixties, lynching, and segregation every year if not every month. Some of it rehashes old work or marks an anniversary — so much easier than diving into the complexities of resegregation, school choice, and violence going on today. Some of it adds details, characters, and dialogue “based on actual events” — in other words, made up. Well, it draws an audience, draws clicks and views, and maybe J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 23

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi He was nothing if not forthright. Yes, he told me in an interview, he had made $85,000 a year off the bootleg whiskey tax when he was state tax collector in the Fifties (Mickey Mantle made $60,000 in 1957, the year after he won the triple crown) before he abolished it. Yes, he did run for governor as a segregationist in 1967. Yes, he ran as a sharp-shooting, tough-talking Army veteran and defeated a woman named Evelyn for the Democratic nomination in 1979 and, yes, he followed the clownish Cliff Finch as governor in 1980. I included all this background in a profile for UPI and my editor snorted that it was “old news.” It was time to leave UPI. Winter’s practical liberalism was not the youthful idealism of Ann Arbor or Madison. It was more complicated, more dangerous, and he was a leader, not a follower. The adoring writers in the Mississippi and national press could not get enough of him. The passage of a statewide kindergarten bill during his tenure helped the Jackson Clarion Ledger win a Pulitzer. But a generation later Mississippi still ranked last in Education Week’s state rankings. The Ross Barnett Reservoir was named for a governor who made no bones about being a segregationist. Locals call it “The Rez.” even draws readers and it serves the first mandate of column writing: Fill the space. One of the main journalistic practitioners is the estimable New York Times. Some years ago, I had breakfast with one of my heroes, David Halberstam. He praised some local work I had done and suggested I write a book about how Southern newspapers covered civil rights back in the day. The moral compass, he suggested, would be the Nashville Tennessean. The bad kid, stuck in the proverbial corner, was my employer from 1982 to 1990, The Commercial Appeal of Memphis, which treated me fairly and well. I declined. Someone else wrote the book and won a prize.

Politicians: “The Lady from Lauderdale County” and Gov. William Winter

he best friends are different from you — unless you buy into the line that people are more alike than different — and they like you even though they are not like you. Betty Jane Long, a state representative from Meridian for nearly three decades, was like that. She was a trailblazing legislator and lawyer, an opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment who earned equal rights, and the working owner of Long’s Bake Shop in Meridian. In 1981 I was a newcomer to Mississippi and covering the state legislature for UPI. The legislature was meeting in the auditorium of Central High School that year because the Capitol was undergoing renovation, so there was a lot of newness in every sense of the word. The Meridian Star was a UPI client. “The Lady from Lauderdale County” took pity on the earnest but naive Yankee in press row. We became friends, and I would stop at her bakery for slices of apple pie and caramel cake that she would not let me pay for whenever I passed through town. The lessons of talking to strangers on their own turf stuck, and I also got to know shrewd politicians and orators. William Winter, of course, was the most famous. As a humble scribe in Jackson in 1980-1982, I thought he got great publicity for a governor who had no Black people and no women in prominent positions in his inner circle. It was as if the Sixties and affirmative action A hand-painted plate by folk had not happened. artist L.V. Hull. 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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 24

ike other Southern capitals, Jackson has tried to make its history more inclusive by renaming some roads and landmarks while leaving others alone. Medgar Evers Boulevard, for instance, was formerly Delta Drive. In the heart of the city, it intersects Woodrow Wilson Ave., named for the Southern president who segregated the federal government and enabled the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. A statue of the notorious race-baiting white supremacist governor Theodore Bilbo was moved from the Capitol rotunda to a less conspicuous conference room. In Madison County, north of Jackson, the Ross Barnett Reservoir honors another segregationist governor who kicked off the riots at Ole Miss in 1962. “The Rez” as it is often called was built mainly for the benefit of Jackson “in the event its population reaches 500,000” (the population in 2020 was 166,000). It was approved by referendum. The honorary name was added at a time when “Roll with Ross” was a segregationist war cry and Black people in Mississippi were struggling for the right to vote. In some official documents the name has been shortened to the Barnett Reservoir. So be it. Jackson and Mississippi have bigger things to worry about.

n an oddball freelance job, I was assigned to visit folk artists in Mississippi. At her home in Kosciusko, L.V. Hull dug into the clutter and came up with a colorful dinner plate inscribed, “Do Not Try To Understand Me” in broken letters to show her visitor from Memphis. It cost me $10 and was almost thrown away but I held on to it instead. I got a bargain. Many years later I was in the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson and saw the L.V. Hull painted television set at the center of the display room for the permanent collection. In a passage that reveals more about the writer than the subject, this is how the WPA Guide of 1937 described “Negro Folkways”: “The Mississippi folk Negro neither lays up monetary treasure nor invests in things of tangible value. He spends money for medical and legal advice, a virtue that undoubtedly would bring him praise but for the fact that he has never been known to take anyone’s advice about anything.”

The Rainbow Barn

omin’ in over the barn!” My father-in-law, Bubba Huntington, hollered to alert me and my 11-year-old son Jack on the opening day of dove season in 1995. There were plenty of doves back then and we got a limit in a couple of hours. Bubba’s rainbow barn on the east side of Interstate 55 near Hazlehurst was a landmark until it was destroyed by storms in 2009, the year he died. A

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

This rainbow barn, painted by the author’s father-in-law, was a landmark outside Hazlehurst until a storm destroyed it in 2009.

Carved wooden bears great visitors at the entrance to Paul B. Johnson State Park near Hattiesburg.

piece of everyone in our family, pictured here on the day we buried him, died with him. He had a tennis court gouged out of the red clay with a bulldozer and rolled with a Buick Electra. At the end of the day, tired from tennis and drinking beer, we would sit on the rocking chairs on the porch underneath the whirling ceiling fans and the metal signs and old plow parts mounted on the wall and replay it. The sun would go down behind the pond and the rainbow barn west of the court, and a cooling breeze would come up from the south and blow through the pecan trees before dinnertime. Life was pretty damn good. Bubba knew most all there was to know about trees, and he could build you a house, a gazebo, a church, or a courthouse. His work is all over Copiah County. We buried him down there, under a tree.

better, too. Pilot’s supremacy is being challenged by even bigger Buc-ee’s, coming to Mississippi in 2022.

H I G HWAY 49 FROM JAC KSO N TO HATTI ESBU RG TO G U LFPORT

Jesse Brown, Aviator from Lux

esse Brown, a sharecropper’s son from Lux (now nothing but a sign off Highway 49) was the first Black naval aviator. He and other Mississippi airmen are honored at delightful out-of-the-way museums in Hattiesburg and the Stennis Airport in Kiln. Brown died a hero during the Korean War trying to save Marines trapped at Chosin Reservoir. Author Adam Makos tells his story in the book Devotion, which is being made into a movie scheduled for release this year. One of the producers told me it will attempt to “change the narrative” by focusing on his achievements and heroism.

ears are part of Mississippi legend and lore, but it’s a little complicated. William Faulkner wrote the famous story “The Bear” about a bear hunt. Teddy Roosevelt came to the Delta for a bear hunt but supposedly declined to shoot one on account of its being tethered, hence the Teddy bear. The University of Mississippi banished its football mascot, Colonel Rebel, in 2003 and replaced him with an anthropomorphic bear in snappy garb fit for The Grove. The image was so goofy it was ditched after seven years and replaced by the perfectly logical Mississippi landshark. (For more about Ole Miss — also a controversial antebellum name — and local sensitivity to history and monuments, read Jim Dees’ book The Statue and the Fury.) The Louisiana black bear is found in south Mississippi, but the chainsaw-carved wooden bears at the entrance to Paul B. Johnson State Park near Hattiesburg are there because they look cute and outdoorsy and are not freighted with any controversial politics. Well, Johnson did beat a newspaper editor in a hotel lobby with his walking cane. You wouldn’t think an editor would get out of line like that.

Pilot Gas Stations

eople look at you funny when you take pictures in a truck-stop bathroom. It doesn’t help if you tell them you are working on a book. Public bathrooms are a vital but rarely written about part of road trips — a serious omission considering a good one can make your day and a bad one, without going into great detail, can ruin it. The best option is one of the state welcome stations, among the most palatial in the country although Mississippi is the nation’s poorest state. Super-sized truck stops like Pilot and Love’s don’t always have the cheapest gas like they used to. They seem to have followed Jeff Bezos’ strategy of rounding up customers first, then raising prices. But they have reliably clean bathrooms that are well worth a few extra bucks. Having seen the filthy, fetid, slippery f loor, out-of-order competition during hundreds of drives from Memphis to south Mississippi, I would say they are worth several extra bucks. The $2 coffee is

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: BARN BY CHRISTINA HUNTINGTON; OTHERS BY JOHN BRANSTON

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 25

What would Southern road trips be without saltwater taffy, flags, trucker hats, satsumas, boiled peanuts, and the Holy Grail of yard art — giant metal roosters?

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

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

The Pan American ferry carried visitors from Biloxi to Ship Island, one of a string of barrier islands off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

TH E COAST

isaster tourism was in style in 2006, the year after Katrina, when I visited the Gulf Coast with Memphis developer Henry Turley, whose work in Downtown Memphis and Harbor Town had attracted the attention of the governor and the mayor of Biloxi. “I think it will take more than one storm to wash out some of these people,” Turley told me. “There’s a line about 200 feet back from that seawall where you have to be pretty bold to build. But beyond that I think it will be repopulated. I think they need a big site to make a statement that says, ‘This is what’s possible if you do it right.’ You have to lay it out, establish what you mean by desirable development. The governor’s office [Haley Barbour] gets it. The real problem, though, is when you get into multiple ownerships. I just don’t think they can press the government’s right to assemble land. They’re Republicans. They’re property-rights guys.” Fifteen years later, swaths of once-exclusive beachfront property were still undeveloped, including Henderson Point and the harbor of the Broadwater Beach Hotel. Looking back at old issues of the Biloxi Sun Herald, I think the disaster not only brought out the best in peoLouis Skrmetta ple, but it also brought out the best in newspapers. The Sun Herald won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2006.

All dressed up and no place to go.

he PAN A M CLIPPER and the CAPTAIN PETE , which have carried beauty queens and day-trippers since 1926, have been docked far too often lately in the Gulfport harbor. Louis Skrmetta, overlooking Deer Island in Biloxi, is the third-generation captain of the Ship Island ferries. “The only time we have shut down for anything but storms was World War II,” he told me. “Katrina hit on a Sunday evening and lasted most of Monday. It was forecast to hit near Panama City but took a westward turn. On Saturday and Sunday morning we had 600 people on the island plus 200 or so beach chairs and umbrellas. We got the customers off the island and moored the boats in the Biloxi Back Bay while the storm roared in. Ropes were snapping like gunshots. Our boat held thanks to a very stout nylon rope. I still have it. I call it my $3 million rope because that’s what the boats cost. “The dock and boardwalk at Ship Island are supposed to be rebuilt by March of 2022. If that happens, and there are no major storms in May through August, then we should be all right. Otherwise, well … we need to catch a break.” (He did. As of May 2022, boats were in service.) 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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 26

A vintage photograph shows the old concrete seawall that lined the beach from Gulfport to Biloxi. Note the lighthouse in the distance.

an plans, Nature laughs. Scenic Drive in Pass Christian is an elegant collection of homes on the Mississippi Sound. Many are owned by rich people who live in New Orleans. In 1965, U.S. News & World Report named it the third wealthiest street in the country after Wall Street and Palm Beach, Florida. Granted, the minimum wage was $1.25 then and Silicon Valley hadn’t been invented, but still. The mansions are replicas of the ones that were there before Katrina, many of which were replicas of the ones before Camille in 1969. The backyards are the size of a par-4 at Augusta National. The porches, ceiling fans, staircases, chairs, swings, fences, potted plants, landscaped yards, live oaks, tennis courts, and swimming pools are firstclass. Very pretty. What is missing: people. It looks like a movie set — as indeed it was for a Hallmark movie. You are far more likely to see a hired landscaper in the yard than a resident on the porch.

he Pearl River meanders 444 miles through Mississippi from Neshoba County, through Jackson to the border of Louisiana and Mississippi before spilling its brown waters into the Gulf. The river itself is ugly but its marshes are beautiful, and speaking of infrastructure, how about this vertical lift bridge and its massive counterweights? It takes four hours’ notice to get it in gear, but it is a wonder to behold from a swamp tour boat on a fine sunny day.

An elaborate vertical-lift bridge, quite rusty but still in use today, carries a highway across the Pearl River.

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: HISTORICAL IMAGES COURTESY LOUIS SKRMETTA; OTHERS BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

he Mississippi coastal seawall was built 100 years ago to protect Biloxi, Gulfport, and other cities from hurricanes. The water in the Mississippi Sound, back in the day, came right up to the bottom step. In 1951, the man-made beach was pumped in. Mother Nature and regular grooming by beach authorities have covered up the lower steps. As a newcomer to the coast, I thought government beach grooming was a waste and an incentive to personal laziness and littering. Having since seen the piles of sargassum seaweed and dead fish that wash in while the pretty little dunes wash away, I have changed my opinion. If you crave perfect specimens of conch shells, cowries, starfish, sand dollars, sugar-white sand, and emerald waters, then the Mississippi beach … is not the place to look for them. Go to Destin or South Florida or Sharkheads or Souvenir City on Highway 90 instead and load up. Collectibles washed up from the Mississippi

red snapper), mullet, catfish, flounder, drum, and sheepshead. For non-fishermen, seeing leaping dolphin from the beach is a treat. Shrimp and oysters were once abundant in the Sound — now not so much. Shrimp season begins in June but the date is not set in concrete and may or may not coincide with the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The tasty brown, white, and small shrimp (usually served fried in a po-boy or boiled in gumbo) are most likely from somewhere else during the winter months, and the superb “Royal Reds” are caught in the Atlantic Ocean off Argentina, flash frozen, and sold on the docks in Pass Christian, Gulfport, and Biloxi. In summer, shrimp boats in the harbor fly a blue flag indicating fresh shrimp for sale for a few dollars a pound. Whatever the source, the catch and the buy-it-from-the-dock experience are superb. Oyster reefs are mostly in the western Sound. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources says the best months to eat them are in winter and spring. Any month with an ‘R’ in its name.

The giant live oak tree hung with Spanish moss is a signature of the northern Gulf Coast. Cut one without a permit at risk of being fined and shamed, which you would deserve. Fun fact: Spanish moss can survive for a year or more if transported to dogwood trees in Memphis. Sound will more likely include fishing nets, crab trap f loats, oyster shells, catfish vertebrae, more oyster shells, lost beach balls, f lipf lops, driftwood, feathers, stinking dead fish, pretty shells housing critters that have to be boiled out, monarch butterf lies on their way to or from Mexico, and other stuff that makes you feel like a kid again, which is priceless. Swimming in the Sound is a little dicey because it is essentially a lagoon fed by the Pearl, Mississippi, and Pascagoula river systems. A number of agencies and authorities monitor the algae blooms, salinity, sewage, toxicity, and invasive critters weekly and post advisories. Closing the beaches is rare, but it happens. The key phrase is “acceptable bacteria,” which means different things to different people. As for clarity, if Destin is a 10 and Lake Pontchartrain a 1, then the Sound is a 5 most days, better or worse depending on the wind speed and direction. On the public fishing piers, signs post size limits for red snapper, triple tail, mackerel, and cobia, but those are deepwater fish. I have never seen anyone fishing from the public piers or the shore catch anything but speckled trout, redfish (not to be confused with

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN BRANSTON

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 27

Bay St. Louis

bliterated by Hurricane Katrina, Old Bay St. Louis has come back strong in the last five years. A 2,000-squarefoot house near downtown goes for $600,000. Popular with artists, musicians, and creative locals, along with visitors from New Orleans, it’s a party from Christmas to New Year’s to Mardi Gras to Frida Fest (Frida Kahlo imitators) to Halloween. Any excuse to put on a costume and have a parade will work. (Katrina left 236 coastal residents dead and did $125 billion in damage.)

It’s the Law!

tamped inside library books in Harrison County: “$500 fine, six months in jail for misuse or failure to return library materials.” You can buy a margarita at a drive-thru, but you must first exit your vehicle and put both feet on the ground. (There is no need to prove you can walk a straight line.) U.S. Highway 90 runs 26 miles off the Mississippi Coast. Drive with care because municipalities with 15,000 residents (Long Beach, for J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 27

6/14/22 3:04 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, showcases the work of “The Mad Potter of Biloxi.”

Cruise ships and gantry cranes mark the skyline at Gulfport. The cranes, erected recently for cargo ships, don’t see much use here.

example) can set their own speed limit. You can be fined $5,000 for illegally killing an alligator. A permit and license cost $225. In Ocean Springs you can drive a golf cart on city streets with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or below. In neighboring Pass Christian golf carts are allowed north of U.S. 90 where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.

the neighborhood if you will, something to entertain the hardcores and their companions in down time with a bit of cultural tourism. Beau Rivage (“Beautiful Shore” in French) is the most glamorous casino in Biloxi, and just down Highway 90 going toward the bay you will see “the pods” that house the pottery of George Ohr, the mustachioed “mad potter of Biloxi.” No disrespect to old George, but some (me) say, you see one pot, you have seen ’em all. Pods are another matter; the big shiny ones were designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art might lead you to think it has something to do with artist Georgia O’Keeffe, but it’s named for a benefactor. Biloxi casinos hoped Ohr would do for Biloxi what Walter Anderson did for neighboring Ocean Springs, which has no casinos. But the art museums and their hometowns could not be more different. The Anderson museum is in a modest building downtown with walls covered by elaborate murals painted by the artist for $1. The pods cost $19 million. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

here is no apparent limit to the number of billboards a casino or an attorney specializing in personal injury settlements can place on Mississippi highways. As a result, south Mississippi may well be the most billboard-friendly area in the country.

The Pods and Beau Rivage

asinos do not sit still. The word “enough” is not in their vocabulary, not with regard to buffets, glitz, tribute bands, or, of course, profits. And one more thing — nearby amenities,

A washed-up boat on Ship Island could be a relic from recent hurricanes. In the distance are the ruins of Fort Massachusetts. 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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v04.indd 28

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/14/22 2:59 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi

TH E BARRI ER I SLAN DS

n the spirit of Walter Anderson, for 35 years students from Memphis College of Art made an annual trip to Horn Island to camp on the beach for ten days and forage for flotsam and jetsam to turn into art projects. The annual Horn Island exhibition was a treat to look forward to. Sadly, the College of Art closed for good in 2020.

ort Massachusetts on Ship Island was built with bricks during the Civil War, but guns were not installed until 1872; only one of the original 17 guns remains. During the yellow fever epidemic that nearly wiped out Memphis in the 1880s it was used as

Experience unparalleled service & care with the Mid-South’s mostloved Medical Spa.

WHY YOU ’ LL LOVE U S

A sign answers most of the questions asked by visitors to the Gulf Coast. a quarantine station. More recently, the Ship Island dock and boardwalk to the beach were heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Cristobal, wrecked again by Hurricane Sally and Hurricane Zeta, declared off-limits by the National Park Service due to the pandemic, and closed for one reason or another for two years and counting — a shame since it is normally the most accessible of the Mississippi barrier islands. The washed-up boat on the beach in better days made me expect to see Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins reunite in the final scene of The Shawshank Redemption. Unlike Cat Island and Horn Island, which have marine forests of pine and oak, there are no trees on Ship Island, so bring your sunscreen. I feel sorry for anyone who has not seen Ship Island on a pretty day.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN BRANSTON

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v05B.indd 29

♦ Exclusive Memphis-area provider of world-renowned Fotona Aesthetic Lasers. ♦ Internationally-trained nurses specializing in rejuvenation inside & out. ♦ Customized treatment plans based on your unique goals. ♦ Safe & effective treatments offering natural-looking results. ♦ Voted a Memphis Most Favorite 2 years in a row.

www.ashtoria.com ♦ (901) 310-3530 @ashtoriaaesthetics 4630 Merchants Park Cir #703, Collierville, TN 38017

This is more than a Dumpster — This is moreIt than — It is atoCommitment is aa Dumpster Commitment Recyclingto Recycling

Everyday is Earthis Day at EBOX. Areat weEBOX. on your job? Everyday Earth Day

Are we on your job? 901-850-9996

901-850-9996

6/16/22 11:51 AM

M i s s i s s i p pi

PAN DEM I C

ruise ships do not normally visit Gulfport, but a few of them were surplussed there during the early months of the pandemic before unceremoniously being told to leave. The Port Authority bought three 270foot gantry cranes for $30 million in 2016 to serve Dole, Chiquita, and Chemours. They are usually idle. Cargo ships eight miles out on the Intercoastal Waterway pass by this little-used link in the global supply chain. I asked Fred Smith to explain: “There has been a long-term theory that a good deal of the container trade could be diverted from the major West Coast and Atlantic seaboard ports. For a number of reasons, this has never happened despite alternatives such as Gulfport. The scale of logistics infrastructure in LA/Long Beach, Oakland, Charleston, Savannah, and Miami offset the benefits of using smaller ports. I don’t think these trends will be reversed in the near term, and the Gulfport cranes will stay idle.”

A crane, common along the Gulf Coast, takes flight from the sea wall.

wine bar 2155 central ave memphis, tn 38104 knifebirdwinebar.com

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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v05.indd 30

aniel Defoe wrote A Journal of the Plague Year, and it was published in 1722. The thing is, Defoe was five years old when the bubonic plague hit London in 1665. So he edited the journal of someone else, enhanced it with research and fine writing and a story line, and earned his reputation as a famous writer of what is known 300 years later as “historical fiction.” With nothing better to do, I wrote 50,000 words of word salad during my Covidfree Painless Pandemic in the Pass in 2020. No corpses piling up in the streets, no story line, no characters, no fine writing. The question, at least, was obvious: What is acceptable risk? Smoking, driving, helmet, no helmet, mask, no mask, reopening, flying, waterfront property, insurance with a namedstorm deductible, open container, open carry, scaffold, ladders, 75 mph, 55 mph ... (answer: it depends). The experts in the risk business — Gulf Coast casinos — closed for two months then reopened and prospered in 2021 in a climate of hedonism, stimulus checks, and people with time on their hands. The obsession with the pandemic death PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN BRANSTON

6/15/22 3:21 PM

TIME TO

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT

JUMP IN

ORIONFCU.COM

Offer valid as of 6/1/22 and is subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Offer applies to new HELOCs only. 1% APR is valid for 6 months from opening. After 6 months standard APR will apply. Standard APR is variable and based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin of -0.25% to 4.5%. Current standard APR is 4.0-7.75%. Minimum standard APR is 4% and maximum APR is 18%. Offer applies to lines from $20,000 to $250,000. Loans are subject to approval. Other restrictions may apply.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/16/22 4:00 PM

M i s s i s s i p pi count reminded me of the hot summer of 1980 in Mississippi when the United Press International regional bureau chief in Atlanta decided that all state bureaus should begin reporting a daily count of “heat-related deaths.” Wage slaves like me dutifully began calling medical examiners, hospital spokesmen, state officials — anyone who might provide a number. Many eventually did but just as many did not. The criteria were, well, who knows? But because UPI was an international news agency, the story was “news” that spread like a virus, you might say, until the “deadly summer of 1980” turned into fall. Lesson: Reporters and editors are not scientists, and vice versa.

Build A Monument To Life

INTEGRITY. QUALITY. SENSITIVITY. Our primary focus is on creating a “monument to life”, offering premium quality service for less. Our trained staff can help you with planning, designing and memorializing the life of your loved one. We are sensitive to the needs and feelings of the families we serve, which is very important in the selection process. While cemetery memorials are still our primary focus, our product offerings have grown to include cornerstones, commemorative plaques, brick fundraisers, commercial signage, civic monuments, cremation urns, cemetery inscriptions, and monument cleaning.

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2022

FACE OF

MONUMENT

HONEST MONUMENT COMPANY

SI NC E 1 9 89 2040 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN 38106 • (901) 774-7400 honestmonumentco.com • honestmonument@gmail.com

SELLING FINE MEMPHIS HOMES FOR 25 YEARS! CALL SALLY NOW FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME!

6263 POPLAR AVE. #220 MEMPHIS, TN 38119

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 2

017_MM07_2022_MS_Best-Worst_v05.indd 32

SALLY ISOM CRS, REALTOR ® 901.219.8882 | 901.259.8550

A FI NAL NOTE

hile li v ing in Memphis , I bought this house in Pass Christian for $179,000 in 2016. I closed on August 29th, the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I was aware of that but bought anyway. The house is one long block from the beach but out of the flood zone — cold comfort when a 120 mile-an-hour wind knows no such boundaries. So what?, I figured. When you are 67 years old, what are you waiting for? It was a good house at a good price in a good location in a good town in a neighboring state. Pass Christian is 400 miles from Memphis, a fairly easy seven-hour drive. There are no casinos and no high-rise buildings. A comparable house near the water in Alabama or the Florida Panhandle would have cost two or three times as much. Two months after we bought the house, our daughter died at the age of 29. The restorative power of living near water after traumatic loss can’t be overestimated, especially when you can look over that water and see shrimp boats, sunrises and sunsets, pelicans flying in formation, wild weather, rainbows, and an island. Such visions, I learned, can be revelations if you let them. You cannot write and think your way through grief and life. You must take action. You have to lift a shovel, break ground, hammer a nail. A fixer-upper can be just the ticket. One more reason Mississippi is the best “worst state” ever. PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNY BRANSTON

6/15/22 3:21 PM

more delight

Escape the day-to-day at Gaylord Opryland – zip down eleven waterslides and surf the waves with the SoundWaves Experience Package. Enjoy a stroll through the breathtaking atrium, savor a delicious meal, and find endless adventures during your summer of more.

GaylordOpryland.com

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

more thrills

6/16/22 11:53 AM

H A B I TAT S

A CHICKASAW CLASSIC Realtor Lynda Biggs Baddour occupies a piece of Chickasaw Gardens history. B Y

C H R I S

M c C O Y

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN PICKLE

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 2

034_MM07_2022_Habitats_v03.indd 34

6/13/22 3:29 PM

Lynda Biggs Baddour did not set out to sell herself a house. “We used to live in Hedgemoor, which I loved,” she says. “This was kind of an accidental move for us.” She and her husband, Drew Baddour, intended to update their cottage in the neighborhood off Walnut Grove, which was her home before they were married. “[Architect] Charles Shipp had drawn plans for renovations to the house — redo the kitchen, expand our master bedroom, just give us more space,” she says. “We were moving forward with all that, and then we got a look at this house.” Baddour is a veteran realtor, who entered the business in 2007 after a stint working in sales for Contemporary Media, Inc., the parent company of this magazine. “I thought if I could sell someone an ad, I could sell someone a house,” she says. She immediately discovered an affinity for real estate. “I like people, and like the interactions,” she says. “And I like houses, and the flexibility. It’s not like I have to be at a desk from nine to five, but I work pretty much all the time. Being

from Memphis, I have a really good referral base, and then there’s all the new people I’ve met who have become friends over the years. “It’s a real connection to the community,” she continues. “I was talking to somebody yesterday and they said, ‘You’re branded.’ People will say, ‘Maybe I don’t know her, personally, but I know who she is.’ And It makes me get out more than I probably would otherwise, because I remember when I first started working, Joel [Hobson] said, ‘You’re not going to sell houses by staying home every night.’ And it really is true.” Baddour has weathered the ups and downs of the Memphis housing market. She was relatively new to the real estate business during the “down” years of the 2008 financial crisis. The past few years have definitely been on the “up” side. “If someone bought their house in the last four years, odds are they are going to sell it for a hundred thousand dollars more than you paid for it,” she says. After spending most of her career with Hobson Realtors, she re-

cently joined the new firm of Ware Jones. Despite pressures such as higher interest rates, increased inflation, pandemic-related supply-chain problems, and uncertainty brought by the war in Ukraine, she says that prices remain high, and the market remains bullish. “It’s not as busy as it was last summer, when I’d have a listing and get maybe nine offers on one house. Now, maybe I have two, but they’re still full price.” One of the biggest effects of two years of sustained home-buying frenzy is that many available homes have been sold. “There is limited inventory, so that’s really difficult. I’ve got tons of buyers, and nothing to sell,” she says. “I do think a lot of people have given up, especially first-time buyer situations who think they can’t compete. “But most of my clients, because prices are so high, have been able to sell their house high. So they’re paring into a much more expensive house than they would have had prices been stable, because they have equity in their house. Even though they’ve bought a much

opposite: Realtor Lynda Biggs Baddour in her historic Chickasaw Gardens home. above: Memphian John Ryan’s painting lends a high art note to the living room. Most of the furniture in the home are legacy pieces that have been re-upholstered. The end table on the right once served as a dining room table.

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 35

034_MM07_2022_Habitats_v03.indd 35

6/13/22 3:30 PM

H A B I TAT S right: A south-facing window floods the formal dining room with natural light. below left: The spacious kitchen was what first attracted Baddour to the home. below right: The den’s double doors lead to the carefully landscaped back yard.

more expensive house, they can afford it. It’s definitely competitive. Memphis has finally caught up with the rest of the country, price-wise.” Three-and-a-half years ago, when the market was still taking off, Baddour got the opportunity to tour a unique Chickasaw Gardens home. She was impressed by the rambling ranch house, which was similar to her Hedgemoor home, but larger. She asked her husband to drop by. “I wanted him to see how the kitchen was laid out, because that’s kind of what we were planning,” she says. “He hadn’t seen the vision of it, what could be done.” But instead of taking inspiration from the home’s classic, 1950s-era ranch style and renovated kitchen, Drew simply said, “Why don’t we just buy this house?” The more she thought about it, the more it sounded like the right thing to do. The renovations to the Hedgemoor home were estimated to take nine months (“That means more like a year,” says Baddour), and they would have had to move out while the work was in progress.

The Chickasaw Gardens home was bigger, but unlike many couples with adult children, the Baddours were not looking to downsize. “We have six children between the two of us, and five grandchildren. Our family is getting bigger.” The extra bedrooms would come in handy during summers and holidays. So, Baddour says, they decided to go for it. “We sold ourselves a house.”

A Little Piece of History

When someone describes a

house as “rambling,” they mean it covers a lot of ground and has several distinct sections. This describes the Baddours’ home to a tee. A casual observer driving by might think it is more than one house. “It’s one of the biggest lots in Chickasaw Gardens,” Baddour says. The house was built in 1952 by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson, who at that time was a prominent Memphis realtor and developer. It was originally a fully furnished show house, full of the

most modern furniture and stateof-the-art-appliances. More than 10,000 people paid to tour the home, with proceeds going to fund the Memphis Home for Incurables. After that tour ended, the house was quickly purchased by a prominent local surgeon, selling for almost twice the amount of other Chickasaw Gardens homes. Baddour says the home’s history is not lost on her. “It feels like Chickasaw Gardens. It’s a classic, you know? I feel really responsible for it.” One wing of the house consists of bedrooms and bathrooms laid out along a long hall which Baddour calls “the bowling alley.” At some point in the intervening years, previous owners extensively renovated the property. The couple’s primary bedroom, with a bath and walk-in closet, began life as a dining room and kitchen. Baddour believes the current kitchen was crafted out of a garage, “because no one would have had a kitchen this big back in those days.” The spacious kitchen is what originally attracted Baddour’s at-

tention, and it remains her favorite room in the house. “I live in this kitchen,” she says. “My computer’s here, so if I’m not showing houses, I’m working right here.” The cramped kitchen of their former home in Hedgemoor didn’t lend itself to hanging out. This one is a magnet for guests. “One thing I love the most about this house is this table,” she says of the modest spot snuggled up against a banquette. “Because now, when we have people for casual dinner, we eat in the kitchen, where we never did that before. Come, listen, and eat here — because everyone is in this room all the time, anyway.” The centerpiece of the formal dining room is a table large enough to accommodate the extended family at holiday dinners. Baddour believes this was originally a den or rec room, because of one very special feature. A concealed window opens to reveal a copper-topped bar, with vintage light fixtures and knotty-pine paneling on the walls. “I think this is why my husband really wanted to buy this house,” she says.

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 2

034_MM07_2022_Habitats_v03.indd 36

6/13/22 3:30 PM

above left: The sprawling back patio takes advantage of one of the biggest lots in Chickasaw Gardens. above right: Another John Ryan painting creates color in a central hallway. far left: The hidden bar in the dining room is a classic midcentury touch. left: A painting by Sherrill Oates hangs above the comfortable kitchen table.

Location, Location, Location

Room to Breathe

B addour says she has never wanted a big house as a status symbol. But once she and her husband were in the new home, she began to relish the extra space. “I just didn’t realize how out of room we were,” says Baddour. “We could kind of breathe easier here. Everything’s really light and open.” The west-facing windows in the dining room and den are great for flooding the home with sunlight, but the backyard’s landscaping is designed to mitigate the summer heat. “The natural light is amazing here,” she says. “But by the time the sun’s high and hot, it’s behind all those hedges. So we still have really great sun, but we’re not getting pelted with it.” The vast majority of the furnishings came from the couple’s old home, and filled the new rooms surprisingly well. “I have had all this furniture forever,” she says. “Most of it came from my mother. I like it because it’s not straight from the showroom. Most of it has been

recovered a few times, and it all has some kind of meaning.” One couch in the living room has been green twice. Now, it is blue. Baddour did her own decorating, and her tasteful placement proves you don’t need “big, McMansion furniture” to fill up spacious rooms. She wanted to make sure her color palette was varied, but tasteful. Baddour has been a collector of art for years, and the home’s ample wall space allowed her to finally show off many of her pieces that had been languishing in storage. “People say to me all the time, ‘You have so much new art!’ No, I don’t. You just didn’t see it before.” One of her most prized pieces is a sketch by Peter Max, who is known as one of the most prominent practitioners of Pop Art. Unlike Max’s famous multicolored canvases, this sketch is relatively minimalist, although still highly stylized, painting of a woman’s face in profile. “It’s a portrait of his muse,” Baddour says.

Another intriguing piece is a rare mixed-media print by Arkansas artist Carroll Cloar, the surrealist who was educated in Memphis at Southwestern and the Memphis Academy of Art (now Rhodes College and the defunct Memphis College of Art, respectively). This piece, which hangs in the kitchen, was a poster print that was repainted by the artist late in his life. Painter Mary Sims, who taught art at Southwestern in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is also represented on the walls of the Baddour home. Two striking abstract paintings by Irish bohemian John Ryan grace the living room and dining room. One of the more whimsical pieces of art in the home is a sculpture of a pair of ceramic pigs dancing on their hind legs. The joyful porcines were created by prominent California ceramic artist Pat Hopper, who was the mother of one of Baddour’s close friends. “They’ve been with me forever,” she says.

B addour is a longtime Memphian, but

this is the farthest west she has ever lived. “Back in my day, if you grew up in East Memphis, you stayed in East Memphis. If you grew up in Midtown, that’s where you chose to live. Now, people want to be in Midtown and Downtown. More and more people want to be urbanites.” Baddour says she and Drew have really warmed to the neighborhood. “I really love living here, because I’m just that much closer to Midtown. If we want to go to a football game, we can just walk. Everything we want to do is west, so it’s all ten minutes closer. In the summertime, if we want to go to Railgarten or something in Cooper-Young, we’ll ride bikes. We wouldn’t have done that in Hedgemoor.” Baddour grew up in a ranch home from the 1950s, and this Memphis classic is a return to her roots. She says she gets offers from other realtors all the time, but she won’t part with it any time soon, saying, “I just think it feels like home.”

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

034_MM07_2022_Habitats_v03.indd 37

6/13/22 3:30 PM

Telling the Truth about a Certain History”

A conversation with artist Danny Broadway. BY JON W. SPARKS

reating images has always come easily to Danny Broadway. As a child, he wanted to do little more than draw, and as he grew up, he refined his art and his approach to visual storytelling. And it continues as an ongoing embrace of a journey that is as intellectual as it is artistic. Broadway has been in Memphis most of his professional career, including 16 years teaching at St. George’s Independent School. He works from his home and studio on Jackson Avenue, frequently on commissioned pieces, and has produced work for PBS, FedEx, Regional One, the Memphis Grizzlies, Major League Baseball, the National Civil Rights Museum, and a host of other clients. This month he will present an exhibition of work developed during his pursuit of a master of fine arts degree at Belmont University in Nashville. Earning an MFA has been a key ambition of the soft-spoken artist who is devoted to concepts as well as technique. As he puts it, “Mainly it’s a graduation for me from a long history of already making things and wanting to take a new mindset behind my practice.” Memphis magazine interviewed him to find out more about how his art has evolved. top: Danny Broadway working on his mixed-media piece Code that will be in his MFA exhibition. It references quilt patterns from the Underground Railroad intended to help slaves navigate to safety and uses African symbols that represent spirituality and urban culture. 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 2

038_MM07_2022_DannyBroadway_v02.indd 38

You are, by any measure, an established and successful artist. What are you hoping to do in your pursuit of the MFA?

Most of the success that I’ve found has been Southern, generated from this area. But the world of art is much bigger than local Delta flavor. I really wanted to get some knowledge about what else was out there. I want to elaborate on what I’m doing and create more of a dialogue around my work as far as what I’m trying to say and what it means. It always was hard for me to be a black artist in an area where most of the people who are buying art, aren’t really buying art to be buying black art. They’re buying art because they have resources, and then they’re buying things that they like that they want — and that’s not the broader language around Memphis. How do you paint something that is still connected to yourself? You’re true to yourself, but you’re able to allow other people to read into it and then be able to connect. What I’ve been struggling with my whole career is trying to balance that and not totally give up on my culture, because that would be an easy thing to do. It’s easier to make a living off of your art when you’re painting things that everybody can feel comfortable putting on their wall.

So what’s driving you is not always something that makes people comfortable. Not all the time. A lot of times I’m afraid to even go in those directions. Black people in America are in a certain status. In 2022, it’s a lot different than it was in 1965. There are a lot of advances in the world of art. If you go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art today, most of the work that you’ll see is African American art because that’s what’s really popular right now PHOTO OF DANNY BROADWAY BY JON W. SPARKS; OTHER IMAGES COURTESY DANNY BROADWAY

6/17/22 2:07 PM

clockwise from top left: The Journey, acrylic on canvas, 2021; Surrender, acrylic on paper, 2021; King, acrylic on canvas, 2021; Diaspora, acrylic on canvas, 2021.

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 39

038_MM07_2022_DannyBroadway_v02.indd 39

6/17/22 2:08 PM

Blue Room Room, acrylic on canvas, 2019.

in the world of art. But being in Memphis, and not having any connections to anyone in those circles who makes the decisions as to what’s going to be shown in these major museums, you don’t really have the same conversation because you’re not there. So I’m just trying to navigate where I am and not be stuck here.

Tell us how the theme of heritage evolved in your graduate exhibition?

DO GOOD. BETTER.

901.726.5725 momentumnonprofit.org

We help Mid-South nonprofits succeed. 40 • 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 2

038_MM07_2022_DannyBroadway_v02.indd 40

It’s always been something that’s motivated me. Now that I’ve gotten some language and some history to go behind it, I’m more comfortable talking about it. And I don’t feel like I’m just talking about the African-American experience. I’m talking about an American experience. You’re American, I’m American. There are stories that we all know about. And then there are stories that we don’t know about and that’s because nobody taught us those stories. I’m not trying to change history; I’m just trying to tell the truth about a certain history. I’m going into things that have inspired other African-American artists who have been challenged to break into these different molds of contemporary art, where you’re showing your work in galleries or museums. A lot of times the history has been that if you don’t paint something like this, then it doesn’t fit into this European ideal of what art is. But after a while, if you’re denied entry so long, then eventually you decide, well, I’m not going to go that way at all. I’m going to talk about what I’m going to talk about, and I’m going to find ways to try to get my work seen other ways. So I started researching artists that were creating the footwork for other Black artists to be able to find places, to show work and find ways to engage people who were not exposed to what

they were doing. That’s what inspired me to learn about quilt-making because that was an art form that was used as a functional thing. Slaves were making quilts in Africa and when they came over here, the quilt-making traditions stayed and were passed down and they used those quilts almost as a language. During the times of the Underground Railroad, they would put signs and signals in quilts and hang them up and show people how to navigate to freedom from slavery. I started studying some of those design patterns and that’s what I decided to do. It’s not deep down in my heart what I want to do with my work, but it’s an opportunity for me to learn about a history that I didn’t know anything about. And it was also a way for me to connect my love for making things to something that was more than just the fun of making something, and giving it a deeper meaning.

Who are your influences? Romare Bearden wasn’t a quilt maker, but he did a lot of fragmentation and took a lot of things and put them together in a collage format. And I feel like quilting is a lot like collaging because you’re taking pieces of fabric and you’re putting them together in a different format. I studied Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and the ladies of Gee’s Bend. I’ve been researching all of that stuff and trying to piece it all together so that it comes together in this format that makes sense with where the writing goes along with what I’m making. And then I’ll use that format in whatever my next body of work is — create dialogue around it and then have people study it in a deeper way. Instead of painting ten beautiful paintings that I know people like and buy all the time, it gives it more of a meaning, a backdrop. ARTWORK COURTESY DANNY BROADWAY

6/17/22 2:08 PM

That’s what I’m trying to learn, because that’s not something you get taught in undergrad or even as a freelance artist. That’s how to incorporate research into your work and how to make it where people want to talk about it and give them a reason to talk about it.

Memphis’ Finest Estate Sales

How’d you get into art? I was very quiet when I was a kid. I would find ways to go sit by myself somewhere and draw stuff. I would draw on the furniture, the wall, my clothes, and I would get in a little trouble. They would ask me why I did it and I didn’t really know why. I went to art camps and I remember being really invested in what the teachers were talking about. When I would do my projects, I would get all of this positive feedback and people would make me feel good about what I was doing. So that stuck with me. I always liked my art teachers and always did well. They would put my work in competitions and I would get little rewards and stuff. After high school, my Mom drove me to the University of Memphis and walked me into the admissions office and signed me up for school. I started taking some graphic design courses because I didn’t really know much about art — I knew how to draw but had never been taught painting or anything like that.

You studied art education and graduated with a painting degree. What came next? Once I graduated, I decided I was going to be a full-time artist. I started showing my work around Memphis, in Arts in the Park, and networked. I taught continuing education at the Memphis College of Art. I was encouraged to show my work at the art show at St. George’s Independent School and the art teacher there had me come in to talk to her classes. I went in with my palette, knife, and canvas, and I made some paintings and walked them through the steps. By the end of the day, she asked me if I’d ever considered teaching art.

And now, 16 years later, you’re still instructing budding artists at St. George’s. But you’re also freelancing. I do a lot of commission work. I have a couple of galleries that I work with in Nashville, Little Rock, and San Francisco. I do a lot of work with FedEx. I work with T Clifton Art Gallery, David Lusk Gallery, Jay Etkin, and others. It connects over time: I’ve been in business now for over 27 years and some of what I’m doing now is a result of stuff that I was doing 20 years ago. Danny Broadway’s exhibition of his graduate studies work will be on display at Belmont University’s Leu Art Gallery starting on July 2nd. He graduates on July 3rd.

Visit

}

www.memphismagazine.com J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 41

038_MM07_2022_DannyBroadway_v02.indd 41

6/17/22 2:08 PM

SEVEN SEVEN REASONS REASONS TO TO WORK WORK WITH WITH A A REALTOR REALTOR

® ®

Buying and selling a home can be stressful. You need an agent who is a REALTOR®, ® ® an agent who is a REALTOR , Buying andofselling a homeAssociation can be stressful. You need a member the National of REALTORS , by your side. Here’s why: ® a member of the National Association of REALTORS , by your side. Here’s why:

3 5 7

GET THE GET THE INSIDE SCOOP. INSIDE SCOOP. Real estate professionals

SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY YOUR SEARCH. YOUR An agent can SEARCH. educate you on current

NAVIGATE NAVIGATE A COMPLEX A COMPLEX PROCESS. PROCESS. A real estate professional can guide

NEGOTIATE NEGOTIATE LIKE A PRO. LIKE AthePRO. An agent has expertise to

BE BE UP-TO-DATE. UP-TO-DATE. You may have bought or sold a

have accessprofessionals to exclusive Real estate neighborhood property have access to and exclusive information to make you a neighborhood and property smarter buyer seller. information to or make you a smarter buyer or seller.

you onestate forms,professional disclosures,can andguide the A real lending process to help you avoid you on forms, disclosures, and the costly mistakes delays. lending processand to help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

home before, markets anda You may havebut bought or sold transaction processes are and home before, but markets always changing. transaction processes are always changing.

DO THE RIGHT THING. DO THE RIGHT THING. Make sure your agent is a REALTOR . REALTORS

market conditions andyou helpon you find An agent can educate current homes match and yourhelp criteria market that conditions youusing find local broker marketplaces—known in homes that match your criteria using the as multiple listing services. localbusiness broker marketplaces—known in the business as multiple listing services.

negotiate terms, priceto to An agent has thefrom expertise repairs, onterms, your behalf. negotiate from price to repairs, on your behalf.

HAVE A HAVE A ALLY. TRUSTED TRUSTED ALLY. Your agent can talk you through

the and cons big Yourpros agent can talkbehind you through decisions andcons share their network the pros and behind big of trusted and home inspectors, lenders, decisions share their network remodelers, and inspectors, more. of trusted home lenders, remodelers, and more.

® ® are bound by a strict Code of Ethics based on ® ® professionalism, consumer protection, and the golden rule. by a strict Code of Ethics based on Make sure your agent is a REALTOR . REALTORS are bound professionalism, consumer protection, and the golden rule.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND A REALTOR®® IS REAL. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND A REALTOR IS REAL. Visit: realtor.com/thats-who-we-r Visit: realtor.com/thats-who-we-r

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/15/22 1:19 PM

HOUSE SWEET HOME The Memphis Area Association of Realtors can help you find what you’re looking for.

n 1910, eight charter members founded the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR). Today, MAAR counts more than 4,500 members and the vision for each is the same: Bring to bear the highest skills and utmost ethics in the delivery of service to all real estate consumers. To that end, MAAR members — both residential and commercial — work in cooperation to create a fa-

vorable environment for real estate commerce through legislative advocacy, adherence to Code of Ethics standards, database management and market statistics, communication, and professional development. MAAR is one of Tennessee’s largest local Realtor associations and serves Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, Hardin, Hardeman, and McNairy counties. The association operates a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for its members and maintains an online tax database, MAARdata, that contains information on all parcels of property in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties from public sources and appraisers. MAAR members are also members of Tennessee Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, which is America’s largest trade association.

Memphis Area Association of Realtors | 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Stewart President RE/MAX Experts

Thomas Byrd Jr. Byrd Realty Services

Ludora Cooper Prime Realty Investments

Brian Mallory The Mallory Firm

Pablo Pereyra 901 Realtors

Carmen Prince President-Elect Crye-Leike Realtors

Scott Bettis Crye-Leike Realtors

Paige Holmes Coldwell Banker Collins Maury

Monica Mauricio RE/MAX Experts

Rodney Tate Jr. Assured Real Estate Services

Bill Caller Jr. Crye-Leike-Commercial

Luke Jensen Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Advisors

Saeed Nia Coldwell Banker Collins Maury

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

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v08.indd 43

6/17/22 2:03 PM

Q&A

Meet the Experts hether you’re working to buy your first home, pouring love into a fixerupper, or have found your forever home, chances are you still have questions about the best strategies in real estate. Who doesn’t? We’ve all heard that the housing market has been disrupted these past few years. What does

that mean locally? And what can prospective and current homeowners do to get a leg up in the buying and selling process? To learn more, we consulted with the experts: an array of local Realtors, many who have served Mid-South families for quite a few years. We asked them the questions that we might wonder ourselves: What should I do if I’m interested in selling a home? How about buying one? Where should I be looking? What might I be getting wrong? Through these conversations, we learned more about the local Realtors whose names you might encounter on a for-sale sign, or maybe even who sold you your home. And through them, we picked up some helpful suggestions that we’re happy to pass along to you.

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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v08.indd 44

ILLUSTRATION BY NONGPIMMY / DREAMSTIME

6/17/22 3:22 PM

Meet The Experts

JENNIFER & JOEL HOBSON B R O K E R / O W N E R S , H O B S O N R E A LT O R S

What attracted you to a career in real estate?

or, mulch the flower beds, and power-wash the driveway, patio, and walkways. Make the yard look inviting, by trimming the overgrown bushes.

I grew up in Memphis with both my parents selling real estate and they talked about it every night at the dinner table. They loved it, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do at an early age. I enjoyed being around people, and the idea of helping people find their dream home was intriguing to me — and challenging. My parents opened Hobson Realtors in 1972, so we are celebrating our 50th year in business. My wife, Jennifer, and I love working together, just like they did, and now we talk about it at the dinner table, in front of our kids!

Any tips to prepare for buying or selling? My first tip is to hire a Realtor. After all, your house is probably your biggest asset. They can help you prepare the house for the market, advise you on pricing it, then market it so that you reach the most number of potential buyers. They will guide you through the negotiations of a contract and see it through inspections, appraisals, and finally closing. It can be a very complicated and stressful situation trying to coordinate everything, and crazy things do happen. On the buying side, a good agent can help you find a house first day on the market or even before it hits the market, and then advise you how to make your offer the one that is accepted.

What do you enjoy most about your job? We like helping people move from one stage of their life to the next. People move because something changes in their life, be that good or bad. They get married, get divorced, get a promotion, lose their job, have a baby, or somebody dies. You really get to know your clients and their family, and it’s exciting to help them figure out what it is they really want in their next house, and then make it happen. It’s very personal and always interesting.

Real estate can be a volatile industry. How has it changed over the course of your career? Technology has been the biggest change in selling real estate. I used to carry a roll of dimes in my car, so I could go to the nearest pay phone to make appointments. We had to pick up keys at the other agent’s office to show a house! It’s just amazing how much more we can do now, with all the advances in technology. Smart phones, digital signatures, key boxes, social media, and the internet have changed everything! Part of being a great agent is keeping up with technology and using it to help your clients buy and sell. You are “on call” all of the time, and particularly in this market, time is of the essence.

Do you have a favorite Memphis neighborhood? Our favorite neighborhood is East Memphis, which goes from Chickasaw Gardens to River Oaks. It’s just so convenient and

Joel and Jennifer Hobson beautiful, with all the trees, and it’s 15 minutes from everything. That’s where we live and where I grew up. That said, we sell all over town, from Downtown to Collierville and Lakeland. I love selling Memphis, showing our great city to people moving here from all over the world. The secret is out. Memphis is a bargain, compared to any other big city you might consider. Nashville is a magnet, bringing people to Tennessee, but when they see the traffic and the high prices there, they come to Memphis and love it here!

What are steps a homeowner should take to increase their home’s value? The first step is to declutter. The way you live in the house, and the way you sell a house are two different things. Less is more. Clean off your countertops, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms. Eliminate any bad smells. The second step is to increase the curb appeal by working on the exterior of your house. Repair rotten wood, paint the exteri-

How has the internet affected your business? Some people thought the internet would eliminate the need for real estate agents, but in reality, it’s been a great asset for both agents and the public. The consumer has access to so much information, and it can be overwhelming. It’s really hard to interpret all that data, when sale prices and price per square foot are all over the map. You need somebody who is in the business every day, to counsel you.

What’s the most common mistake that new home buyers make? The most common mistake is not understanding the different valuation of different locations. The same house may be worth a different amount in East Memphis than it would in Germantown. Same thing for a house on a busy street versus a quiet cove. It may even vary from the 1500 block of a street to the 1900 block of the same street. Secondly, get pre-approved for a loan by a reputable local lender, so you know what you can afford. And finally, don’t try to do it alone. Get a Realtor to help you.

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 45

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 45

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

SEAN BLANKENSHIP P R E S I D E N T, C O L DW E L L B A N K E R C O L L I N S - M AU RY

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate?

It’s very competitive out there. Sellers can do a few things to maximize their price and reduce the anxiety of selling. First, invest in making your home as turn-key as possible (listen to the market). Appearance is everything; small details matter. Of course, we can help with that and maximize your investment. Finally, remove the stress of trying to find the perfect next home immediately. Find a nice place to rent (Airbnb, VRBO, a condo) overlooking the river or an extended-stay hotel. It will reduce your willingness to compromise and allow you time to work with us to find your dream home.

Before real estate, I worked in the automotive industry for two big car manufacturers. When approached about leading Coldwell Banker Real Estate’s marketing team, I found many similarities between the two sectors. I’ve always wanted to be as close to the customer as possible, leading to better service. I find it rewarding to fulfill a family or individual’s dream of home ownership in real estate. It’s the pinnacle.

What do you enjoy most about your job? It is helping others build or elevate their real estate business. Today, I am focused on leadership and providing the best environment for real estate professionals to succeed in building a lasting business. This accomplishes our ultimate goals; ensuring our real estate professionals have a business of value when they retire and providing the best possible customer service experience for our clients.

Real estate can be a volatile industry. How has it changed over the course of your career? The industry is tied firmly with the economic environment. Two significant events were the 2007 great recession and coronavirus in 2020. Those two events changed human behavior, adjusted household income, changed where people want to live, and challenged our industry. As an industry, we have to adjust to consumer sentiment and behavior. An example is a trend of working from home. It has allowed many families or individuals to move far from their place of employment. No longer are people tied to a commute. Another trend is the so-called “on-demand” society. More and more, consumers expect services and goods immediately. Lastly, consumers can access luxury homes more than ever with low mortgage rates. The definition of luxury is changing with affordability.

What makes Memphis real estate — this particular region — distinctive? Quality at an affordable price. The Memphis general market, including Northwest Mississippi, offers excellent variety and

What’s currently going on with high home prices, interest rates, and inflation?

Sean Blankenship and Angie Ware quality of life. The number of corporations investing and moving to the Memphis general market is testimony to quality at an affordable price.

Do you have a favorite Memphis neighborhood? Is there a hidden jewel? This is a tricky question as we see revitalization everywhere, new construction shifting the traditional landscape, corporate relocation picking back up, and a new generation of homeowners wanting turn-key properties. Call me old-school, but I love East Memphis. The architecture (traditional colonial meets modern transformation), restaurants, retail, access to entertainment, schools, and family environment. Such a great mix, hard to beat.

What are some tips to prepare for buying/selling? There are tons of tips, so I will keep it brief. Buyers should get pre-approved by their lender of choice and eliminate as many contingencies as possible (i.e., the need to sell their home first). Make yourself the best buyer possible when presenting your offer.

Supply and demand at work. The media tends to sensationalize the extremes. We have demand outstripping supply, low-interest rates, and household income and savings historically high. Inflation has entered the conversation, and we are seeing mortgage rates tick up and the average days on the market for homes tick up. While this may feel like normalization, we regularly see multiple offer situations. We saw average sales prices increase by as much as 25 percent year over year in the past few years. That number is floating down, most likely around 11 percent this year. The real estate market fundamentals are strong; this is nothing like 2007.

How much of a problem is the phenomenon of out-of-town corporations buying up properties and renting them or flipping them? The greater Memphis market is always in the top 5 nationally for the category. The question might be, what’s a healthy percentage rate of rentals in a given town or city? I read recently that Southaven and other cities are looking for regulatory options to control this phenomenon. We, of course, believe homeownership is an excellent wealth-building investment, enriches lives, and builds community. But we also recognize it’s not for everyone or accessible to everyone. Affordable housing, in general, must be a priority for our region and country.

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 2

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 46

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

LINDA SOWELL

O W N E R A N D P R I N C I PA L B R O K E R , S O W E L L R E A LT O R S

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate? In 1973, shortly after presenting an offer to a local homebuilder, John G. Sowell, I joined his real estate firm. We married in 1974, and I became principal broker in 1988. Homegrown and locally owned, my agents, family, and I are personally invested in the local businesses and charities that make up the wonderful Midtown community. I’ve always been interested in architecture and houses. Real estate started out as a part-time job and here I am 50 years later.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I am still thrilled every time my client finds “the one.”

What’s the first step a homeowner should take to increase their home’s value? That’s simple. Take care of any and all delayed maintenance.

Any tips to prepare for buying/selling? Buyers should list all of the features they are looking for in a home, then narrow the search to cover the most important needs. When they find a home and are going to make an offer, go in with your highest and best offer. If someone else pays more than my clients’ comfort level, I remind them that there will always be another house. I believe this wholeheartedly, and it remains true even in today’s market. We are now in a sellers’ market because of a lack of inventory. To maximize profits, it’s a good idea for sellers to be the best house in their price range. The trend is to price in the lower range of comparable sales to result in multiple offers. I highly recommend a deep cleaning, including washing windows and decluttering. Paint where needed and make

Not to mention talk them off the ledge, provide perspective, and always have their best interests in mind.

What is the most common mistake that new homebuyers make? The first is paying too much for a home, and the second is waiving inspections.

On average, how long does a house stay on the market in Memphis? Linda Sowell sure the lawn is landscaped and neatly trimmed. A stager can help tremendously when preparing your home for the market. One of my agents always says, “Get your house ready like you’re having a party, and hopefully you won’t need to have the party for long.”

Can you suggest strategies to improve a home’s appeal? Kitchen and bathroom updates are the top improvements. With remodeling and updating, choose timeless finishes and colors rather than anything too personal.

How does the internet (and sites like Zillow) affect your business — since home buyers and sellers are now more knowledgeable about properties? When I started in real estate we exchanged index cards. Multiple listing books originally had four listings per page, then there were 12 houses per page. The internet drastically changed our business. Now we know instantly when something hits the market. At first I was afraid clients wouldn’t need us, but the opposite is true. We are needed to interpret data, guide buyers on how to beat the competition, and help sellers get the most money for their home.

The days on the market vary greatly depending on available inventory.

How many houses do buyers look at before making a decision? The average is about five to seven. I’ve had clients who looked at one house and others who looked for three years.

What’s the most unusual sale you remember? There have been many unusual sales, but the one that stands out involved a chaplain and his family moving from New York to Memphis. After three days of an intense search it was narrowed down to a home in Central Gardens. As the wife videotaped the home, a tree fell on my car parked outside, and she took that as an act of God to not buy the house. While they were f lying back to New York, I found out one of my agents was about to list a house in Evergreen that I knew would be a great fit. The agent gave me 72 hours to get them in the house before listing it. My client was returning to Memphis, only to make it to Atlanta — where all f lights were canceled due to weather. The wife hopped on a plane to Little Rock, rented a car, and drove through a torrential storm to see the house. The clock was ticking and with no time to spare, we toured the home. Thank goodness she fell in love with it!

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 47

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 47

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

STACIA ROSATTI T E A M R O S AT T I

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate? Growing up in Memphis and raising my family in Germantown has made me a Memphis homebody. Understanding the importance of home motivates me to help people find the right space for their lifestyle. All people have different priorities when it comes to their homes; listening to what those are and finding the right fit is a fun challenge for me. When I started my real estate career in 2013, I did so to get back into the flow of business after staying home to raise my family. I got my real estate license as a 50th birthday present to myself, and immediately started to see this “gift” pay off. Fast forward, and it has grown into our family’s business and passion! My husband, Bill, joined me after retiring from a lengthy career in finance, and Rollin, our youngest son, also joined us. That’s the great thing about the real estate industry and our group specifically: We all have different strengths, passions, and experience, and we enjoy working together to help people find their dream home. I really never imagined that happening or all the people we would meet along the way.

What do you enjoy most about the job? I enjoy problem-solving, and the creativity it takes to craft a strategy for our clients that works and gets them what they want. I often work with people during one of the most stressful times of their lives, because moving is usually motivated by change. Change is something I’ve always embraced, so being the trusted advisor and bringing clarity to the chaos of a move is gratifying to me as well. We navigate moves 50 times a year, so it’s not as emotionally taxing on us, and we are able to do our full-time job, while our clients focus on theirs.

Real estate can be a volatile industry. How has it changed over the course of your career? I began in 2013 when the market was coming out of crisis, so it’s been more stable over my career. Seeing the huge shift from a buyers’ market to the recent sellers’ market

doesn’t recognize and enjoy that. The sellers are rarely excited about leaving. Our area provides such a rich quality of life that is hard to find in other places. One quote from a client that I’ll always remember: “We keep trying to replicate our neighborhood in Memphis in other cities and it just really can’t be done!”

What’s the first step a homeowner should take to increase their home’s value?

Stacia Rosatti has been interesting and something that has demanded our creativity and strategic mindset more than ever. Cultivating new client relationships and accomplishing their goals while also navigating a global pandemic was also a unique challenge the industry was not prepared for, so we had to really get creative and pivot on a dime to continue to show and list homes during that time. When I track our business between buyers and sellers, we have maintained a balance between the two even during this market of low inventory, and our end goal does not change: Get our clients exactly what they want. It’s been a goal of mine to grow no matter what market conditions are, and thankfully Team Rosatti has seen yearover-year growth despite Covid and this low-inventory market.

What makes Memphis real estate (this particular region) distinctive? The Memphis region is overall an affordable and convenient place to live. I’ve really never helped anyone buy a home here that

Maintaining a home is step one, but if some things have gone unattended, we start with the deferred-maintenance items. Buyers understand that they will want and need to put their own style into a home, but what they don’t like to do is spend money on exterior wood rot, peeling paint, and major systems. Buyers like to come in and start on the fun part of decorating and designing to their tastes. Every property is unique and every budget is different so we meet people where they are and devise a specific plan for them.

What is a common mistake new homebuyers make? Sometimes people new to our region will believe they can buy well under their budget here because they read the national news about affordability, then when they arrive, they realize that rather than purchase below their budget, they’d just like to enjoy what their money will buy here. It’s human nature to want more for less. Here they can attain that and it’s exciting for them.

Do you have a favorite Memphis neighborhood? Is there a hidden jewel? There are so many hidden jewels in our area! Everywhere I go, I find new ones. It’s really about the buyers, and what is important to them. Do they want to be close to live music and bars, public elementary schools, or have ample access to outdoor space? You can direct a client to multiple amazing neighborhoods that fit the bill for each of those interests. It’s fun to see people flourishing all over town, and moving to different areas of town as their interests or stages of life change.

48 • 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 2

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 48

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

JIMMY REED

P R E S I D E N T A N D C O - O W N E R , M A R X- B E N S D O R F R E A LT O R S

What was it about real estate that drew you in and that you really enjoy?

to realize that staying home and having a wonderful home place has great value against all the other attractions in the world. And so it just became a boom. It’s a really crazy phenomenon. My wife decorates and she has been so busy with folks redoing stuff. The builders are going crazy because they have so much emphasis on home place now. People are not going to be traveling as much and now they have time and energy on their hands and want a beautiful home place.

After a whole lot of years, all of a sudden it dawned on me that it really feels good helping people. I love the process and love helping folks, but it took me a long time to actually verbalize it to myself. I happen to think this is a huge responsibility that we carry to help families. It’s their lives and their money. We have a great duty to know what we’re doing and it’s a very complicated business, more so than ever. I even believe that it’s a moral obligation to do a good job for folks and know about all things real estate. That means understanding the complicated 11-page contract, understanding proper home valuation approaches, having a handle on market trends, putting together successful, and win-win transactions — they don’t have to be confrontational.

What should a potential homebuyer or home seller know about how you work? If someone’s not ready to execute a contract, I’m also not ready for them to execute a contract. I don’t want somebody’s hand shaking when they’re signing the durn thing. They’ve got to have a complete understanding of what’s going on. I will build a relationship with the client and help them understand that I’ll get them through this path and help keep their blood pressure low — no hidden agendas. I talk about all of these things with folks on the front end when I engage with them. Marx-Bensdorf has been around since 1868. We’re the oldest real estate company and the 11th oldest corporation in Memphis. We are a very low-pressure organization — it’s not just me, but the entire firm’s reputation. We are real insistent on everybody having the same deep philosophies about how we serve the public.

Well before the pandemic, floor plans were becoming more open. Have recent trends had an impact on that?

Jimmy Reed Memphis?” And by the end of the day, she’s like, “Rock and roll! Let’s move!” Memphis is finally getting its real due. We’re not losing our culture either. We’re not losing our soul.

What is it that attracts you to a home? I love all things architecture and all things styling. When I was 18 years old, I worked for an interior design firm and a light came on and I just started falling in love with aesthetic matters in art. It’s such a pleasure handling a house that is done in as fine a finish as could possibly be, and imagine the detail work and the sense of what a house brings to folks. When you’re enjoying your home, there’s so much psychology around it and to have this aesthetic environment is an absolute pleasure to be involved with.

What’s it like to have to sell Memphis to out-of-towners?

How has the real estate business been in the last three or four years?

I had a physician and his wife once for clients, and when she got in the car, she said, “Yeah, my husband mentioned Memphis. I don’t know what to think. I mean really?

We all thought 2020 was going to be the end of the world, and little did we know it was going to turn into a wild feast. People were looking inwardly and they’ve had time

I challenge folks to think about that openness. If someone’s in a room watching TV, then everybody in the house is watching TV. So there’d better be some ancillary spaces available, and that has really come to pass with Covid. So people have been moving around, maybe getting more space and having more room so they can have their privacy and work and enjoy the house together.

What about the financial end of it with interest rates and inflation? It is sobering, and the last few months have given us a decided question mark in the marketplace. But most of us nationwide feel like there was a need for some tempering to the pace of things. It’s healthy to slow things down a little bit. It’s going to be a bit of a tough transition time, but you know, a more balanced relationship between buyer and seller is ultimately a good thing for everybody. Folks say, wow, hasn’t real estate been a great boom for you? It has been, but it has had a lot of stresses along with it at the same time: lack of inventory and high demand and trying to understand pricing and values and all that, and how to weave people through complicated, competitive contract environments. It’s been the most interesting and challenging environment as long as I’ve been in the business.

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 49

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 49

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

TIFFANY BROWN A G E N T, A D A R O R E A LT Y

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate?

On average, how long does a house stay on the market in Memphis?

My grandparents relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, when I was around 12 years old. I remembering seeing this beautiful lady with style and grace — not to mention being quick, witty, and knowledgeable — drive up to show us a gorgeous home. I was in awe of her. I said to myself, “I want to be just like her when I grow up.” So I studied business management at Strayer University and became a Realtor, certified as a new home construction specialist. My community focus is to get everyone I know or encounter to own at least one piece of real estate.

This depends on the seller, and the offers they get from buyers. But I’ve seen a fair amount of homes that sell in one day.

How much of a problem is the phenomenon of out-of-town corporations buying up properties and renting them or flipping them?

What do you enjoy most about your job? The freedom to be authentically me. There are no scripts, and no strings attached — it’s just me and it’s accepted. Also, getting a complete stranger to trust you on a daily basis to assist them with all of their real estate goals is electrifying. I like to think that my clients are my family.

What is the most common mistake that new homebuyers make? I would say it’s a mistake listening to other homeowners’ friends, their family members, or even co-coworkers who don’t understand the current market. The same process and guidelines do not apply to everyone. Every buyer’s financial situation is different, as well as their family make up, along with whatever is happening in the current market. I always urge everyone to consult with a Realtor and lean on their expertise to guide you through the process.

Tiffany Brown

How many houses do buyers look at before making a decision? This all depends on a combination of the buyers’ wants, needs, and/or urgency. I have had buyers write an offer on the first home they ever saw, while with others it may take showing 10 homes before the buyer knows what they want. The current market is so low on inventory there is really not much to choose from. But there is no right or wrong way to do this. I tell all buyers, “You know when you walk through the door.” It’s just a feeling you get, and you don’t want to let go of it.

Problem? I would say this is a catastrophe. It has become one of Memphis and the surrounding area’s biggest hurdles, when our home buyers are having to compete with out-of-town investors or hedge fund managers with more resources than they have. It is sad when a buyer who works for the city or county and pays taxes cannot find a home in their own city. This situation sometimes causes our buyers to write 20 to 30 offers before they have one accepted. It’s also costing buyers more out-of-pocket expenses. The good news is that here lately, I have been seeing sellers who are more cautious about selling to investor — just owner-occupants only. This is a start, but we have a long way to go.

What’s the most unusual home you’ve ever sold? I can remember when the youngest buyer I ever sold a home to purchased one of the oldest homes I ever listed. I was so sure it was going to be a “no” when they saw it, but the buyer walked in and was in awe. They said it reminded them of a home they grew up in. The best thing about that sale, was the house was later appraised at $45,000 over the offer price.

50 • 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 2

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 50

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

JUDY McLELLAN A G E N T, C R Y E - L E I K E R E A LT O R S

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate, and why have you stayed with this career? I was a realtor’s kid and my father was in construction, so real estate was just in my blood. Then my husband, Mickey, became my business partner in 1995, and our son is now our closing attorney so real estate is a family affair. I have always followed my mother’s advice, “Do business with your heart,” and that has served me well. When you do business with your heart, you have compassion for your client and their needs rather than for your commission. I never look at a client in terms of money. If you genuinely have a heart to help people with one of their largest investments and you know your business well, success will follow professionally as well as monetarily. Doing business with your heart is not one particular act, it is a culture of how you conduct your business.

Real estate can be a volatile industry. How has it changed over the course of your career? Real estate is like the stock market in a lot of ways, so throughout the years we have faced the challenges of an up and down market. We went through 18 percent interest rates, adjustable rate mortgages, predatory lending, the 2008 debacle, then the good years of 3 percent interest rates, and now demand outpacing supply along with higher interest rates in the 5 percent-plus range. Through it all, you just have to keep a positive attitude, work hard, spend long hours, and remember to always, always do the right thing.

What makes Memphis real estate/this particular region distinctive? Our region is a little slower to accept change so that’s a balance act. Many trends in real estate start in California or Florida. Memphis and the South in general were slow to accept an open-floor plan with one living area rather than two. The “living room” was seldom used and many times just a place where you put antiques and other heirlooms handed down through the years. As the GenX and millennials began to

Are there any common mistakes homeowners looking to sell should avoid?

Judy McLellan buy homes, many of them said, “We don’t want that old stuff, and we don’t need that room.” They would rather have a home office or exercise room. but once Memphians started accepting the new trends, the one-space living area became the rage, and now almost every new home for the last five years has only one living space, which is open to the kitchen and allows for more quality family time. Other examples Memphians have been slow to accept are the dark moody interior colors as well as dark exteriors. White-painted brick has been the rage in Memphis for the last 5-10 years. The next trend we see moving across the country is darker wood cabinetry coming back in style. However, our positives far outweigh the negatives. When it comes to affordability, great architecture, beautiful landscape and vegetation, and wonderful brick construction, Memphis can’t be beat.

What’s the first step a homeowner should take to increase their home’s value? From day one of owning a home, a homeowner should keep their home relevant by avoiding deferred maintenance items. A home needing a new roof, new kitchen appliances, updated countertops, new HVAC units, new carpet, or updated painting is going to take longer to sell and is going to sell for much less than one where deferred maintenance items have been addressed.

I would say the biggest mistake is not listening to the wise counsel of their real estate adviser and their stager, along with wanting to price their home too high. A new listing usually gets its greatest amount of activity in the first four to six weeks of being on the market, and you don’t want your home priced significantly too high during that time. As for condition, you only get one chance at a good first impression. Some sellers want to just put their home on the market as it sits. We have to educate them on why they need updates and changes to help their home sell quicker and for the highest possible price. When we bring our stager to a new listing client, our goal is to take their “home” and make it into “a house for sale” that will appeal to the most buyers. A light neutral color allows the property to be more relevant for the majority of today’s buyers. A blank, light, neutral color palette allows buyers to visualize what their furnishings will look like in the home. Another thing sellers are sometimes reluctant to accept is editing of furniture, furniture placement, and accessories. Our stager is excellent at furniture placement for the market in order for the home to feel open and airy, not cluttered and cramped. If sellers will trust our advice, we fully believe the home will sell faster and for more money.

On average, how long does a house stay on the market in Memphis? That’s not a statistic I pay a lot of attention to. In all price ranges, homes have been selling faster in the last 12 months and for top dollar because of the low supply and high demand. However, ultra luxury homes in Memphis in the $2 million-plus price range are typically not going to sell as fast and have multiple offers like homes in the $200,000 range, and older homes without many updates or with a lot of deferred maintenance are typically not going to sell as fast as newer homes. The old price, condition, and location rule is still alive and well. J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 51

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 51

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Meet The Experts

MEREDITH & PAUL McDONALD A G E N T S , WA R E J O N E S R E A LT O R S

What originally attracted you to a career in real estate, and why have you stayed with this career? Meredith: I remember saying one Sunday night, “I am going to get my real estate License,” just out of the blue! I had recently suggested two homes to two different people and they both bought them. So I said, “I can do this!” One fun fact: After just getting my license, I was at a party (I remember exactly where the house was) and a banker said to me, “Do you really think you can make it in this business?” I was so stunned, I made up my mind to prove him wrong. I love a challenge. Here I am 35 years later, still selling.

Real estate can be a volatile industry. How has it changed over the course of your career? Real estate has always been an industry full of changes. So many factors create change, usually for the better. Technology has been the biggest influence. I can remember getting a cell phone for my birthday and I was furious — it was like getting a vacuum cleaner! Cell phones were a game-changer; we used to have to return every call after we got home as we had no phone in the car. Now the technology has advanced to unlocking a door with a button on your phone and writing an offer electronically. Then there are platforms like Zillow. The entire world thinks Zillow is the official expert for each home, even though Zillow has never seen the home or measured it. Plus, Covid has certainly created more issues, but agents found a way to work around it. Appointments were very specific — no overlapping of showings, no open houses, electronic signatures became the norm, and closings were often in the attorneys’ parking lots.

What makes Memphis real estate/this particular region distinctive? Memphis is unusual! One reason is that we have such beautiful and incredible “real”

On average, how long does a house stay on the market in Memphis?

Meredith & Paul McDonald neighborhoods, where people are friendly and everybody knows everybody and there is great pride in ownership. It is still a Southern town, and Memphis should appreciate the great architecture, old trees, great parks, and fun restaurants in every area.

What’s the first step a homeowner should take to increase their home’s value? “Rome was not built in a day.” I encourage homeowners to invest in projects as often as possible. Most people cannot renovate an entire home overnight. When sellers make small changes, they become so proud and productive. Every buyer wants a renovated kitchen or baths — the market confirms that you will get your investment returned to you.

Are there any common mistakes homeowners looking to sell should avoid? They often think their home is perfect just the way it is and they do not think it should be decluttered or any repairs made to put it on the market. They need to realize it needs to be neutral. Buyers so often cannot imagine their possessions in the house if it is cluttered with “too much stuff.” I believe the agent should help make an executive decision to suggest ways to declutter and assess the condition with the owner before putting the home on the market.

In the last two years, the number of days on the market is comical — maybe three days. The lack of inventory and the fierce competition has made the “days on market” an unusually short time period. Buyers offer an incredible monetary amount, and the sellers are willing to accept the price in a matter of hours. But at the end of the day, there is no way to predict how long it will take a house to sell — a perfect home might take longer to sell!

What is the most common mistake that homebuyers make? They think that everything has to be completed the first week. Take your time, check out the lighting, do not paint immediately, and live in it for a few months. Just living in a home for a short time period allows the owner to see the lighting, depending on the time of day, or which room becomes the family favorite for new furniture. It is easy to choose the wrong paint color and a costly one! So often new buyers make changes that are not needed or justified.

On average, how many houses do buyers look at before making a decision? Every buyer is different. Some can buy in a day and others take months or years. Some buyers know exactly what they want and where they want to live; others have to see every house available. I always tell them, the more they see, the better satisfied they will be!

How much of a problem is the phenomenon of out-of-town corporations buying up properties and renting them or flipping them? I do not think of it as a problem but more of a good thing for our city. I know that Memphis is a very affordable market for investors, but investors have certainly raised the prices. I hate to have so many rental homes in all of these areas, and as a buyer, it is hard to compete with investors’ money.

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 2

045_MM07_2022_RealtorProfiles_v08B.indd 52

6/17/22 1:48 PM

Celebrate Your Company’s Milestone

Contemporary Media, locally owned publishers of Memphis magazine, the Memphis Flyer, and more, are 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

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/16/22 3:40 PM

AN… MEET THE MEMBERS

of the Multi Million Dollar Club

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 throughout 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 $4.25 million in accumulative total gross sales or leases. • A minimum of 30 units. At present, more than 475 MAAR members are also members of the Multi Million Dollar Club.

Multi Million Dollar Club | BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Amy Batson President Crye-Leike Realtors

Robin Fauser Marx- Bensdorf, Realtors

Halle Whitlock McWaters & Associates

Sarah Aylward Crye-Leike Realtors

Julie Upchurch McWaters & Associates

Audrey Davis REMAX Experts, LLC

Nancy Huddleston President-Elect Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Amanda Lee McWaters & Associates

Sherry Scott-Chambers Crye-Leike Realtors

Sissy Vaughan BHHS McLemore & Co.

Dustin Benetz Emmett Baird Realty

April Davison Regency Realty

Rachel Gilliam Crye-Leike Realtors

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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 54

6/17/22 1:02 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club /

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 Fontaine Albritton, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Linda Allad, Fast Track Realty, LLC Michelle Amen, KAIZEN 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 Jennifer Anthony, Keller Williams Jennifer Arendale, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Linda Arnold, River Realty, LLC Paige Arnold, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeanne Arthur, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Ryan Arthur, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Mia Atkinson, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Rhonda Avant, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Lynn Baack, Sowell Realtors Lynda Baddour, Ware Jones, Realtors Jerry Baggett, HORIZON REALTY Patti Baggett, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Bill Bates, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

ILLUSTRATION BY NONGPIMMY / DREAMSTIME

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 55

Amy Batson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Angella Battle, Homestead Real Estate Group Barbara Baxter, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Pam Beall, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Barbara Becker, Adaro Realty, Inc. Pat Beech, Arlena Enos, Realtors Sandra Beibers, Clearpoint, Realtors Cassandra Bell-Warren, 4 Success Realty, LLC Tracie Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Carrie Benitone, Ware Jones, Realtors Ellie Bennett, Hobson Realtors M. Scott Bettis, Crye-Leike Inc., Realtors Jeanne Billings, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Anna Bishop, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Felix Bishop, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Cathleen Black, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Bernie Black-Garwood, Adaro Realty, Inc. Ceylon Blackwell, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Vicki Blackwell, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Harold Blockman, Keller Williams Ashley Bonds, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Melody Bourell, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Jack Bowman, Enterprise, Realtors Ric Bowman, Weichert, Realtors-BenchMark Steve Boysen, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

LIFE MEMBERS

Marina Brinkley, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jeffrey Britt, REMAX Experts, LLC Jeff Bronze, Premier Realty, Inc. Juan Brooks, Process Realty Services Leanne Brooks, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jessica Brown, REMAX Experts, LLC Sharon Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Steve Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Susan Brubaker, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeannie Bruce, Hobson Realtors Billye Bryan, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors 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 Margaret Burke, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Lisa Burks, Adaro Realty, Inc. Carole Ann Burns, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeff Burress, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Angela Burross, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Shannon Byers, John Green & Co., Realtors Thomas Byrd, Byrd Realty Services, LLC Lisa Cannon, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Carolina Capote, Hobson Realtors Fara Captain, Captain & Company Real Estate Julianne Carney, Keller Williams Cindy Carr, Adaro Realty, Inc. William Carr, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Nancy Carroll, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jennifer Carstensen, Real Estate Agency Betty Carter, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeanette Carter, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Juan Casem, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Trina Chamberlain, Adaro Realty, Inc. Ramona Chapman, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Joyce Chasteen, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jean Childress, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Laura Clark, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Ginger Coggins, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Debbe Coletta, REMAX Experts, LLC Jessica Collier, Collier Realtors Doug Collins, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Robbie Conn, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Laurie Cooper, Keller Williams Angela Correale, Correale Builders and Realtors Meagan Coscia, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Violetta Couture, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Barbara Cowles, Hobson Realtors Lisa Cox, Groome & Co. Cyndi Craft, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Michelle Creamer, Keller Williams 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

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

6/17/22 1:02 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club /

LIFE MEMBERS

Michele Crump, Hobson Realtors Eric Crutcher, Doorstep Realty Harold Crye, Crye-Leike, Inc., 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. Curt Davis, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Carol Deegler, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Cindy Diaz, MidSouth Residential, LLC Jon Dickens, The Firm Tracy Dougan Lombardo, Ware Jones, Realtors Joseph Doughton, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Rhea Douglas, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Barbara S. DuFour, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Elizabeth Wilson Duke, The Firm Jim Duke, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Mark Duke, Ware Jones, Realtors Heather Durham, Main Street Realtors Loura Edmondson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Aaron Edwards, eXp Realty, LLC Susan Edwards, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Griffin Elkington, River City Land Co., LLC Cindy Elliott, John Green & Co., Realtors Sharon Ellis, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Kelly Erb, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Stephanie Evans Taylor, Sowell Realtors Patty Everitt, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Rosemarie Fair, One Source Commercial, Inc. Robin Fauser, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Karla Fayne, Keller Williams Lisa Fields, Ware Jones, Realtors Scott Fields, MyTown Properties Memphis Jimmie Finch, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

Isaac Fisher, Redkey Realty Victoria Fleming, Keller Williams 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, Fowler Realty Inc. Maureen Fraser, John Green & Co., Realtors Danny Freeman, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jason Gaia, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Laura Gaither, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Vicki Gandee, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors J. Gary Garland, Garland Company Real Estate

Kathryn Garland, Garland Company Real Estate Ken Garland, Ken Garland Co., Realtors Abbey Garner Miesse, Oak Grove Realty, LLC John Gatti, Keller Williams Realty Rachel Gilliam, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors 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, Real Estate Agency 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, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Billy Groome, Groome & Co. Jeanna Groome, Groome & Co. Kim Hairrell, Crye-Leike Inc., Realtors Beth Halbach, Keller Williams Lisa Haley, Keystone Realty, LLC Rita Hallum, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Allen Hamblin, Hobson 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, Exit Realty Blues City Kenneth Harris, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Shirley Harris, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Gary Harte, KAIZEN Realty, LLC 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 Thomas Henze, Keller Williams Jerry Hewlett, John Green & Co., Realtors Lexie Hicks, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Terrance Hill, eXp Realty, LLC Carole Hinely, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Joshua Hisaw, Keller Williams Kelli Hobbs, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jennifer Hobson, Hobson Realtors Joel Hobson, Hobson Realtors Hank Hogue, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Stan Holmes, REMAX Experts, LLC Debbie Holtermann, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Jimmie Hopson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Richard Howle, Keller Williams Jane Hubbard, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Neil Hubbard, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Regina Hubbard, Fast Track Realty, LLC Nancy Huddleston, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Marcia Hughes, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Sherry Hulen, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Cathy Hunter Banks, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Barbara Huntzicker, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Kathy Hurley, REMAX Experts, LLC Lita Hurston-Reed, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Sally Isom, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Carol Iverson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Cathy Ivey, Enterprise Realtors Susie James, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Gail Johnsey, eXp Realty, LLC C. Lauren Jones, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Faye Jones, eXp Realty, LLC Worth Jones, Ware Jones, Realtors Louise Jordan, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Kay Joyner, Hometown Realty

David Kam, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Faith Kaye, Ware Jones, Realtors Allen Keeton, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Angie Kelley, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Betsy Kelly, Hobson Realtors Laurence Kenner, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Amanda Kirkman, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Angie Kirkpatrick, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Michelle Koeppen, Ware Jones, Realtors Nataraja Krishnaraju, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Marjo Labonte, McWaters & Associates Cheryl Lamghari, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Randal Lankford, Lankford Realty Co. Jake Lawhead, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Jeanene Lawhead, Hobson Realtors Amanda Lee, McWaters & Associates Nan Lee, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Dick Leike, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Barry Less, Vylla Home Connie Lester, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Pat Lichterman, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeanette Lin, Pinnacle Realty John Linthicum, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Daniel Lipsey, Keller Williams Verna Littleton, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Amanda Lott, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Carol Lott, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Karen Love, Groome & Co. Jerry Lucius, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Christine Lundy, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Brian Lurie, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors David Maley, RE/MAX Right Way Diane Malkin, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Bill Malone, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Stephen Mansour, REMAX Experts, LLC Thomas Marchbanks, eXp Realty, LLC Pamela Martello, Fowler Realty Inc. Carol Martin, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Melody Martin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 56

6/17/22 1:02 PM

REINVENTING REAL ESTATE You’re more than just a contract! ®

ABBEY GARNER MIESSE Broker, ABR, GRL, SRES, New Home Specialist, Lifetime Member of MultiMillion Dollar Club Abbey is a native Memphian that has been selling real estate for over 25 years. She is a dedicated professional who works tirelessly to help buyers find the perfect house and assist sellers in getting their property sold quickly and efficiently. Call ABBEY today to buy or sell a home!

901-309-0710 901-237-3290

OakGroveRealty_Jul22_fp.indd 1 MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/26/22 9:56 AM 6/7/22 11:45 AM

Multi Million Dollar Club / Kathryn Anne Matheny, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Monica Mauricio, REMAX Experts, LLC Bill Maury, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Christie May, Ware Jones, Realtors Eleanore Maynard, Hobson, Realtors Deborah Mays, Hobson, Realtors Laurie McBride Connors, Ware Jones, Realtors Meredith McDonald, Ware Jones, Realtors Paul McDonald, Ware Jones, Realtors

Emily McEvoy, Keller Williams Thomas McGhee, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Barbara McKee, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Joyce McKenzie, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jill McKnatt, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Judy McLellan, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Tiffany McLemore, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Lee McWaters, McWaters & Associates 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. Crystal Mitchell, Crye-Leike Inc., Realtors William Mitchell, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Leah Mooney, Keller Williams Dianne Moore, C21 Home First, Realtors Juliette Moore, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jolynna Morales, Groome & Co. Matt Morgan, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Christina Morris, Hobson Realtors Ruth Morris, Hobson Realtors Donnie Morrow, eXp Realty, LLC Christopher Mosby, ResiAmerica, Inc. Jon Moultrie, Enterprise Realtors Holly Mount, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Cheryl Muhammad, Assured Real Estate Services Cynthia Murden, Adaro Realty, Inc. Robert Neal, Realty Services, LLC Karen Newton, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Saeed Nia, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Katherine Nichols Cook, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Debbie Nixon, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Tammy Norman, MidSouth Residential, LLC Thomas North, The Carter Group LLC, Realtors Linda Norton, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Leslie O’Leary, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Kaylee Oaks, Hometown Realty Kirby Oldham, John Green & Co., Realtors Ashley Onsby, MidSouth Residential, LLC

LIFE MEMBERS

Claire Owen, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Janet Pace, Heritage Homes Co. Robbie Ann Pahlow, Adaro Realty, Inc. Mike Parker, The Firm Kay Paul, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Alicestine Payne, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Milleigh Pearson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Marla Pennington, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Weesie Percer, Keller Williams Pablo Pereyra, 901, Realtors Barby Perlberg, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Diane Peterson, Keller Williams Jan Phillips, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Pam Phillips, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Silvana Piadade, eXp Realty, LLC Pam Pierce, Ware Jones, Realtors Preston Pittman, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Mary Frances Pitts, Ware Jones, Realtors Molly Plunk, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Layne Popernik, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Terri Porter, The Porter Group Billy Price, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Landra Pryor, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Lola Putt, REMAX Experts, LLC Wendy Quinn, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Patty Rainey, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Morgan Ray, Ware Jones, Realtors Evette Reaves, Grant & Co., Realtors Jimmy Reed, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Melissa Reed, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Bradley Reedy, Reedy Group II, LLC Greg Renfrow, NextHome Cornerstone Realty Karen Reyes, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Michelle Reynolds, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jane Riggen, MidSouth Residential, LLC GaNelle Roberts, The Firm Connie Robertson, Bridgetowne Homes Josie Robinson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Debbie Rodda, Ware Jones, Realtors Billy Rodgers, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Carolyn Rogers, Adaro Realty, Inc. Stephanie Rooks, Keller Williams Stacia Rosatti, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Sheldon Rosengarten, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Nan Rountree, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Robert Rowe, Hobson Realtors Mike Rowland, Mike Rowland, REALTOR Max Rubenstein, Keller Williams Laquita Rucker, Rucker Realty, LLC Mary Ruleman, Hobson Realtors Aven Russell, John Green & Co., Realtors Larry Russell, Keller Williams Jennie Sampson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Kathleen Sampson, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Itzel Sanchez Bustamante, Premier Realty Group, LLC Bubba Sandefer, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Lila Saunders, Ware Jones, Realtors Marc Scheinberg, Keller Williams Realty

Taj Schuerman, Keller Williams Realty Hedda Schwartz, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Elizabeth Scott, Ware Jones, Realtors Sherry Scott-Chambers, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Debbi Scruggs, John Green & Co., Realtors Donna Scruggs, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Edwin Scruggs, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Jo Shaner, Keller Williams Edward Sharp, McWaters & Associates Virginia Sharp, Ware Jones, Realtors Channing Shaw, MyTown Properties Memphis Stephanie Sheahan, Ware Jones, Realtors Myra Sheddan, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Polly Shipley, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Alta Simpson, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Wally Sisk, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Donna Skaarer, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Brooke Smith, REMAX Experts, LLC Cheryl Smith, Adaro Realty, Inc. Crissy Smith, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeffrey Smith, Blu Bird 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 Allyson Smothers, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Macky Sneed, Sneed Company, Realtors Steve Solomon, Sowell Realtors Linda Sowell, Sowell Realtors Joe Spake, InCity Realty Thomas Spencer, Main Street, Realtors Joshua Spotts, The Best Spotts John Stamps, The Stamps Real Estate Company

Dian Stanley, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Laurie Stark, Hobson Realtors Tracie Stephens, Adaro Realty, Inc. Molly Stevens, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Bill Stewart, REMAX Experts, LLC Rae Ann Stimpson, The Carter Group LLC, Realtors Sue Stinson-Turner, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Carol K Stout, Ware Jones, Realtors Gloria Strawn, C21 Maselle & Associates Donna Strazi, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Conlee Stringfellow, Ware Jones, Realtors Camille Sudduth, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Sally Summerlin, Summerlin & Associates, LLC Sarah Surratt, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Mary Sutton, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Matthew Talley, Keller Williams Tim Tanner, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Tyler Tapley, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

58 • 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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 58

6/17/22 1:02 PM

Maureen Fraser Maureen Fraser REAL ESTATE | COMMUNITY | SERVICE

REAL ESTATE | COMMUNITY | SERVICE Office (901) 853-0763 Mobile (901) 674-0954 Office (901) 853-0763 soldwithmaureen.com

Mobile (901) 674-0954 soldwithmaureen.com

Building Neighbors since 1979.

johngreen.com | 50 N. Main Street, Ste. 101, Collierville, TN 38017

Building Neighbors since 1979.

I am proud to be an

johngreen.com | 50 N. Main Street, Ste. 101, Collierville, TN 38017

Official R E A L T OR ®

OF THE MEMPHIS TIGERS

! s r e g i T Go

A F F I L I AT E B R O K E R

901.573.2832 901.260.4780 Anna.Bishop@Crye-Leike.com AnnaBishop.Crye-Leike.com

901.573.2832 | 901.260.4780 | ANNA.BISHOP@CRYE-LEIKE.COM @AnnaBishopRealtor Facebook.com/AnnaBishopRealtor

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/15/22 1:22 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club / R Darnell Tate, Byrd Realty Services, LLC Annie Taylor, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Alicia Teeter, Keller Williams Loyd Templeton, Ware Jones, Realtors David Tester, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Lisa Thomas, BEST Real Estate Company Richard Travers, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Ana Trujillo, Trujillo Realty David Truong, eXp Realty, LLC Paul Turner, Germantown Properties Christy Utterback, REMAX Experts, LLC Nasreen Valiani, Pinnacle Realty Raymond Vallier, Purple Reign Realty Sissy Vaughan, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty Robert Vaughn, First Premier Properties, LLC Mindy Wagerman, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Karen Walker, Karen Walker Realty Group, LLC Jason Wallace, Keller Williams Realty Laura Wallace, Keller Williams Realty Matt Wallace, Keller Williams Ray Wallace, REMAX Experts, LLC Edward Walthal, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Curtis Ward, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Angie Ware, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Denise Ware, Ware Jones, Realtors William Ware, Ware Jones, Realtors Ashley Weatherly Staffor, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Barbara Weir, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Sheryl Wells, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jill White, Fast Track Realty, LLC Sam White, Keller Williams Suzanne White, Keller Williams Ryan Whiteside, Lankford Realty Co. Halle Whitlock, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Chet Whitsitt, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Judy Whitsitt, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Dana Whitworth, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Melissa Wilbanks, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Randall Wilder, Sowell Realtors Daniel Wilkinson, Colliers International Deborah Williams, 4 Success Realty, LLC 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. R. Annette Wilson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Pamela Worley, Unique Properties Adam Wright, Duane Wright Realty 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, LLC Steve Young, eXp Realty, LLC Leslie Zarshenas, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Andres Zuluaga, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury 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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 60

L I FE M EM B ERS / 1 S T, 2N D, 3 RD, 4T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M EM B ERS

Multi Million Dollar Club 1 S T, 2 N D , 3 R D , 4 T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M E M B E R S

•

Brandon Ackerman, Keller Williams Anna Acosta, REMAX Experts, LLC Adrian Adair-Boyland, Keller Williams Stephanie Adney, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Tara Airhart, The Firm Aljenae Ajayi, Adaro Realty, Inc. Andrew Akins, CB Properties of Memphis, LLC Chelena Allen, BenchMark Realtors, LLC Elizabeth Amodeo, Adaro Realty, Inc. Cristian Amparan, Pinnacle Realty Renelle Anderson-Valentine, D R Horton Memphis Kira Auvert, Adaro Realty, Inc. Sarah Aylward, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Melanie Badgley, Harris Realty Services Erin Baker, Grant & Co., Realtors Lisa Ballard-Martin, D R Horton Memphis Sarah Bard, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Mille Beard, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Amber Beard Bean, Groome & Co. Linda Bell, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Jacob Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Dustin Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Jeff Bennett, Hobson Realtors Flor Bernal, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

Rik Berry, Keller Williams Stacey Berry, Keller Williams Ashleigh Bettis, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC Hallie Biggs, Ware Jones, Realtors Robin Black, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Melanie Blakeney, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Tanika Bland, BEST Real Estate Company Brooke Boone, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Jodie Bowden, The Porter Group Tyler Bowman, Weichert, Realtors-BenchMark Curtis Braden, Braden, Braden & Braden LLC Tracy Brecheen, Keller Williams Realty Lowell Brister, Leco Realty, Inc. Deborah Brooks, Main Street Realtors Victoria Brown, 4 Success Realty, LLC Alexis Brown, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Jennifer Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Mary Brown, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Tiffany Brown, Adaro Realty, Inc. Seth Bryan, Bryan Realty Group April Bryan, Bryan Realty Group Brandi Bundrant, BST Realty Julie Burke, Keller Williams Realty Kaye Burke, McWaters & Associates

ILLUSTRATION BY NONGPIMMY / DREAMSTIME

6/17/22 1:02 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club / Mel Burleigh, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Monica Bynum, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Angela Cage, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Ken Cannon, Crye-Leike of MS, Inc. Lauren Cansler, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Loraine Carroll, Rain Realty Resources, LLC Chase Chasteen, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Lisa Chou, Adaro Realty, Inc. Lynley Churchwell, REMAX Experts, LLC Ashlyn Clark, Keller Williams Liz Clark, Keller Williams Kevin Clark, Keller Williams Alli Clark, Keller Williams Marq Cobb, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC Sherry Cole, John Green & Co., Realtors Marcia Coleman, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Frank Colvett, REMAX Experts, LLC LaTasha Conway, Divine Destiny Realty Julie Cook, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Theresa Cook, eXp Realty, LLC Teresa Coop, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Joshua Cooper, Sowell Realtors Ludora Cooper, Prime Realty & Investments John Cornes, Braden, Braden & Braden LLC LeLinda Cox, D R Horton Memphis Julianna Craft, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Kristie Craig, Hometown Realty Lee Anne Crisp, Exit Realty Blues City Brittany Crocitto, Life Realtors Corey Crosslin, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Alton Cryer, Keller Williams Alisha Cullers, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Suzanne Culpepper, The Murphy Company, Realtors Evans Cummings, Regency Realty, LLC Pat Cummins, Richards-Cummins Real Estate, Mandy Cushenberry, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Leanna Dagen, Five Star Real Estate Services Jaron Darnell, Real Estate Agency Audrey Davis, REMAX Experts, LLC Tammy Davis, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury April Davison, Regency Realty, LLC Clarence Dickson, BEST Real Estate Company

Patricia Didlake, Didlake Realty Group, LLC Cassandra DiMento, John Green & Co., Realtors Tracy Duggan, REMAX Experts, LLC Alan Durham, Main Street Realtors Alli Echlin, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Hayden Edmondson, eXp Realty, LLC Cynthia Edwards, Assured Real Estate Services Lauren Edwards, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Rebecca Edwards, Keller Williams Anthony Elliott, John Green & Co., Realtors

1 S T, 2N D, 3 RD, 4T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M EM B ERS

Teresa Ervin, 2 Rivers Realty, LLC Medley Ewan, Keller Williams Nadia Fares, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Daniel Farris, Main Street Realtors Lorraine Fields, MyTown Properties Memphis Lisa Fitzgerald, Main Street Realtors Sarah Flack, The Firm David Fraser, John Green & Co., Realtors Michael Frizzell, Adaro Realty, Inc. Thomas Gandee, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Gary Garrison, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Jason Gendron, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Jodi Gibbs, 901 Real Estate Services Alex Gibson, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC Mary Anne Gibson, The Firm Ashley Gillihan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Kim Golden, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Michelle Goode, eXp Realty, LLC Karen Gray, REMAX Experts, LLC Toni Green, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jessica Green, Keller Williams Realty Patricia Greer, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Katrina Grubb, The Firm Rachel Guthrie, McWaters & Associates Melvin Guy, Reid Realtors Patrick Halloran, Halloran Realty Group Joanne Hardy, Duane Wright Realty Kim Harper, Groome & Co. Kissten Harris, Pinnacle Realty Crystell Harris, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Venytra Harris, Keller Williams Karen Hart-Taylor, John Green & Co., Realtors James Harvey, Keller Williams William Haynes, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Tona Heard, D R Horton Memphis Raven Henderson, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Elizabeth Hendricks, Weichert REALTOR-SPM Camela Henke, Enterprise Realtors Marissa Hertzog, Captain & Company Real Estate Stacy Hobson, J Hunter Realty Megan Hodges, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Leana Holcomb, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Danielle Holland, Reedy Group II, LLC Paige Holmes, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Larry Holtermann, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Carolyn Hooker, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors James Hooker, Tiger Realty Heather Horton, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jeffrey Howard, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC Katie Hughes, Tiffany Jones Realty Group Shawn Hughes, Keller Williams Loren Huie, eXp Realty, LLC Christie Hurst, List 4 Less Realty Beverly Hyter, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Luke Jackson, eXp Realty, LLC Tony Jackson, Weichert REALTOR-SPM Joseph Jackson, 4 Success Realty, LLC

Michael Jacques, Reid Realtors Stephen James, Keller Williams Kelly Jankovsky, Exit Realty Blues City Donna Jarrett, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC Keri Jayroe, eXp Realty, LLC Tracy Jefferson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Katelyn Jeffrey McAlexander, CryeLeike, Inc., Realtors Julie Jenkins, REMAX Experts, LLC Susan Jenkins, 2 Rivers Realty, LLC Tia Jennings, Keller Williams Chris Johnston, Keller Williams Tiffany Jones, Tiffany Jones Realty Group Kim Jones, Faith Management & Realty Grou James Jones, eXp Realty, LLC

Jan Jones, Groome & Co. Michael Jones, Regency Realty, LLC Sam Jordan, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Christina Keaton, MidSouth Residential, LLC Danielle Kebede, D R Horton Memphis Hart Burke Kelman, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Tara King, Tiffany Jones Realty Group Allison Klein, Keller Williams Ching Knaebel, REMAX Experts, LLC Stephanie Koshak, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Varma Kosuri, The Buyer’s Agent Tarra Kruzan, REMAX Experts, LLC Rebecca Kuntzman, Grant & Co., Realtors KC Lam, Cordova Realty, Inc. Brahim Lamghari, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Daniel Lane, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Jo Ann Langlois, Keller Williams Candace Leake, Crye-Leike of MS, Inc. Lilly Leatherwood, Keller Williams Kelly Leonard, Real Estate Agency Stephanie Lewis, Purple Reign Realty Dominey Long Shaw, Halloran Realty Group David Lorrison, BHHS Taliesyn Realty Jonathan Loveless, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jason Lowe, Fast Track Realty, LLC Theresa Lucas, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co Brian Maclin, Unique Properties Catrell Maclin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Felecia Magro, The Stamps Real Estate Company Hugh Mallory, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Enarn Malvezzi, Regency Realty, LLC Anthony Mannie, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Tamara Manuel, BenchMark Realtors, LLC Brandy Marek, Weichert, Realtors-BenchMark Kenneth Marino, Keller Williams Realty Jan Mars, Keller Williams Realty Lewis Marshall, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 61

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 61

6/17/22 1:02 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club /

1 S T, 2N D, 3 RD, 4T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M EM B ERS

Have you looked at your trees lately?

Make Sure Your Trees Are Healthy and Safe Give your trees a preventative checkup to make sure they can weather the storms ahead. Call today for a free estimate.

WE KNOW MEMPHIS TREES! 901-363-3539 robinsontree.net

Broadway Pizza House Legendary Pizza Since 1977

2581 Broad Avenue (901) 454-7930

629 South Mendenhall

(901) 207-1546

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2022

FACE OF

PIZZA

Mary Martin, Regency Realty, LLC Carrie McCaskill Smith, Fayette Realty, LLC Veronica McCasland, List 4 Less Realty Marty McClatchy, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Laurie McClerkin, MidSouth Residential, LLC Africa McCloy, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Sherita McCray, Assured Real Estate Services Lila Mehdian, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jacki Metcalf, Property Shoppe Realty LaToya Middleton-Roach, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors LaJuana Miller, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Thomas Miller, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Venus Miller, Greenlee Realty, LLC Bruce Milner, eXp Realty, LLC Bridget Mirza, Zach Taylor Real Estate Crystal Mitchell, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Livona Monday, Groome & Co. Nancy Moore, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Michelle Moore, Moore Realty Experts John Moore, Keller Williams Paul Morris, Morris and Morris Evan Mottley, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co Stephanie Moulder, Groome & Co. Brad Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC Devon Murphy, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Natalie Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC Amy Murrah, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Courtney Murrah, Ware Jones, Realtors Jenna Nair, Keller Williams Realty Cali Neal, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Lisa Nelson, 901, Realtors Kathy Newsom, BenchMark Realtors, LLC Bang Nguyen, REMAX Experts, LLC Jordan Nichols, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Mary Lynn Nicholson, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Timothy Nix, eXp Realty, LLC Jonathan Nunez, Fast Track Realty, LLC Jaime Osborn, Weichert, Realtors-BenchMark Scott Park, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Gentry Parker, Duane Wright Realty Princess Parker, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Mike Parker, REMAX Experts, LLC Caleb Parr, Renshaw Company, Realtors Brittany Patriss, eXp Realty, LLC Travis Patterson, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co Shay Payne, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Scott Perryman, The Porter Group Olena Petrova, Petrova Realty, LLC Molly Phillips, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 62

6/17/22 12:20 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club / Kimmer Plunk, REMAX Experts, LLC Amber Poe, Grant & Co., Realtors Erin Prather, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty Andre Pruitt, eXp Realty, LLC Hannah Purdy, Bryan Realty Group Jamie Purvis, List 4 Less Realty Mike Pyrdom, eXp Realty, LLC Katy Quinn, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Brooke Redmon Benton, Action Realty Jessica Rogers, List 4 Less Realty Cheryl Rogers, RE/MAX Right Way Rollin Rosatti, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Jaime Ross, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Austin Rowe, Rowe Realtors Renee Rucker, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Tiffany Ruiz, MidSouth Residential, LLC Kristi Ryan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Harry Samuels, Pinnacle Realty Paula Sansom, Hobson Realtors Court Satterfield, Faith Management & Realty Grou Logan Scheidt, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Sherri Schmid, Groome & Co. Kirsten Sciacchetano, eXp Realty, LLC Francyetta Seward, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co Jennifer Shackelford, Groome & Co. Michelle Shaver, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Beth Shindler, Captain & Company Real Estate Melonie Simpson, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Lorna Skelton, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Anthony Smith, Divine Destiny Realty Michelle Smith, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Brandon Smith, Smith Family Real Estate, LLC Vincent Smith, REMAX Experts, LLC Hannah Smith, Enterprise Realtors Suzanne Smith, Enterprise Realtors Susie Sneed, Sneed Company, Realtors Tim Spellings, Duane Wright Realty

1 S T, 2N D, 3 RD, 4T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M EM B ERS

www.LaniganAlliedVanLines.com 901.744.7070 or 800.237.5411

Todd Adams Lifetime Multi-Million Dollar Club Realtor

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY East Memphis Office 775 Ridgelake Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120 Cell (901) 870-7633 0ffice (901) 261-7900 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Jennifer Stachowski, Keller Williams Realty Carrie Stewart, Regency Realty, LLC Alan Stricklin Crenshaw, Ware Jones, Realtors Sharleen Sundin, Groome & Co. Mallely Tackett, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Mark Thoman, Bluff City Properties, LLC Sandra Thomas, Weichert REALTOR-SPM Meleah Thurmond-Edwards, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Aubrey Tilson, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Abby Tompkins, Keller Williams Christian Townsend, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Eric Trotz, Trotz Real Estate Serv., Inc.

Memphis is #1 in senior hunger.

Help us change that. Learn more at community.mifa.org.

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 63

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 63

6/17/22 12:21 PM

Multi Million Dollar Club /

1 S T, 2N D, 3 RD, 4T H , & M U LT I -Y E A R M EM B ERS

Carlye Tulley, eXp Realty, LLC Alexandra Turner, Hobson Realtors Sandra Tushek, Groome & Co. Julie Upchurch, McWaters & Associates Mike Valiani, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Jenny Vergos, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Maria Vescovo, McWaters & Associates Meredith Vezina, Keller Williams Renee Victory, Oak Grove Realty, LLC Lauren Vinson, Fast Track Realty, LLC Howard Vongpaseuth, Pinnacle Realty

Memphis Parent wants to highlight the region’s top student-athletes. Know a rising sports star?

NOMINATE your favorite athlete at memphisparent.com/playbook *Student-athlete nominees must be in middle or high school.

Tony Vuong, Keller Williams Realty Morgan Wakefield, Regency Realty, LLC Lauren Walker, Regency Realty, LLC Petra Walker Jones, Keller Williams Gary Walls, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Michael Ward, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Taylor Waring, Ware Jones, Realtors Frank Warren, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Randall Weatherall, Memphis Metro Realty Sarah Webb, Exit Realty Blues City Frieda Weeden, Keller Williams Dawn Welch Kinard, Welch Realty, LLC Cynthia Wells, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Chad West, Sowell Realtors Denise West, REMAX Experts, LLC

John West, Marx-Bensdorf, Realtors Tanquilla Wherry, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Justin Wilburn, Fayette Realty, LLC Marceline Williams, eXp Realty, LLC Stacy Williams, KAIZEN Realty, LLC Jennifer Williams, Hobson Realtors Latoya Williams Veals, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Patrice Williams-Wooten, Keller Williams Shimar Willis, Progressive Realty Services Myles Wilson, Keller Williams Ashley Wisch, eXp Realty, LLC Amy Woods, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Steve Worley, Unique Properties Charlene Wright, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors Fiona Yanok, The Stamps Real Estate Company Camille Zanone, Crye-Leike, Inc., Realtors

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 2

043_MM07_2022_MAAR&MMDC_lists_v07.indd 64

6/17/22 1:02 PM

The Memphis Area Association Of Realtors

2022 - 2023 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The 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.

MemphisAreaAssociationOfRealtors_Jul22_fp_MMDC.indd 1

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 Gala and an Election Celebration.

6/17/22 12:25 PM

real estate ALL-STARS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WILLIAM & EMILY CARTER Realtors

WILLIAM AND EMILY CARTER collectively have over 10+ years in the real estate industry that includes property investing, short term rental hosting, and property management, as well as an extensive background in architecture, interior design, and construction. As native Memphians, the Carters’ recently relocated back home to contribute to their roots and serve our growing community. William has vast experience in property management and short term rental consulting. He is also the author of The Recipe: A guide to generating additional income using the key resource you already have — your home. You will enjoy his charisma, dedication, and passion for helping others learn the value of real estate in building generational wealth. Emily began her architecture + design career at Hospital Corporation of America in Nashville while also working as an interior designer for Restoration Hardware. Not long after, she managed a portfolio of 140+ facilities throughout Tennessee for TN Department of Safety. She now works in construction management and is elated to bring her vast experience and rigor to the Mid-South real estate industry. The Carters are licensed in both Tennessee and Mississippi. Whether you are purchasing, designing, or selling your home or investment property, they would love to help you navigate your real estate journey. The two will be hosting workshops for first time homebuyers, Airbnb hosts, agent success, and much more. Reach out to the Carter Group to learn more information.

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. Call me! JEANNE 901.634.2800 COORS ARTHUR

CARTER GROUP MYERS COBB REALTORS 901.299.8303 • emily@myerscobbrealtors.com

ANNA BISHOP Realtor

Affiliate Broker

JEANNE HAS BEEN A REALTOR for 40+ years. She is a Lifetime Member of MultiMillion Dollar Club and Certified Residential Specialist. As a native Memphian Jeanne prides herself on staying involved as a full-time Realtor, knowledgeable about the many opportunities available to you. To balance her work, she is an active community volunteer, staying in touch with our many cultural activities. In fact, she often is able to assist newcomers in finding a volunteer niche when they move to Memphis. She lists and sells primarily in East Memphis, in Midtown, Downtown, and to a lesser extent, in the suburbs. “LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE.” Let Jeanne help you make that happen.

Jeanne Coors Arthur

901.767.9004 • crye-leike.com CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS

901.634.2800 • jeannecarthur@gmail.com

MM_RealEstateAllStars_Jul22_1x2h_1x8v.indd 66

LAURIE MCBRIDE CONNORS

AMANDA LEE Affilate Broker

Affiliate Broker

THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO GREATER JOY in life than serving others. Anna Bishop’s love for helping families has not only been one of the greatest joys, but also her motivation to becoming one of CryeLeike Realtors’ Top Producing Real Estate Agents. Anna specializes in residential sales all over the Mid-South, was recognized as Crye-Leike’s #1 agent in gross sales for 2021, is an official REALTOR® of the University of Memphis Tigers, and has been consistently named one of Tennessee’s Top Agents by Real Trends magazine. “We had such a smooth and wonderful experience buying a house. We love Anna and she helped us so much. It was such an easy process. I highly recommend her!“ — Happy Client

CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS

901.573.2832 (c) 901.260.4780 (o) annabishop.crye-leike.com

WHETHER YOU ARE looking for a new home in the suburbs, a sophisticated downtown condo, or prefer the flavor of an older grand home in Midtown, I know Memphis well. My association with Ware Jones will assure you the most professional and knowledgeable service. And nothing makes me happier than finding the right home for you, or helping you sell yours, so call me and let’s get started.

WARE JONES REALTORS 901.355.4020 lmconnors@warejones.com warejones.com 556 Colonial Rd., Memphis, TN 38117

2022 MARKS THE NINTH YEAR of Amanda Lee’s ascent into the upper echelon of Realtors around Memphis. Her charismatic personality and love for data create a valuable resource in the world of real estate investing. Her first year, she won her brokerage’s Rookie of the Year, and followed that up with their Rising Star award. A lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club and a top 100 producer in the MAAR, clients benefit from this success because Amanda prides herself on creatively positioning buyers and sellers to achieve the best results when transitioning to their next home. You’ll be relieved Amanda was by your side through the entire process.

MCWATERS & ASSOCIATES REALTORS

2851 Stage Village Cv Ste 2, Bartlett, TN 38134 901.378.0433 • amanda@leeteammemphis.com

6/16/22 3:56 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LEIGH MARTIN Affiliate Broker

EBONYE BOWIE REED

real estate ALL-STARS PETER RITTEN CRB,CRS, USMC

Affiliate Broker

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

2023 LEIGH MARTIN HAS been an affiliate broker with Sowell Realtors for 25 years, and has consistently proven her success with both buyers and sellers as a Top 5 Producer, Top Listing Agent, Top Selling Agent and Top Closing Agent. Additionally, she is a Life Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, an honor given in recognition of RE A LTO R S ® and RE A LTO RASSOCIATES® of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® who have achieved outstanding sales performance. The best interests of Leigh’s clients always come first because she believes her client relationships are the foundation and driving force behind every transaction. #leighsellsmemphis

SOWELL REALTORS

54 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104 901.351.3877 • martlei@aol.com

MM_RealEstateAllStars_Jul22_1x2h_1x8v.indd 67

A LIFELONG MEMPHIAN, Ebonye earned her Bachelor’s degree at Lake Forest College in Illinois. At Christian Brothers University, she worked as chief housing officer and got her MBA. After 7 years protecting property with ADT, she decided to help Memphians find the place that felt like home. Applying her seasoned expertise in service of her customers has proven successful when helping her real estate clients find their dream home.

1400 SUCCESSFUL CLOSINGS & still going strong! Over 3900 Assistants to make it happen!

real estate

ALL-STARS please contact:

Margie Neal CENTRIC REALTY

901.230.8021 centricrealtyco.com ebonye@centricrealtyco.com

RE/MAX EXPERTS, LLC

1930 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138 901.685.6000 (o) 901. 508.3082 (c)

at: 901.521.9000 or

margie@memphismagazine.com.

6/15/22 1:31 PM

AS K

VA N C E

The Mystery of Elizabeth V. Poulos

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

DEAR VANCE: Why is a stone carved “Elizabeth V. Poulos” with the date 1940 mounted on top of the Eclectic Eye building at Peabody and Cooper?

— D.C ., MEMPHIS.

above: Readers have often asked about the stone for “Elizabeth V. Poulos” on top of this building at Peabody and South Cooper.

DEAR D.C.: Every time I’ve driven around that area and noticed that stone, I have wondered about it. Over the years, I’ve received at least a dozen queries asking who this person was and what the stone signifies. Whenever I looked into it, though, I hit a dead-end, so after 20 minutes or so I usually retreated back to the comfort of my La-Z-Boy. But in May, Fannie and Robbie Johnson Weinberg, the mother/daughter owners of that building, announced plans to convert half of it — for years home to State Farm — into a gift shop called Paradox at PeCo (“PeCo” being shorthand for Peabody and Cooper). Hearing that, I fretted they might remove the old stone, so this time I devoted extra effort to solving this mystery. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I recruited my fellow historian, Bonnie Kourvelas, producer of several of the best Memphis Memoirs segments aired on WKNO-TV (“Beyond the Parkways,” “When TV Came to Town,” “Lost Memphis,” and others). Surely with our combined brainpower — enough to light a small town in Arkansas — we could answer D.C.’s question. I won’t bore you with tales of the hours, days, and weeks we spent poring over city directories, newspaper archives, along with birth, marriage, and death records only to — once again — come up empty-handed. But finally, we discovered key pieces of the puzzle and were able to solve this mystery. Well, most of it, anyway. Elizabeth Harris was born in Glossa, Greece, on June 24, 1900. I know nothing about her early life, because I wasn’t living in Greece at the time, but at some point she left her home country and moved to America. Now, hold that thought, because here is where I introduce you to a fellow by the name of Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, who played a major role in this saga. Born in the village of Gregory, Greece, in 1893, he immigrated to America in 1914, landing in New York City.

One of the first things he did in his new country was to “Americanize” his name to Victor Poulos. The next step on his journey was to move to Memphis. I’m not entirely sure what brought him south, but I suspect friends from Greece assured him of a good job here. That’s not a wild guess. He first shows up here in a 1922 city directory managing two restaurants — the Famous Café on Lamar and the Willett Inn on South Parkway — a remarkable accomplishment for someone with no prior connections to this city. Bonnie, whose last name suggests her Greek connections (her husband, Nick, is of Greek heritage) says, “Records show a tidal wave of Greeks who came to Memphis around 1915-1925. Greek immigrants tended to gravitate to the restaurant business, and there were so many diners and cafés in Memphis because of all the train stations and the river and rail traffic. They would follow a friend or family member who had come to Memphis and could help them get a job when they got here. From the stories I’ve heard, those Greek immigrants were some of the hardest-working and thriftiest people you could ever meet.” Oh, and Bonnie turned up Victor’s naturalization papers, which show he applied for American citizenship a year after he arrived in Memphis — in 1923 — but he didn’t complete the long process until 1927. Over the years, city directories tell us he managed or was otherwise involved with other small eateries and lunchrooms around town, including the Bell Café on Vance, the Southern Café on East Calhoun, the Lenox Café in Cooper-Young, and the Log Cabin Café in Frayser. Okay, now what has Elizabeth been doing all this time? Well, so far we haven’t turned up much information on her. Let’s face it, searching for someone with a rather common name like Elizabeth Harris turns up more “hits” (usually wrong ones) than a person called Victor Poulos. The city directories, in fact, list a dozen women with that

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: BUILDING BY VANCE LAUDERDALE / GRAVESTONE BY PATT YPOP EL STEVE / FIND A GRAVE

BY VANCE L AUDERDALE

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 2

068_MM06_2022_Vance_v02.indd 68

6/7/22 4:53 PM

WITH PHOTOS OR SCANS:

name living here in the 1930s. Who is the “right” one? pened with Elizabeth, and there’s a good reason I never Well, one of those Elizabeths crossed paths with located a Shelby County death certificate for her. In late Victor, and it was more than a brief encounter. Bonnie September 1942, she entered the New Park Hospital in — who (I admit) seems to be doing most of the work Hot Springs, Arkansas, for surgery to remove a tumor. here — turned up a marriage certificate, revealing I don’t know why she went so far away for this, but that Elizabeth Harris married Victor Poulos in Critshe didn’t survive the operation, dying of heart failure on October 14, 1942. She was laid to rest in Maple Hill tenden County, Arkansas, on August 10, 1939. What’s Cemetery in Helena, Arkansas. interesting is the marriage license clearly identifies the newlyweds as Memphis residents, so why Victor remained in Memphis. He did they travel across the river to tie the Victor Poulos’ newspaper left the small home they had shared at obituary provided knot? We may never know. 1012 Jackson, moving into the curiously But now we approach the crucial year curious details about his named Magic Hotel at 192 East Calhoun, of 1940 — the date inscribed on that mys- life. For one thing, the where he died on November 9, 1949. The terious stone. Once again, I give credit headline was “Merchant newspaper obituary provided curious to Bonnie for turning up a series of real Leaves Cash to Relatives details about his life. For one thing, the estate transactions that took place in the Starving Abroad.” headline was “Merchant Leaves Cash late 1930s. One of these is a deed for the to Relatives Starving Abroad.” Apparpurchase of property on South Cooper, signed by both ently, he left behind “a stepmother, brothers, and a Elizabeth and Victor. This was an empty lot, at the sister who were still alive and naked and hungry in Greece,” and his will (“typed in Greek letters”) stipintersection with Peabody, and the next year, Mr. and ulated they would benefit from his estate. Mrs. Poulos erected the building now standing at 246248 South Cooper. His property — namely, 246-248 South Cooper — Victor didn’t open his own restaurant there, as you was valued at “more than $10,000 for tax purposes,” and might expect from his previous jobs. Instead, as soon Poulos instructed, “These buildings are to be sold and the proceeds, after providing for the estate expenses,” as construction was finished, he leased 246 to Effie would go to family members in Greece, as well as the Appling so she could open LeFleur’s Flower Shop. Next door, he leased 248 to Dr. James Teas, who ran the village church they once attended there. He also made a Peabody Five and Dime Store, and also used a portion bequest of $5,000 to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox of that space to treat patients. Church here, along with a gift to the Rev. Bartholomew But what about the stone? Look, I’m going to go out Karahalios “for prayers for his soul.” on a limb here, and say that Victor installed that on I believe this concludes “the story of the stone,” his new property as a tribute to his wife — perhaps to but I can reassure readers of one other detail. celebrate their new life together and the beginning of The Weinbergs have promised me that the Eliztheir new business ventures. abeth V. Poulos marker on their building will reNot for much longer, I’m sorry to say. In 1943, city main in place, where it has celebrated the memory of this woman — and intrigued everyone directories no longer mention Elizabeth, which often means the person has passed away. That’s what hapwho has noticed it — for more than 80 years.

above: Elizabeth Poulos is buried in an old cemetery in Helena, Arkansas. The gravestone carries this porcelain portrait of her. It’s a nice, personal touch rarely found on tombstones anymore.

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 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 69

068_MM06_2022_Vance_v02.indd 69

TH PHOTOS OR SCANS:

6/7/22 4:53 PM

D I N I N G

O U T

New Wing Order Brews and wings make for the perfect pair on Beale Street. BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

journalist walks into a bar. There’s no punchline here, sorry — just good brews and good food. Throw open the doors of the Beale Street branch of Ghost River Brewing Company. A few unfamiliar and tantalizing scents hang gently in the air. Is it spicy Buffalo? Perhaps barbecue? Even better: It’s both, and more. That exciting fusion of flavor out of the taproom’s kitchen is to be expected from the team at New Wing Order, who have taken over the kitchen space at Ghost River and quickly made themselves at home.

(l to r): Jesse McDonald, Bob Keskey, and Cole Forrest joined forces this summer to bring hot wings and other snacks to Ghost River’s Beale Street location. 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 2

070_MM07_2022_DiningOut_v01B.indd 70

The New Wing Order team of co-owners Cole Forrest and Jesse McDonald — known for their ubiquitous food truck that has seemingly been everywhere in Memphis all at once since it first hit the streets in 2018 — has brought their trademark high quality and lengthy list of exciting sauces to their first brickand-mortar location, which so far fits in seamlessly Downtown. And since opening in early June, it’s been a fun experience for all involved. “It’s a change of pace for sure,” laughs McDonald as he stretches out while tossing a freshly baked batch of wings in a bowl of Memphis Buffalo sauce. “I mean, it’s definitely a lot bigger than the truck. We’ve got some room to move now!” Adding a permanent food component to his business was always a priority for Ghost River owner Bob Keskey since he opened the Beale Street location in the summer of 2021. Flying Sobie’s had first moved in on an initial year-long contract, but when the two ventures parted ways amicably, Keskey put out the word that they were seeking a new culinary tenant. Forrest reached out through a mutual acquaintance who worked at the Beale Street taproom, and the new partnership bloomed quickly. “We met up, and I knew immediately that we were on the same page,” says Keskey. “We do a lot of events here like screening Grizzlies games, and for that we want food that’s high quality and that gets out quickly. These guys are very talented and efficient. We did some food tests early on, staff and patrons loved it, so here we are. We’re going to run before we walk in terms of expanding, but we have a good start here.” Keskey hopes to incorporate a larger New Wing Order pres-

ence at the original Ghost River location at 827 S. Main, but for now, diners can get their wing fixes on Beale. Setting up shop at Ghost River is the culmination of a multiyear journey for New Wing Order to find the right physical space. “We initially started looking at spaces in January of 2020,” says Forrest. “And as you can imagine, we had to put that plan on the back burner.” But this summer finally felt like the right time, and they jumped at the chance to test a permanent home. “The demand just kept growing,” he continues. “In terms of catering and events, we’re booked through November. Having just the truck limited what we could do. A new space would really allow us to increase our capacity.” But fret not, wing fans: Even with the opening of the new location, the food truck will continue to operate as it has for years. Talks with Keskey began in early May, and the New Wing Order kitchen was ready to open by June 1st, with the official grand opening not far behind on June 11th. “I’m not sure I would have pegged Beale Street as our first home,” he says. “But the feedback we’ve gotten from folks Downtown over the years has been excellent.” And a settled space has given the team leeway to come up with new items that can only be found at the taproom. A few simple appetizers serve more as shareable snacks, like a sausage and cheese plate that’s designed as a graband-go item. But alongside the plentiful wings — and other favorites like the Buffalo chicken tacos or fried chicken barbecue nachos — Forrest and McDonald are embracing the chance to reach a wider audience of customers. “We’ve been talking about doing more vegan options,” says McDonald. “We have a fried avPHOTOGRAPH BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

6/14/22 2:55 PM

ocado taco that’s really popular. But what we’re really interested in is coming up with a vegan-style wing.” Rather than using traditional cauliflower or broccoli, McDonald and Forrest have other ideas. They’ve been experimenting with building a vegan wing out of brussel sprouts; expect to see those on menus soon. “We don’t bread ’em or anything,” says McDonald. “They go straight in the fryer and it kind of gives them a nice char. They get tender, but also crispy. They’ve been really good, so stay tuned.” But ask any wing aficionado who’s cooked up a batch for a Super Bowl party or rolled up to a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings, and they just might say the meal isn’t complete without a good beer. Keskey, Forrest, and McDonald relish the chance to create a series of beer pairings that balance both new craft beer and wing flavors alongside old favorites. Some already available flavors mesh well: McDonald prefers the Grind City Gold (their sweet and savory take on the classic Memphis Gold wing sauce) with a pint of Ghost River’s light Grindhouse Cream Ale. The first new pairing, launched in conjunction with the grand opening, saw McDonald whip up a new sauce called Beale Street Blaze. “It’s a spicy barbecue sauce,” says McDonald, “but as an homage to our new partner, we’re adding in a touch of ghost pepper to give it that extra bit of kick.” For his part, Keskey helped oversee the addition of a new dunkel (a type of dark German lager) on tap. “This is the first of many,” he says. “We’re able to do a lot of cool small batch beers here, so we’ll be doing that constantly as we test out new flavor pairings to see what works well.” “We’re obviously going to stick PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY NEW WING ORDER

070_MM07_2022_DiningOut_v01B.indd 71

right: New Wing Order has brought its full list of 25+ wing sauces and seasonings to Downtown Memphis. below: Fried chicken barbecue nachos and buffalo chicken tacos offer tasty alternatives to straight wings.

with what we excel at,” says Forrest. “And we have a great lineup of wings. But we have so much more space now, so we can explore new directions. We have the sausage and cheese plates, but we’ll also introduce avocado fries, steak quesadillas, and other things like that.” As Forrest says, however, the main focus will remain steadily on wings. The truck’s carefully curated list of more than 25 diverse flavors, workshopped since

The perfect flavor balance, at least according to judges from the Southern Hot Wing Festival and Bluff City Wing Contest, is found in the duo’s Memphis Buffalo sauce, a synthesis of traditional Buffalo and Memphis barbecue f lavors. It’s the best starting point for beginners, or

didn’t warn you. The sauces and seasonings run the full spectrum, from mild and sweet to straight fire, so no one should feel left out. Keskey calls the first month or so of the partnership a successful honeymoon phase. “We’re going to see how it plays out. But they’re very adaptive. And it’s mutually

“I’m thinking about heat, I’m thinking about acid, I’m thinking about spices, and from there, we just experiment until we find the right balance,” says McDonald. Forrest and McDonald formed their competitive wing team in 2012, will continue to be the foundation of the business. And that list will likely grow. Each month rings in a unique special, and McDonald is always interested in mixing new flavors together. “I think about what kind of idea and flavor profile I’m looking for,” he explains. “I’m thinking about heat, I’m thinking about acid, I’m thinking about spices, and from there, we just experiment until we find the right balance.”

at least those who don’t like too much spice, as sweet barbecue flavoring helps temper the kick of New York heat. But there are plenty of outside-the-box ideas, like the curry-esque Midtown Masala sauce, or Ja’s Sweet Heat. The brave souls among us, those who won’t balk at the idea of a smoldering trek through Mount Doom or brazen journeys with Dante into the seven circles of hell, can jump straight down to the maximum spice level: the ring of fire sauce. Don’t say I

beneficial. It’s wings and beer! So we’re testing it out for a year, and it’s hopefully something that could stretch to be 10 years.” At least one thing is certain: Brews and wings always make a hell of a pair. New Wing Order is located at Ghost River Brewing Co. on Beale, 341 Beale St. Open 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Th ursday; 12 noon-10 p.m. Friday Saturday; 12 noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday. newwingorder.com

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 71

6/14/22 2:55 PM

The Memphis Dining Guide

FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB—Rigatoni and tortellini are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas (whole or by the slice) with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, D, X, $ FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, X, $-$$ emphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Serves steaks to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does and seafood, along with such specialties as bison ribeye and not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” This guide also crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and burgers. 105 S. includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$ facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306-4711. in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood L, D, $-$$ of their original location. This guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105. 410-8169. B, L, D, $-$$ contact Samuel X. Cicci at scicci@contemporary-media.com. THE GRAY CANARY—The sixth restaurant from chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offering small plates and CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set DOWNTOWN entrees cooked on an open flame. Oysters, octopus, and around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including 117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team hearty steaks are among the menu options at this eatery in Old fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American Dominick Distillery. Closed Mon. 301 S. Front. 466-6324. D, WB, X, chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf MRA, $-$$$ Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$ and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$ GRECIAN GOURMET TAVERNA—Serves traditional favorites CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — like spanakopita, pastitso, moussaka, and hand-rolled dolmathes, quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, as well as lamb sliders and pita nachos. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main. dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. 249-6626. L, D, X, $ Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$ GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, jerk wings, fried Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peabeans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 nut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served Irene (Germantown). 853-6005; 2965 N. Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, $ all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $ Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/ DINING SYMBOLS AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime Downtown favorite specializes S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., contemporary French cuisine in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $ presented in a luxurious atmoB — breakfast also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, WB, X, HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, sphere with a seasonal menu focused on L — lunch MRA, $-$$$ burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and local/regional cuisine. The crown jewel of D — dinner BACKLOT SANDWICH SHOP—Big sandwiches, breakfast seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. The Peabody for 35 years. Afternoon tea SB — Sunday brunch bowls, and build-your-own-biscuits for breakfast, lunch, and an 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; served Wed.-Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservaearly supper. 265 S. Front St. 509-8612. B, L, D, $ WB — weekend brunch 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $ tions required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian X— wheelchair accessible HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ superb city views serves toasts with a variety $$$$ MRA — member, Memphis Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily speof toppings including beef tartare with cured CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and Restaurant Association cials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of $ — under $15 per person without BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only Paleo-centric with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. other Southern and Latin-American twists drinks or desserts restaurant, offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, enchiladas, Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 444-3232. $$ — under $25 chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner Sun. 327 S. hummus. 79 Madison. 333-1229. D, $ B, L, D, $-$$$ Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$ $$$ — $26-$50 HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & THE CLOVER CLUB— BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a $$$$ — over $50 CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness Southern fusion and internabutcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, tionally-inspired small plates daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $ at Hotel Indigo. 22 N. B.B. King. BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, INKWELL—Unique craft concoctions, charcuterie plates, COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779flatbreads, and sandwiches at this dope cocktail bar. Closed chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana 4125. L, D, X, $-$$ Mon.-Tue. 631 Madison Ave. 334-9411. D, $-$$ pudding. Closed Mon. 745 N. Parkway and Manassas. BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, 527-9158. L, D, $ Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. conveniently located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; speCURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$ cialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$ global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes a 14-oz. bone-in ribeye and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. in the Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, WB, X, Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 Madison. MRA, $$-$$$ and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the 748-5422. L, D, X, $ BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE—Serves grocery. 185 Union Ave. 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$ FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves sushi rice bowls, noodle Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, with KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, including bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls. Closed Sun. 149 Madison; 521 S. seasonally changing menu; also a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. 528-1010. the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578Highland. 701-6666. L, D, X, $ L, D, X, $-$$ 9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ FANCY'S FISH HOUSE—Serving chef-inspired favorites BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the at One Beale, including fresh, daily-caught fish and seaincludes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. food, a raw bar, and signature dishes from the grill, with all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, $-$$ fabulous river views from the dining room and patio. 1 Dr. Martin SB, $-$$ THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution serves Luther King Jr. Ave. #1. 589-3474. L, D, $$-$$$$ BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf and such FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open faced on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee St. veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomatoes. Closed grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and char310-4341. B, L, $ Sat.-Sun. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $ cuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. 55 S. Main. 654-5926. L, $ CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $ lobster mac-and-cheese and rib-eye patty melt; menu differs by low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using regional CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. L, D, WB, X, fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown foods. Entrees steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, $-$$ include shrimp and grits. Closed Sun. and Mon. A Downtown staple and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare at Brinkley Plaza, 383 S. Main. 523-0877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$ and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, $$-$$$

A Curated Guide to Eating Out

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 2

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 72

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

6/7/22 11:40 AM

cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$ LONGSHOT—Chef David Todd has something for everyone with a wide variety of international fusion dishes, and a side of shuffleboard. 477 S. Main. D, $-$$ 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, X, $-$$$ LUCY’S—Hu. Hotel’s downstairs diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with a Hu. breakfast burrito, or Lucy’s Burger for a late-night bite 3 S. Main. 333-1200. B, L, D, X, $-$$ 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.), X, $-$$$ MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Downtown closed Sun. 45 S. Main. 526-0037, X, MRA, $ THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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. Temporarily closed for renovations. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-2347003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), X, 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. 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-8902467; 88 Union. 527-5337; 3165 Forest Hill-Irene (Germantown). 249-5661. D, SB (Germantown), X, $$-$$$ MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $ MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up hot and crispy fried chicken wings, among other solid bar food options. Temporarily closed. 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $ NEW WING ORDER—The award-winning food truck cooks up its signature hot wings at its first physical location, at Ghost River on Beale. Closed Mon/Tue. 341 Beale. L, D, $-$$ THE NINE THAI & SUSHI—Serving authentic Thai dishes, including curries, as well as a variety of sushi rolls. Closed for lunch Sat. and Sun. 121 Union. 208-8347. L, D, X, $-$$ THE PARAMOUNT—Fried green tomato and crab beignet small plates to grilled lamb loin, cowboy ribeye, and an extensive cocktail list. Closed Sun/Mon. 265 S. Front. 410-8169. D, $-$$$$ PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PEARL’S OYSTER HOUSE—Downtown eatery serving seafood, including oysters, crawfish, and stuffed butterfly shrimp, as well as beef, chicken, and pasta dishes. 299 S. Main. 522-9070; 8106 Cordova Center Dr. (Cordova). 425-4797. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ PONTOTOC LOUNGE—Upscale restaurant and jazz bar serves such starters as alligator filet fritters; entrees include Mississippi pot roast with jalapeño cornbread and tagliatelle with braised beef. 314 S. Main. 207-7576. D, X, $-$$ RAW GIRLS—Raw and hot plant-based food alongside coldpressed juices made from seasonal, locally grown sources. Closed Sun. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 118. 207-5463. B, L, D, $-$$ REGINA’S—New Orleans-inspired eatery offering po’boys, Cajun nachos topped with crawfish tails, catfish platters, oysters, and more. Closed Mon. 60 N. Main. 730-0384. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ 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, X, $-$$ SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison. 949-8100. L, D, X, $ SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork,

Best

s i h p m e M Scene NTEST PHOTO CO

Share your favorite Memphis Photos with us!

Enter to win a

GAYLORD OPRYLAND Summer Getaway Package

Submit: July 5-11 Voting: July 12-18 For More Details VISIT

memphismagazine.com

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 73

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 73

6/15/22 3:32 PM

The Memphis Dining Guide and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main. 672-7902. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted cocktails at this Downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 435-6915. L, D, X, $ SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main. 249-2194. L, D, X, $ SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main. 526-0388. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown's new grocery market. 136 Webster Ave. 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 Pl., Suite 111. 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$ SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144. B, L, X, MRA, $ TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$ 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, SB, X, $$-$$$ 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, X, $$-$$$ THE VAULT—Oysters, shrimp beignets, flatbreads, stuffed cornish hen, and Smash Burger featured on “Late Nite Eats” are among the dishes offered at this Creole/Italian fusion eatery. 124 G.E. Patterson. 591-8000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive. B, L, D, $-$$ 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, X, $

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; (East Memphis) 1591 Poplar Ave. 509-3351; (Cordova) 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-5355. L, D, $-$$ ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$ ALCHEMY—Southern fusion, locally grown cuisine features small and large plates; among the offerings are pan-seared hanger steak, quail, and lamb chops; also handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$ ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. D, X, $ BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This eatery dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 4108909. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ BACK DO / MI YARD—A revamped patio space behind The Beauty Shop features rotisserie meats and fishes via Brazilian-style outdoor grill. Dinner Wed.-Sat., weather permitting. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. D, X, $$ BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texas-style barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper. 310-4141. B, L, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $ BAR KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new Cooper-Young neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 Cooper St. D, X, $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 2721277. L, D, X, 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, X, MRA, $-$$$ BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper. 722-2193. B, L, D, X, $ BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecancrusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BELLY ACRES—At this festive Overton Square eatery, milkshakes, floats, and burgers rule. Burgers are updated with contemporary toppings like grilled leeks, braised tomatoes, and sourdough or brioche buns. 2102 Trimble Pl. 529-7017. L, D, X, $ BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), X, MRA, $-$$ BOUNTY ON BROAD—Offering family-style dining, Bounty serves small plates and family-sized platters, with such specialties as chicken-fried quail and braised pork shank. 2519 Broad. 410-8131. L (Sat. and Sun.), D (Mon.-Sat.), SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad. 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall. 207-1546. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $-$$$ CAFE BROOKS BY CITY & STATE—Serving grab-and-go pastries, as well as lunch items. Menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, such as the Modern Reuben and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. 1934 Poplar (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art). 544-6200. B, L, X, $ CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean. 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square. 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $ CAFE OLÉ—This eatery specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine; one specialty is the build-your-own quesadilla. 959 S. Cooper. 343-0103. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop. Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $ CAFE SOCIETY—With Belgian and classic French influences, serves Wagyu beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, including bacon-wrapped shrimp, along with daily specials and vegetarian entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 212 N. Evergreen. 722-2177. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union Ave., Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $-$$ CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central Ave. 272-9377; 4375 Summer Ave. 767-4672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 417-7962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 601-909-5820. B, L, D, $-$$ THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad. 730-0719. L, D, $ THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison. 272-0928. L, D, X, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$

FABIOLA’S KITCHEN—Longtime caterer Fabiola Francis serves up burgers, tacos, fish, and much more. 1353 Jackson Ave. B, L, $ 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, X, $ THE FARMER AT RAILGARTEN—Mac Edwards comes out of retirement with classics including pan-seared catfish, gulf shrimp and grits, or a Gibson donut bread pudding. Closed Mon./Tue. 2166 Central. 313-0087. D, $-$$ FINO’S ITALIAN DELI & CATERING—The newly revived Fino’s offers the old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. 1853 Madison. 272-FINO. B, L, D, X, $ FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666. D, $-$$ FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbeanand Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn Ave. L, D, $-$$ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, X, $-$$ GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar. 244-7904. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $ 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). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven). 662-3497097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, X, 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, X, $ 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, X, $-$$ INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110. 509-8640. B, L, D, X, $ KNIFEBIRD—Neighborhood wine bar boasts plenty of flights, cocktails, and mocktails alongside bruschetta and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun. 2155 Central Ave. 748-5425. D, $-$$$ LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison. 207-5097. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ LBOE—Gourmet burger joint serves locally sourced ground beef burgers, with options like the Mac-N-Cheese Burger and Caprese. Black bean and turkey patties available. 2021 Madison. 725-0770. L, D, X, $ THE LIQUOR STORE—Renovated liquor store turned diner serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. Closed for dinner Sun.-Mon. 2655 Broad. 405-5477. B, L, D, X, $-$$ LITTLE ITALY—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes. 1495 Union. 725-0280; L, D, X, $-$$ MAXIMO’S ON BROAD—Serving a tapas menu that features creative fusion cuisine; entrees include veggie paella and fish of the day. Closed Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. D, SB, X, $-$$ MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park Ave. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-5361364. L, D, X, $-$$

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 2

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 74

6/7/22 11:40 AM

MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young Ave. Closed Mon.-Tue. 236-7136. D,

$-$$ MIDPOINTE FROM EDGE ALLEY—Edge Alley’s sister cafe at the Ballet Memphis headquarters focuses on freshness for its breakfast, lunch, and happy hour tapas. Closed Sun.-Mon. 2144 Madison Ave. 425-2605. B, L, X, $ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ PANTÀ—Small, Catalan-inspired plates by Kelly English in the former Restaurant Iris space. 2146 Monroe Ave. Closed Mon.-Wed. 590-2828. L, D, $-$$. PARISH GROCERY—Shrimp? Roast beef? Oysters? Whatever type of po’boy you want, the New Orleans-themed eatery has got it. Closed Monday. 916 S. Cooper St. 207-4347. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$ PIZZERIA TRASIMENO—Small pizzas baked in wood-fired clay ovens along with a selection of small salads. Menu is soon to include desserts, local beer on tap, and Umbrian wine. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 181. 308-1113. L, D. $ PHO BINH—Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Cantonese specialties include lemon tofu and spring rolls. Closed Sunday. 1615 Madison. 276-0006. L, D, $ RED FISH ASIAN BISTRO—In the former Nineteenth Century Club building, serves sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Specialties include yuzu filet mignon and Chilean sea bass. 1433 Union. 454-3926; 9915 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 729-7581; 6518 Goodman (Olive Branch). 662-874-5254. L, D, X, $-$$$ ROBATA RAMEN & YAKITORI BAR—Serves ramen noodle bowls and Yakitori skewers as well as rice and noodle dishes. 2116 Madison. 410-8290. L, D, X, $ SABROSURA—Serves Mexican and Cuban fare, including arroz tapada de pollo and steak Mexican. Closed Sun. 782 Washington. 421-8180. L, D, X, $-$$ SALT|SOY—Nick Scott and Brac McCarley team up to provide Southern and Asian-inspired dishes at this Japanese Izakaya. Closed Sunday, Monday. 2583 Broad Ave. 726-4444. D, $$

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 Ave. 922-5202. L, D, X, $$ THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe. 590-2829. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ 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, X, $-$$$ SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper. 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 755-6988; 4720 Poplar. 590-0323. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ STICKEM—Brick and mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison. Closed Sunday. 474-7214. L, D, X, $ 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, X, $-$$ TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union Ave., Suite 109. 800-2936. L, D, $-$$. TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park. Closed Mon.-Wed. D, $-$$ TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Chef Ben Smith is a Cooper-Young pioneer. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison. 726-5004. L, D, X, $

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 Blvd. 509-3024. L, D, $-$$ COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett). 383-1122. L, D, X, $-$$ CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross Rd. 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 Blvd. 443-3000. B, D, X, $-$$$ DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross Rd., Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$ 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 Rd. 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 Blvd. 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 Rd. 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 Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$ JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington Ave. 265-8761. L, D, X, $ LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, X, $-$$ MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, MRA, $-$$ UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, DriveIns and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or homestyle); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. L, D, X, MRA, $

SUMMER/BERCLAIR/ RALEIGH/BARTLETT

ASIAN PALACE—Chinese eatery serves seafood, vegetarian items, dim sum, and more. 5266 Summer Ave. 766-0831. L, D, X, $-$$ BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage Rd. 672-7905. B, L, $ 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, X, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage Rd. 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-342-4544. L, D, X, MRA, $ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bona-fide 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, X, $

The Memphis Dining Guide 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. 761-9321. L, D, X, $-$$ NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, X, $$ 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 Highway, #3. 373-4411. L, D, $-$$ PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. Temporarily closed. Closed Sun.-Mon. 5689 Stage Rd. 377-2484. D, X, $-$$ TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer Ave. 685-0097. B, L, D, X, $

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, X, $-$$$ THE BLUFF—New Orleans-inspired menu includes alligator bites, nachos topped with crawfish and andouille, gumbo, po’boys, and fried seafood platters. 535 S. Highland. 454-7771. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. 3240144. B, X, $ 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, X, MRA, $-$$$ DERAE RESTAURANT—Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare includes fuul, or fava beans in spices and yogurt, goat meat and rice, and garlic chicken over basmati rice with cilantro chutney; also salmon and tilapia. Closed Monday. 923 S. Highland. 552-3992. B, L, D, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $-$$ MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ OPEN FLAME—This authentic Persian and Mediterranean eatery specializes in shish kebabs as well as kosher and halal fare. 3445 Poplar. 207-4995. L, D, X, $ 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. L, D, $ SAM’S DELI—Everything from sandwiches to bibimbap bowls at this local favorite. Closed Mon./Tue. 643 S. Highland St. 454-5582. L, D, $

EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR/I-240) ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avante-garde 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, X, $$-$$$ ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 2367784. L, D, $-$$ AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$ J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 75

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 75

6/7/22 11:40 AM

The Memphis Dining Guide

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, X, MRA, $-$$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN— Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122. B, L, WB, X, $ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle. 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $$-$$$ 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, $-$$ BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, X, $-$$$ 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, X, $ BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks, seafood, and pasta. (Lunchbox serves entree salads, burgers, and more.) 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 919 S. Yates (Buckley’s Lunchbox), 682-0570. L (Yates only, M-F), D, X, $-$$ CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin, and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar. 683-9291. L, D, X, $$$-$$$$ CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar. 7258557 ; 7609 Poplar Pike (Germantown). 425-5908; 1707 Madison. 421-6949. L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 565 Erin Dr., Erin Way Shopping Center. 205-2500. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin. 7297687. Germantown: 7605 W. Farmington Blvd., Suite 2. 236-7223. B, L, D, X, $ COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, Chinese, to Filipino, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101. 266-9000. D, X, $$-$$$ CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch. 662-893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ 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 Rd. 662-890-7611. L, D, X, $ DORY—Chef David Krog whips up Southern specialties with classic French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Current specialties include pork tenderloin, beef bourguignon, or cocoa-dusted chocolate truffles, with new weekly additions. 716 W. Brookhaven Circle. 310-4290. L, D, X, $$-$$$ ERLING JENSEN—For decades, has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin Ave. 587-9464. L, D, X, $-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-and-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $ 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, X, $ FRANK GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, filet mignon, and daily lunch specials. Closed for lunch Sun. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu”; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. Closed Sun. 679 S. Mendenhall. 499-5436. D, $-$$$ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. And with a few surprises this time around. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cir. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, MRA. $-$$$ HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Famous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$ 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), X, 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 Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italianinspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (Novel). 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 5721803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. L, D, X, $-$$ LYNCHBURG LEGENDS—This restaurant with a Jack Daniels’ theme and Southern cuisine serves such entrees as Bourbon Street salmon, buttermilk-fried chicken, and grilled steak and wild mushroom salad. DoubleTree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 969-7777. B, L, D, X, $-$$$ MAGNOLIA & MAY—The family behind Grove Grill cooks up Southern-inspired casual dining at this country brasserie, with popular menu items like peach gazpacho, low country shrimp n’ grits, and plenty of weekend brunch options. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah Rd. 676-8100. D, SB, MRA. $$-$$$. MAHOGANY MEMPHIS—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 3092 Poplar, Suite 11. 623-7977. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ 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 Cir. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$

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 Rd. 753-8755. L, D, X, $-$$ MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 5138 Park Ave. 562-1211; 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown). 907-0243. L, D, X, $-$$ 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 Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, MRA, $ 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, X, $ 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. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrees; also lunch/dinner buffets. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $ 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, X, $ 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, X, $ 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, X, MRA, $-$$$ PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens). 761-5250. L, X, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park. 682-2852. L, D, X, MRA, $ PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park. 458-0694. D, X, $-$$$ 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 Rd., Park Place Centre. 818-3889. L, D, X, $-$$ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar. 458-1644. L, D, $ PIMENTO’S KITCHEN + MARKET—Fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and plenty of pimento cheese at this family-owned restaurant. 6540 Poplar Ave. 602-5488 (Collierville: 3751 S. Houston Levee. 453-6283). L, D, X, $ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 221-8109. L, D, X, MRA, $ RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar. 207-1960. L, D, X, $-$$ RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar. 767-3456. L, D, X $-$$ RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar Ave. 512-5923. L, D, $-$$$ 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.” Opening soon at 4550 Poplar. 590-2828. D, X, $$-$$$ 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 Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$$

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 2

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 76

6/7/22 11:40 AM

SUBSCRIBE NOW

an d n ever m iss an issu e

CELEBRATE the 901s

People & Places Food & Drink Arts & EnterHomes & History and so much more! tainment

ONE YEAR for only

$12

with code SUMMER22 TO ORDER , CALL 901 . 52 1 . 9000 OR VISIT MEMPHISMAGA ZINE .COM/SUBSCRIPTIONS

2022_MM_SummerSubscriptionAd_ForMM_FP_v01.indd 1 MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125_JUL22.indd 1

6/10/22 12:24 PM 6/15/22 1:33 PM

The Memphis Dining Guide RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some 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, X, $-$$$ ROTOLO'S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station. 4543352. L, D, $-$$ 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, X, $$$-$$$$ SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$ SAUCY CHICKEN—Specializes in antibiotic-free chicken dishes with locally sourced ingredients, with such items as hot wings and the Crosstown Chicken Sandwich, and a variety of house-made dipping sauces; also, seafood, salads, and daily specials. Closed Sun. 4715 Poplar. 907-0741. 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, X, $$-$$$ SOBEAST—Eastern branch of the popular South of Beale, featuring the restaurant’s traditional staples, as well as rotating special menu items. 5040 Sanderlin. 818-0821. L, D, SB, X, $-$$. STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 7704 Poplar (Germantown). 800-1951; 2902 May Blvd. (Southaven). B, L, WB, X, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, X, $ TENERO CAFÉ & BUTCHER—A chef-driven menu offering breakfast and lunch classics, plus Sunday dinner, accompanied by a full-service butcher bar. 669 S. Mendenhall. 646-5698. B, L, D, X, $-$$ THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $ TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, 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, X, $ 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, X, $-$$ WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall. 763-0676. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. 4216399. L, D, X, $-$$ WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, and vegetable plates are specialties; meal includes drink and dessert. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $ ZAYDE’S AT THE J—Kosher options at the Memphis Jewish Community Center cafe include traditional New York-style dishes and Israeli fusion. 6560 Poplar Ave. 208-3495. L, D, $-$$

CORDOVA BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4114. L, D, X, $-$$

THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $ 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 Dr. 779-4971. 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, X, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy. 443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$

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, X, $-$$$ FOREST HILL GRILL—A variety of standard pub fare and a selection of mac-and-cheese dishes are featured on the menu. Specialties include Chicken Newport and a barbecue salmon BLT. 9102 Poplar Pike. 624-6001. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ 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. S. 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $$-$$$ 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, X, $ PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar. 754-4440; 547 S. Highland. 323-3050. L, D, X, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 6. 779-2008. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$ ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$ SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, MRA, $-$$$ TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar Ave., Suite 26. 612-2713. East Memphis: 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. 290-1091. Bartlett: 7974 US-64. 203-0083. L, D, $ UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. L, D, $-$$ WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West St. 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), X, $

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, X, X, $-$$$

COLLIERVILLE

CAFE EUROPE—From Italian chef Michele D’oto, the French, Spanish, and Italian fusion cuisine includes a variety of dishes like Rosette al Forno, fish ceviche, and sole meuniere. Closed Sun. 4610 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 571. 286-4199. L, D, X, $$-$$$$ CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett St. 861-1999. L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a wood-fired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1. 457-7457. L, D, X, $ COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee Rd. 979-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ COLLIERVILLE PIZZA COMPANY—Family-friendly and locally owned pizza company featuring live music and other events. 144 US 72. L, D, $-$$ DAVID GRISANTI’S—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional family recipes, like the Elfo Special, shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter, tossed with white button mushrooms and white pepper, and served over vermicelli with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Closed Sun. 684 W. Poplar (Sheffield Antiques Mall). 861-1777. L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River, 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026. L, D, X, $ EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland, TN). 384-0540. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $-$$$ JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee. 861-5000. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee. 850-5288; 2149 Young. 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood. 6098680. L, D, X, $-$$ OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee. 861-4309; 3402 Poplar. 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch). 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$ RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southerninspired 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, X, $-$$ STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-3399. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown). 207-7638 L, D, X, $-$$ 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 Boulevard, Suite 101. 316-5590; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165. 791-4389 L, D, X, $-$$ 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, X, $

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, $-$$ CATFISH BLUES—Serving Delta-raised catfish and Cajun- and Southern-inspired dishes, including gumbo and fried green tomatoes. 210 E. Commerce (Hernando, MS). 662-298-3814. L, D, $

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 2

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 78

6/7/22 11:40 AM

The Memphis Dining Guide 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, X, $$-$$$ COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main St. (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, X, $-$$$ ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE— Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-470-4497. L, D, X, $-$$ LONG ROAD CIDER CO.—Specializes in hard apple ciders made with traditional methods. Cafe-style entrees include black-eyed peas with cornbread and greens, chicken Gorgonzola pockets, cider-steamed sausage, and housemade ice creams. Closed Sun.Wed. 9053 Barret Road. (Barretville, TN). 352-0962. D, X, $ 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, X, $ 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, X, $-$$$ MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$ CASINO TABLES CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY /662-357-1225 FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711 IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO RACING—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182 JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL'S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182 THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Ln., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, ext 8213 TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts Boulevard, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711 NAGOYA—Offers traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi bar; specialties are teriyaki and tempura dishes. 7075 Malco Blvd., Suite 101 (Southaven, MS). 662-349-8788. L, D, X, $-$$$ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $ RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$ SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$ 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, $-$$$ TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-510-5734. B, L, D, $-$$ 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). 870-655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$

Channel 10

J U L Y 2 0 2 2 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 79

072_MM07_2022_CDL_v05.indd 79

6/15/22 3:32 PM

L AS T

S TA N D

Active Atrocity

When will America make mass-murder an enemy? BY FR A NK MURTAUG H

I have a good friend who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. So my heart did some racing (briefly, thankfully) on June 1st when news broke of a mass shooting at a hospital in that city. But once I knew I didn’t know a victim . . . I returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Life in America. It’s great . . . until you’re randomly shot and killed. Where do we start? How do we save the lives now destined to be lost in a spray of gunfire? Assault weapons must be banned from public purchase. Period. An AR-15 — used to slaughter children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas, in May — is designed solely to massacre. It has no “sporting” purpose, no value to ethical hunters or target-shooters. This is the first and easiest step to eliminating that “spray” of gunfire. Secondly, let’s show as much care with the use of guns as we do with the use of automobiles. Drivers under the age of 25 must typically pay a daily “young renter” fee to get behind the wheel of a rental car. Yet 18-year-old boys got their hands — legally — on assault weapons to commit mass murder this year in Buffalo and Uvalde. Establish a minimum age — 25 would make a measurable difference — and reduce the chances of troubled youth slaughtering the innocent. (This would seem to accommodate gun-rights advocates who insist it’s the people who are the problem in this epidemic.) Third, gun-trafficking must be treated by law enforcement with the same ferocity drug-trafficking receives. Those found to sell assault weapons illegally — this presumes, of course, they’re again made illegal — must be held criminally responsible when a gun they sell kills innocent human beings. Until we

take communal responsibility for gun violence, the “isolated” incidents will continue . . . though they have never been, nor ever will be, isolated. Do you happen to recall the Lester Street Massacre? It happened here in Memphis and spurred me to write on the topic of guns in this space . . . 14 years ago. The blowback was quick and ugly (though not considered or sophisticated). It staggers me to consider how many Americans have died by bullet(s) over these 14 years, and how many communities would appear blood-red on a map of mass shootings since 2008. To date, Congress is more afraid of the gun lobby than it is of a gunman showing up in their lobby. Until that changes, we will watch that growing number of mass shootings — more than one per day this year — climb while “thoughts and prayers” are uttered with impersonal, dismissive apathy. Cars kill people. But they’re not designed to kill people. Knives kill people, but not dozens of people in the span of seconds. Narcotics — the kind that can kill — are regulated and prescribed under laws. Only rapid-fire guns — weapons of mass destruction — destroy lives with the indiscriminate fury we saw recently in Buffalo and Uvalde. Until those weapons are reduced and regulated, bloodshed in grocery stores and elementary schools will continue. I’m convinced we’ll find a way to reduce gun violence. My daughters’ generation sees the absurdity; they recognize the connection between tool and result. My hope, quite simply, is that enough of them live to occupy the seats of authority. Every life we lose to gunfire this month — and every month to come — is worth saving.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RONNIE CHUA / DREAMSTIME

here will be a mass shooting in the United States this month. Actually, there will be multiple mass shootings in this country before July turns to August. Through the end of May, there had been more than 230 such tragedies, more than one incident per day in which at least four people were shot. This is a condition in America — here in 2022 — that separates our country from every other developed nation on the planet. And the fever will continue to damage and destroy until those in positions of authority — our legislative branch — address the one common link between every last one of these atrocities: guns.

Editor’s note: In early June, the Senate agreed to legislation that will invest in mental health care and the restriction of gun purchases by those considered at risk to themselves or others. Let’s call it a good start. 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 2

080_MM07_2022_LastStand_v03.indd 80

6/13/22 12:45 PM

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/7/22 11:43 AM

S:9.25"

S:11.125"

THE FIRST-EVER ALL-ELECTRIC BMW i7. Roadshow BMW 405 N. Germantown Parkway Memphis Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 365-2584

Scan the QR Code and visit ROADSHOWBMW.com to learn more.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

6/15/22 12:49 PM