Memphis - July 2023

Sterick Building LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

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The Phoenix

I’ve been fortunate recently to spend time traveling. One of travel’s many gifts — for me, anyway — is coming home, and not just for the creature comforts (although I am very fond of our espresso machine and mattress) or the actual creatures (although I do miss the dog and cats terribly whenever we’re away). I also find that travel invites me to experience and appreciate home more vividly, more intentionally. Not to bury the lede: I love my home, but I can only afford my home because it’s in Memphis.

I live with my family in Central Gardens, in a home constructed around 1905. We bought the house in 2019, when it was 114 years old. In those years, our plot of land has been home to lawyers (three, including my spouse), a reporter, a paper salesman, a cotton salesman, a nurse, a dressmaker, a painter, a driver, and more. It’s a four-square, meaning there are four bedrooms, all upstairs; the downstairs was reconfigured sometime in the mid-twentieth century into an open floor plan, with clean lines and clear views from front to back. The price tag worked for us only because the place wasn’t the gleaming showpiece so many buyers nowadays desire; instead, you might say that it had “such great potential,” as if the house were a bright but listless teenager. We looked at a lot of houses (a lot of houses) before we decided on this one. It wasn’t the loveliest home we toured, although it might be today. We considered options in several other neighborhoods, where almost every property has been renovated within an inch of its life. The kitchens all looked exactly the same, and we sensed that these houses didn’t have much more appreciation in them, beyond the general fluctuations of the market. They were as good as they were going to get. This one, though … well, it had potential.

And then — as you might remember if you’ve been reading this column for a while — the house caught on fire not three months after we closed. The fire was scary, and sad (so many lost books!), and inconvenient, but we all survived, pets included. And the house?

Well, against all odds, it thrived. While we were displaced for several months, it was put back together in better condition than before. It’s safer now, and more beautiful too. We call it The Phoenix, for its journey out of ash and flame.

In most other cities, though, we never could have afforded a house like ours in the first place. When I’m out of town, whether out of fantasy or sheer curiosity, I often find myself opening one of the various real-estate apps to check out the local offerings. Only to realize promptly that I have it pretty good, and not just because I happen to like my home and my hometown. No, I also have it good in that if I wanted to roughly duplicate my current home in another town, my husband and I would both need to double or maybe triple our current salaries. And yet, when we see jobs in other cities posted to various professional networks, they usually clock in within the salary ranges we currently earn. So, unless we become independently wealthy overnight (unlikely!) or decide to downsize radically, we’ll be here, in this complicated old house of ours, for a while yet.

Even in Memphis, of course, housing prices are higher than they once were, and too many people are squeezed out of good options. I don’t want to suggest that it’s easy to afford a nice home in this city. But homeownership isn’t impossible to fathom, either. Other cities may be fun to dream about, but I’ve found carving out a life to be more viable in this one.

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Belmont Grill

Great hamburgers, hot wings, and other fare, served with sides of Christmas lights and nostalgia.

BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

With its vintage knotty pine-paneled walls and low lighting, Belmont Grill always reminds me of the perfect den. Except I’ve never been in anyone’s den where the Christmas lights are left up all year long.

It’s comfortable, even cozy. And you’ll usually find an old friend or meet a new one. You can’t sit at the bar for five minutes without being involved in a conversation.

I spent many late nights at ‘ e Belmont,’ as most customers refer to it, in the ’80s and ’90s. at’s late as in 2:30 a.m., the bar/restaurant’s old closing time. ey now close at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through ursday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

I remember ordering my old favorite, “Beefeater martini up with three olives,” which was superbly made by Jeff Anderson or the late “Big John” Deweese behind the bar, partially encircled with red, green, and blue Christmas lights. ( e lights are strewn around the dining room, too.)

Anderson is still behind the bar at the Belmont, where he is also manager and an owner. “Been here for a while,” he says. “I was born in St. Joe, Missouri.

I went to high school here. And, hell, I bartended at Elan and Confetti way when it was in the Clark Tower.”

Anderson met the Belmont owners when he was working at East End Grill. He began as a bartender at Belmont in 1984 and became an owner in 1986.

Curious about the Belmont’s past? eir menu offers “ e Incomplete, Unauthorized, Unofficial, Often Rumored, Word-of-Mouth History of the Belmont Grill.” According to the story, the building “was constructed between 1910 and 1920 and was originally operated as a general store by Italia Bianchi and her family on what was known as Poplar Pike in the town of White Station.”

Several businesses stood on that corner over the years, including Bianchi Bros. Grocery and Louie’s Grill, which became Louie’s Bar & Grill in 1959. en “sometime in the early ’60s the property was leased to Bob Lloyd, who turned it into

the (infamous?) Sir Robert’s, where apparently half of East Memphis ate ham sandwiches, drank beer, and played shuffleboard.”

I remember drinking my first official beer — a Budweiser — at Sir Robert’s when I turned 21. I was working then at the nearby Seessel’s grocery store at Poplar and Perkins.

“Alan Gary (who also founded Huey’s) acquired the business in 1974 and re-named it e Half Shell,” the story goes on, and “ten years later, in 1983, e Half Shell moved to its current location on Mendenhall and the former Half Shell became e Belmont.”

I ask Anderson to tell me the most popular Belmont items.

“Hamburgers, hot wings, po’ boys, and the steak sandwich,” he says. In a Memphis Flyer story I wrote a while back about this city’s best “wing experiences,” Anderson told me about the Belmont’s wings: “Back then a lot of places did the pieces, not the whole wing.” e sauce, he said, is “a blend of Louisiana hot sauce and melted butter.

e butter helps the hot sauce stick to the wing. We don’t use a breaded wing. We use the

real wing, so you can still taste the sauce and the meat from the chicken.”

e hamburger, served on a French loaf instead of a hamburger bun, is “different than anything else that was out there at the time,” Anderson says. “So, that’s what made it unique. at’s how the popularity started: the French loaf, and the sauce we put on it before we charbroil it.”

en there’s my favorite Belmont item: the barbecued ribs. ey cook them in an Alto-Shaam, a commercial oven that makes the meat tender.

Finally, I can’t talk about the Belmont without mentioning the paintings by the late Ernie Patton. ey are an important part of the place. Anderson points out a particularly striking Patton portrait (above) which he believes has been at the Belmont for 50 years.

As I am leaving, I run into two friends, Bob Schreiber and Leslie Cohn. I ask them what they like about the Belmont. Without skipping a beat, Schreiber says, “It’s the neighborhood place to go. Period.”

Belmont Grill is at 4970 Poplar at Mendenhall.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL DONAHUE; AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF ANDERSON

left: Michael Donahue enjoys ribs with all the trimmings. above: A painting by the late Memphis artist Ernie Patton. right: Belmont Grill managerowner Jeff Anderson.

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Tiny Tot Studio

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

BY VANCE LAUDERDALE

At first Joe and Mabel would keep the toddlers entertained with magic tricks. They would make objects seem to disappear, or pull a live rabbit out of a hat, while Joe snapped the shutter.

DEAR

H.B.: Now that’s a cute baby! I’m glad you saved such a sweet photograph. Of course, the Lauderdales have maintained a treasure trove of family daguerreotypes, and when I was younger (and better looking) I vaguely recall sitting for European sculptors and painters — a long and tiresome process, let me tell you. As it turns out, you could also have a painting made at Tiny Tot Studio instead of a photograph, but — well, I’ll tell you the whole story.

The children’s portrait business operated by Joseph and Mabel Lyer (pronounced “leer”) wasn’t part of a chain, but a company they started themselves, working at first out of their own home. Joseph’s family was originally from the Czech Republic, but sometime in the early 1900s, when the boy was only 3, they came to America and ended up in Nebraska, where they established a successful farm.

“My grandfather wanted a new life here,” says Patti Cashion, one of Joseph and Mabel’s two daughters, “but my grandmother disliked America so much that she refused to learn — or even speak — English.”

One of her prized possessions is a fragile family Bible, written entirely in Slavic.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1920, Joseph originally spelled his name “Josef” but Americanized it when he was still young. Most people just called him Joe. For that matter, Patti says the family name was

originally spelled “Ljer” or even “Lher” before they came to America, but “somehow it got changed to Lyer during the immigration process.” At some point, the family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they continued to farm and even produced their own wine from grapes grown on their property. When the Second World War started, Joe joined the Navy — an interesting choice for someone from the Midwest, rather far from the sea. While stationed at the base in Pensacola, Florida, doctors confirmed he was color-blind, a problem at a time when ships still used color-coded flags to signal each other, so spent the war years in the ship-building division. While stationed at Pensacola, he met his future wife. Mabel Irene Smith was born on a farm in Pelham, Alabama, in 1925, one of nine children. Her parents, Charles and Lillian, moved to Seville, Florida, sometime in the late 1930s. A few years later, they moved to Panama City, at that time a sleepy Gulf Coast community. In ways that no one seems to remember, she encountered Joe and they quickly fell in love. They married in Panama City in 1943, and when the war came to an end, moved to New Orleans.

In the Crescent City they met someone who taught his new friends two valuable skills: photography (as you might expect) and magic. “I don’t know his full name,” says Patti. “My parents always referred to him as Red.” At any rate, the Lyers would blend those talents together when they moved to Memphis in the early 1950s. The decision to move here was made for purely practical reasons. The Lyers had no previous connection with Memphis, but Patti explains, “My father still had family in Iowa, and my mother had her family in Florida, so they looked on a map and decided Memphis was halfway between both places. They would visit her family one year for the holidays, and his family the next year.”

Once they settled in Memphis, they quickly made use of the skills they had picked up in New Orleans. “My father just adored children,” says Patti, “so he constructed a portrait studio in the backyard of our home, using the ship-building skills he had learned in the Navy.” The Lyers lived at 2166 Piedmont, in the Jackson/Vollintine area north of Rhodes College. At first, so the family story goes, Joe and Mabel — known to friends and family as “Honey” — would keep the toddlers entertained with magic tricks. They would make objects seem to disappear, or pull a

left: A Tiny Tot Studio photo of “H. B.” as a tiny toddler. above: Joe and Mabel Lyer.

DEAR VANCE: When I was a baby, I had my photo taken by Tiny Tot Studio. Was this a national chain, or a local outfit? — H.B., MEMPHIS.

live rabbit out of a hat, while Joe snapped the shutter. Later, he became so proficient with working with kids — taking pictures at schools, kindergartens, daycare centers — that they put aside the magic act.

Most photos were taken at the studio, but sometimes Joe would travel to the kids’ homes, or even take portraits outside, as you can see here — whatever the clients (or their parents) wanted. Mabel concentrated on the business side of Tiny Tot Studios, taking care of the accounting and marketing, and she

Judging from Patti and sister Pam Jordan’s stories about their parents, and newspaper articles retrieved online, the Lyers remained very active in Memphis society from the 1970s through the 1990s. When Commercial Appeal columnist Mary George Beggs wrote about cocktail parties, Mardi Gras galas, the Liberty Bowl Black Tie Dinner, or events organized by the Good Times Social Club, Joe and Mabel Lyer were often included “among those attending.” Both were members of the Cotton Carnival krewe Sphinx,

also began to incorporate her artistic skills.

Joe always photographed the children in blackand-white, his preferred medium (perhaps as a result of being color-blind). In the early days, Mabel would develop the negatives and touch up the prints. But if a family wanted a color portrait, she would hand-color the original image. What’s more, if anybody preferred an actual oil painting, she wouldn’t ask a restless child to sit, motionless and bored, for hours and hours. Instead, working with photographs taken by her husband, she would produce an oil painting of the subject. Her specialty was what Patti calls the “Madonna pose,” with a mother holding the child in her arms.

Tiny Tot Studio became so successful that sometime around 1965, the Lyers opened a complete studio at 744 South Highland, a former red-brick residence along the Highland Strip. That was a busy location. Neighbors on that same block included an optometrist, a chiropractor, a hamburger joint called Sandy’s, Walton’s Esso, Kessler’s Texaco, and two Memphis State fraternity houses. Telephone directories show Tiny Tot Studio also maintained its original location on Piedmont during this period, staying there until the late 1960s, when the Lyers moved to a more spacious home on West Crestwood, in the Yorkshire Forest neighborhood of East Memphis.

and one year members crowned Joe king. They also became friends with fellow photographers in town and joined the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. Joe, in fact, served as the treasurer and later president of that organization and was also elected portrait vice president of the Memphis Photographers Association.

Sometime around 2000, they closed the photography business, but for the rest of their lives, they took part in Variety Club parties, the Ava Maria Guild, St. Joseph Circle, and activities centered around the Church of the Holy Spirit. Joe passed away in 2013, at the age of 92. Mabel died in 2016, at age 90. Both were laid to rest in Memorial Park.

Their children remained in Memphis and did well. Both attended Holy Rosary and graduated from Immaculate Conception, two years apart. Afterwards, the oldest, Patti, served as director of compensation for Smith and Nephew, the medical device firm. Sister Pam is a nurse practitioner at Regional One. I think that’s all I can tell you about Tiny Tot Studio, H.B., but I believe I answered your question. Now, I’m taking a summer break to head to New Orleans. I want to look into the intriguing photographer/magician the family knew only as “Red.” After all, if it weren’t for him, Tiny Tot Studio might never have existed.

left: Joe Lyer didn’t confine his work to the studio. He’d go anywhere he needed to get a good photo.

THE STORY OF THE Sterick Building

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE “QUEEN OF MEMPHIS.”

BY MICHAEL FINGER

The 1920s were the golden age of Memphis commercial architecture. Try to picture this city’s skyline without the landmarks constructed during that decade: The Peabody, Hotel Chisca, Claridge Hotel, Wm. Len Hotel, Ellis Auditorium, Farnsworth Building, Columbian Mutual / Lincoln American Tower, new Cotton Exchange, Shrine Building, Elks Club, and Orpheum eatre. Overshadowing all these was the Sterick Building, at the northeast corner of ird and Madison. Construction began in November 1928 on the largest office complex in Memphis, a 340,000-square-foot tower with almost 900 offices, and at 29 stories, then the tallest building in the South.

Two prominent Texans from Fort Worth merged their last names to give the Sterick Building its name. Ross S. Sterling, a wealthy investor and politician, was co-founder of the Humble Oil Company and later served a two-year term as Texas governor. His business partner was his son-in-law, Wyatt Hedrick, an accomplished architect who had designed highly decorative commercial structures throughout Texas in the 1920s. e site they chose for their latest venture had been the former home of Napoleon Hill, a cotton merchant once considered the wealthiest person in Memphis. e authors of Memphis: An Architectural Guide described his impressive mansion, erected in 1882, as “Memphis’ finest example of robber-baron Victorian architecture.” After Hill’s death in 1909, ownership of his property transferred to his descendants, Memphians Olivia Polk Evans Jefferds, Henry Niles Grosvenor, Charles Niles Grosvenor III, and others — collectively referred to as the “Grosvenor Estate.”

Sterling and Hedrick made a crucial mistake when they selected this prime location. ey didn’t purchase the land itself, instead signing a 99-year lease for the 148-by-148foot property along ird Street (present-day B.B. King Street). ey were spending more than $2.5 million to erect a skyscraper on land they didn’t own. What’s more, the lease terms were unusual. e Grosvenor Estate would collect monthly payments of $1,500 in the form of gold bullion “or the fluctuating dollar equivalent of that amount of gold.” ese financial details didn’t seem to matter at the time but would certainly cause problems later.

right: The Sterick Building today looks almost exactly the same as the original architectural rendering made in the late 1920s.

Most Memphians didn’t know, or care, about these arrangements. All they noticed was the gleaming Gothic Revival (or “Commercial Gothic”) skyscraper going up in the heart of Downtown. e builders spared no expense on the “city within the city” that could draw as many as 10,000 work-

Sterick Building more elaborate than any other office building in Memphis. Inlaid blocks of polished Tennessee marble floored the four main corridors, meeting at a lobby topped by a “theatrical dome.” e walls dripped in gold-painted decorative plaster, prompting one newspaper to describe the interior as “rivaling the beauty of a Moorish castle.” Floors of all public spaces throughout the building were polished terrazzo. Other interior features included elaborate light fixtures, four-bladed ceiling fans, ornate staircases and door handles stamped with the Sterick “crest,” and doors and trim carved from quarter-sawn white oak. “Ray-OLite” Venetian blinds shaded each of the building’s 2,280 windows. Larger offices had their own wash basins, with drinking fountains and spacious public restrooms located on every floor.

employ young women — clad in starched white uniforms — to serve as “pilots” for each car.

Early news coverage, in the form of the city’s daily newspapers or smaller neighborhood newsletters, had nothing but praise for the new building. In November 1929, one year into the building’s construction, a writer for e Peabody Hylites thanked Sterling and Hedrick for “proving faith in Memphis’ supremacy as an agricultural, industrial, and commercial center.” She noted that the building’s 3,500 tenants would be “comfortably cared for … with every conceivable equipment that inventive genius has devised to meet the luxurious taste of the present-day businessman.”

ers and visitors every day. On the exterior, polished granite wrapped around the street level. Above that, Bedford stone from Indiana clad the first three floors. Higher floors used “artificial stone” — specially cast concrete that could be formed into highly detailed arches, pendants, spires, and other decorative elements, much of it hand-carved by this city’s own Christie Cut Stone Company. As the Sterick stretched to its full height, builders capped the top with a mansard roof of green tiles, adding two more windowless floors that concealed the elevator mechanism and utility systems. Two underground levels housed the four massive coal- and oil-fired boilers that would provide steam heat, along with the building’s own water well, ice-making and refrigeration equipment, and parking for 50 cars.

Interior details made the

e Sterick News, the building’s monthly publication designed to introduce new tenants to their fellow “Sterickites,” bragged that “the famous Dunham differential vacuum heating system gives a temperature of spring in the coldest winter.” e editors paid special attention to the eight Otis “Micro-Signal Control” elevators, hailed as “the last expression in vertical transportation.” Four elevators would serve only the first 12 floors. Express elevators would whisk passengers from the lobby to the higher floors, a 25-second ride at a speed of 900 feet per minute, making them the fastest elevators in the country. e Commercial Appeal noted that New York City, with all of its skyscrapers, had limited the speed of its elevators to 700 feet per minute. Even though any floor could be reached by pressing a button, the Sterick preferred to

ese innovations meant that constructing and furnishing the Sterick cost more per square foot than any other building in the South. Noting the 29 tons of electrical fans throughout the building, a building manager told reporters, “Were all these fans put in one place, enough air motion would be generated to cause a small tornado.” What’s more, the power to run those fans, along with the lights and other power requirement, “used as much electricity as 600 homes every day.”

Some tenants were so eager to be “Sterickites” that they moved in months before the building was truly ready. e Commercial Appeal told the story of Dr. Miriam Drane, a physician who had immediately leased offices there. Even though the elevators weren’t operating and the stairs weren’t finished, she clambered up a ladder every morning to reach her clinic on the second floor. e paper didn’t say if her patients did the same. After several months, the elevators were operating, and the good news, Drane said, was, “ ey didn’t charge us

above: The Napoleon Hill Mansion was one of the most elaborate private homes ever constructed in Memphis.

[rent] for the months we were cliff-dwellers!”

At 9 a.m. on March 5, 1930, Mayor Watkins Overton turned a key in the massive bronze door of the main entrance on ird Street to open the Sterick Building to the public. e Commercial Appeal called it “probably the city’s greatest house-warming in recent years.” More than 5,000 visitors, each of them given a white carnation, toured the building throughout the day. “Interest centered on the Renaissance lobby, with its unusual decorative effects, and harmonizing pink and black

marble panels,” according to the newspaper. “Feminine visitors admired the women’s lounge on the thirteenth floor, a quiet, well-furnished suite, with wicker furniture, lounge, day bed, dressing tables, showers, and even ash trays.” For the men, a barber shop on the same floor “departs from the traditional scheme with fixtures of orchid tint and art mirrors.”

Of course, the main attraction was the view from the top floors, offering “a wide sweep of the Mississippi River and a vast panorama of three states spread out below.” e two

uppermost floors, initially laid out for offices, would quickly be transformed into a restaurant and private club.

e tour was supposedly the first time that co-owner Ross Sterling had visited the new building, and he claimed to be delighted that the building was only one-fourth occupied. Early tenants included lawyers, accountants, and sales representatives for a diverse range of American businesses, many of them with no obvious ties to Memphis: the Atlantic Coast Railroad, Colgate-Palmolive, Graham Brothers Motor Cars, Savannah Sugar

left: The city’s

went up rather quickly. This photograph shows the Sterick only one year before it opened. Workers added the exterior stone while the steel framework was still underway. above: It takes a keen eye to admire all the decorative stonework on the Sterick Building, much of it hand-carved by the city’s Christie Cut Stone Company.

Refining, and others. Several floors were specially designed for doctors and dentists. e Junior League moved its headquarters to the second floor, and a group called the Southern Scribes opened its club’s offices in the Sterick.

e ground floor was reserved for retail. In 1930, Walgreens announced it would open a branch here, featuring “a sanitary soda fountain of the newest design.” Another ground-floor tenant that year was Meldor’s, a men’s clothing and accessories company, “handling a complete line of hats.”

tallest building

below:

bottom:

Just two years after its grand opening, the Sterick Building owners put the property on the auction block. They had no choice. By the time of the auction in September 1932, with the country deep in the Depression, the Sterick was barely half-occupied, and the owners were saddled with delinquent property taxes of $40,000 and a past-due payment of some $1.5 million on its first mortgage bonds.

The property, valued at $2.5 million, sold for less than half that. Only one bidder, the Madison Avenue Corporation, purchased the landmark for $1.2 million. Principals in the firm, which was organized for the sole purpose of acquiring the Sterick, included Memphians Robert Godwin, Frank Gilliland, and L.B. Echols, who had been the Sterick’s general manager.

This was only the beginning of financial troubles that would plague the building for decades. In 1937, newspapers reported that the Madison Avenue Corporation sought refinancing of the building “to seek a reduction of overhead through lower interest rates and elimination of unfavorable financing.”

In 1945, the Sterick was sold again. More specifically, “control of the Madison Avenue Corporation has passed to interests associated with Col. James Hammond,” who was described in The Commercial Appeal as a “Memphis capitalist” — without mentioning that he was a former publisher of that newspaper. The sale price had dropped even fur-

ther, with the building price recorded as $1,000,000.

That same year, exterior renovations changed the look of the Sterick. A “streamlining” project removed the nine-foot stone “spikes” that had decorated the upper reaches of the building. The Commercial Appeal explained, “These Gothic spires, which have become as familiar to sightseers as the building itself, were removed for safety.” The stones — actually cast concrete — had chipped over the years and become unstable. Some had even been struck by lightning, and “building officials couldn’t have those thousands of pounds of stone playing heavy-heavy-hangsover-your-head with the multitudes who pass below.” The six-month project, which involved sawing and grinding, didn’t please tenants on the upper floors. One attorney complained to reporters, “The noise from the crews working outside our windows has us practically paralyzed,” and another said, “I can hardly hear myself think, much less dictate.”

A vintage postcard shows the Sterick Building as it looked when it first opened, with its original stone exterior and green tile roof. Gothic spires (see inset photograph) were later removed as a safety measure.

During a recent tour, the views of the original staircases, mainly designed for use as fire escapes, reveal the ornamentation that was a hallmark of the interior.

MORE CHANGES OF OWNERSHIP

The 1950s may have been the peak years for Memphis’ most prominent office building. By this time, some 20 years after it opened, the Sterick boasted an occupancy rate of close to 100 percent.

at was a dramatic improvement from the early days, when occupancy remained so low that tenants themselves formed the Sterick Building Boosters Club, to help fill the empty offices.

In 1950, Hammond stepped down, replaced by his partner, Frank Gilliland. e Madison Avenue Corporation announced a two-year, million-dollar renovation that would air-condition the entire building. For several years, the two top office floors — occupied by the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors — had air-conditioning, but most lower floors relied on the old ceiling fans that had been installed in 1930. is project would require replacement of most of the wiring in the building, and reinforcement to the roof of the building’s east wing, where a dozen cooling towers would be placed.

Even so, steady ownership of the Sterick remained a problem. In 1952, the Mid-Southern Foundation purchased the building for $1.5 million. Newspapers expressed some concern about this newly organized group, described as a “nonprofit welfare corporation.” A foundation spokesman, Memphis securities dealer Robert Jordan, explained his group’s purpose was to “support religious, charitable, and educational institutions of the Mid-South.”

So why purchase the Sterick? Jordan responded, “ e acquisition of such a fine, income-producing property as the Sterick Building is [the foundation’s] first step toward carrying into effect its charter

purpose” — which marks a rare time when the Sterick was publicly described as “income-producing.”

Within four years, the Sterick was sold again. By 1957, with the building occupied and seemingly doing well financially, the purchase price had soared — to $3.85 million.

As with previous sales, the purchase did not include the land, which was still owned by the Grosvenor Estate. e new owner this time was Lawrence A. Wien, a prominent New York City attorney and investor whose portfolio of properties included the Empire State Building. Wien commissioned the Memphis architectural firm of Hanker & Heyer to draw up plans for a $200,000 modernization of the ground floor. is is when the old “theatrical” dome in the lobby, including much of the original ornate decoration, was replaced with a “20-foot ceiling cove with indirect lighting,” along with new stainless-steel and aluminum doors for the eight elevators, and new entrances on ird and Madison.

Perhaps the most dramatic change to the exterior took place in 1957. e Sterick, which had never been painted, received a thick coat of white paint, which also covered the green tiles on the roof.

Ownership of the Sterick, which always seemed to be in a state of flux, became

complicated that same year. Although Wien continued to own the building, a group called Sterick Building, Inc. signed a 68-year contract leasing the Sterick from him. Management would now be in the hands of four Memphians: Alvan Tate, Sam Cooper, Lucian Minor, and Herbert Humphreys. Both Cooper and Humphreys were principals in the local food-processing plant, HumKo. With the building now 93 percent occupied, the new group announced additional plans for upkeep and improvements, newly installed signage, and a battery of mercury vapor lights along the roofline that would give the Sterick “a floating aspect at night.”

In 1965, a 10-story adjoining building called Sterick North opened. ough this structure made no attempt to replicate the Gothic Revival style of the original building, it addressed a growing concern — lack of parking — with the first seven floors serving as a parking garage for 400 cars. e upper floors would be home to a 125-unit Holiday Inn, complete with a rooftop swimming pool.

Even with these improvements, the Sterick was facing stiff competition from newer, more modern office buildings Downtown. When First Tennessee Bank opened its headquarters across the street, it lured away the Summit Club, which had occupied the top floor of the Sterick for decades. e Sterick respond-

ed by converting its 29th floor to the Tower Restaurant, and the floor below to the private Tower Club. Meanwhile, a few blocks away, the 100 North Main Building, with its distinctive rooftop restaurant that revolved every 90 minutes, also attracted new tenants. e Sterick was no longer the “best address in town,” and it certainly didn’t help that other office buildings and shopping centers, along with the new shopping malls, were opening in East Memphis and Whitehaven, drawing retailers and residents away from Downtown.

In late 1965, the Sterick Building changed owners again. Sterick Building, Inc., which had operated the building since 1957, transferred the lease back to Lawrence Wien, the New York investor, who expanded the new ownership group, to be called the Sterick-Memphis Realty Company, to include Memphis attorneys Frank Gilliland Jr., James Gilliland, and Robert Gilliland. If those names sound familiar to anyone following the Sterick saga, these gentlemen were the sons of Frank Gilliland Sr., who had been part of an earlier ownership team.

But there was no point in trying to keep track of owners’ names, because in 1973 the Sterick was auctioned yet again. By now, even the local newspaper seemed weary of all these transactions. A Commercial Appeal headline announced, “Sterick Dusts Off For Sale Sign” and reminded readers that the building “will soon go on the auction block for the fifth time in 43 years.”

e giant building’s capacity was now down to 71 percent, with 115 businesses as tenants.

e new owner this time was the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, which paid precisely

$1,902,837.60 for the building — but once again, had no ownership of the land.

e building’s new manager, Michael E. Gallagher, assured tenants, “We’re doing a lot of things that old tenants tell us no other manager ever did.” is included brand-new elevators and air conditioning. Other changes included an art exhibit in the lobby, an aquarium holding live catfish, and “a different type of live tree in the lobby each month,” according to e Commercial Appeal. “None are indigenous to Memphis, and this month [July 1974] it’s a Manila palm.” More surprising, and probably more welcome, were the owner’s plans for an exterior

reported the CA. Why would that matter? e problem was that the original lease, filed with the Grosvenor Estate, specified that the $1,500 monthly rent be paid in gold — “or the fluctuating dollar equivalent of that amount of gold.” As a result, the Equitable Life Assurance Company was surprised to receive a

CLOSING THE DOORS

Meanwhile, in 1978 the Sterick Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. at was one bit of good news, because it gave the building a certain prestige and offered tax credits to the owners. But it was mostly downhill from there for what was once the city’s finest office building. Beginning in 1979, news coverage rarely mentioned the Sterick Building without noting it was “problem plagued” or “financially troubled.” Elevators were shut down when inspectors discovered the “ropes” holding the cars were badly frayed. A main water pump failed, leaving tenants on upper floors with no bathrooms or drinking water, and doctors and dentists unable to treat patients. e janitorial service company stopped working when it complained it hadn’t been paid in months. Tenants filed suit against the building management over ongoing maintenance and safety issues, while others moved out entirely. It was just one thing after another.

January 1975 bill for $13,469 — which the newspaper explained was “the amount equal to $1,500 of gold in 1926.”

paint job. Expected to cost almost $200,000, “the exterior will be restored to its original beige sandstone appearance, but the mansard roof will remain white.”

In 1975, that issue with the “ground lease” reared its head. “A suit to determine whether rent on the Sterick Building land should be paid in current dollars or 1926 dollars has been filed in federal court,”

Equitable didn’t have to worry about this problem for long. e following year, they sold the Sterick Building — yes, again — to Harold Collum, a Dallas real estate investor. Even though the life insurance firm had purchased the property for almost $2 million, newspapers reported the sale price to Collum was only $200,000.

According to some reports, Equitable was anxious to get rid of the property after learning of the high maintenance costs and the new ground-lease payments. e new ownership group would be called United Property Resources, Inc.

Alarmed at the condition of the building, which they described as “a dilapidated, dangerous fire hazard,” the Grosvenor Estate stepped into the fray. Claiming they had the right to control the building that stood on their land, they went to court to force ownership of the Sterick to revert back to Equitable Life, arguing that Harold Collum was doing nothing to address the maintenance issues. Equitable, however, wanted nothing more to do with the property, claiming they couldn’t afford to pay for the needed affairs. Lawyers for the Grosvenors pointed out that Equitable, the third-largest insurance company in the world, reported 1979 assets of $24 billion. Surely they could pay for the Sterick’s upkeep? It just went back and forth, with nobody, it seems, wanting to take responsibility.

Few Memphians were sur-

this page: A tour of the long-shuttered building, taken in May, showed that many of the elaborate details have survived, and the building is structurally sound. But these images give an idea of the extent of the renovations that will be needed to return the Sterick to its former glory.

prised when, in 1979, the Sterick was sold — this time to a group of Canadian investors. ICI Properties of Edmonton, Canada, took ownership in July 1979, and announced a complete facelift for the 50-year-old building.

ey would make all needed repairs, replace the roof, paint the structure inside and out, and repair or replace all the electrical and plumbing systems. e company even announced they would move their corporate headquarters to the Sterick so they could better monitor the situation.

By this time, the Sterick’s occupancy rate had plummeted below 40 percent, but Edward J. Leone, president of ICI, declared, “ e Sterick is the Queen of Memphis, and we want to put her back on her throne.” is is the company who decided the exterior colors of the building should be yellow and brown, as they remain today. When that work started, even the building manager admitted the Sterick now looked like “it was wearing an ugly sport coat.”

After painting the building and making a few cosmetic changes, Leone’s investment group decided the Sterick was too much trouble after all, so they did what everyone before them had done: ey sold the building. e newest owners were now Norwood Management Company and Tennessee Management Company, described as “recently formed Tennessee corporations.”

Just one month after the sale, a horrific event took place which almost certainly sealed the fate of the Sterick Building. On the afternoon of April 4, 1981, a prowler assaulted a young woman working alone on the 23rd floor. Her screams drew the attention of the Sterick’s security guards, who chased the assailant into a large group of offices

down the hall, and locked him inside. He decided his only escape was to break a window and crawl outside, onto one of the building’s narrow setbacks, where he began to run around to the ird Street side of the building.

e day had been stormy, and witnesses looking out the windows of First Tennessee Bank across the street, at first thinking the man was a construction worker, watched in horror as a strong gust of wind blew him off the building. His body landed on another setback nine stories below.

is tragedy cemented the Sterick’s reputation as a building that was derelict, dilapidated, and now dangerous, too. Management struggled to hold onto the property, but a few months later, an outside painter was nearly killed when a window air-conditioner tumbled out of a window and crashed into his scaffolding. By 1983, news about the

Sterick was generally bad. A typical headline was this one: “Sterick Building Faces New Crisis.” As more tenants left, more owners and management groups stepped in, one after another — Grossman Enterprises in Florida; Memphis Management Associates; and Sterick Tower Partners, composed of the Algernon Blair Group of Montgomery, Alabama, and EMSI of Miami, Florida.

One of the principals of that last group stated the obvious. In addition to resolving all the never-ending maintenance issues, the old building needed a careful, thoughtful renovation that reflected its history and preserved its architectural integrity. “What has happened over the years to the building is that a lot of its beauty has been covered up,” said Mark Shantzi with EMSI. “We’re addressing ways to recover as much of that beauty as we can.” As with the other plans

announced over the years, none of that happened.

In the 1980s, Memphis Heritage moved into one of the hundreds of vacant offices in the building. “We think the Sterick Building will be outstanding if its details and elements are restored and given attention,” said Kay Newman, the organization’s then-president. “We plan to keep our offices in the building and hope to work with new owners with research and advice.” e problem was that no owner was willing to stay with the building long enough to give it the attention it deserved — or to spend the money it would cost.

In 1991, the Sterick was put on the auction block again. By this time, the building that once housed almost 900 offices had only two tenants. Ownership had reverted back to Equitable Life, as the Grosvenor Estate had demanded, but they did little to the building but seal it off and basically mothball it — keeping the rain out and making sure window panes and other parts of the structure didn’t pose hazards to pedestrians below.

Out of all those Downtown landmarks constructed in the 1920s, Ellis Auditorium had been demolished to make way for a new, modern convention center complex, but the rest were still standing, some looking as nice as the day they were constructed. Only the mighty Sterick Building had deteriorated to such a pitiful condition that there was serious talk of its demolition.

at’s when Stuart Harris stepped into the picture. As head of Constellation Properties, he had transformed the sadly neglected Medical Arts Building at 240 Madison into e Commonwealth. Harris and his team were looking for a new project. ey found one by looking down the street.

LONG LIVE THE Queen of Memphis

HURDLES AWAIT, BUT STUART HARRIS — THE STERICK BUILDING’S BIGGEST FAN — HAS A BOLD VISION FOR THE DOWNTOWN LANDMARK.

BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

As you’ve probably heard, once again the Sterick Building has new owners. This time, though, the story may have a happier ending. e mustard-yellow (for now) 29-story skyscraper that has towered over Downtown Memphis for the better part of a century, looking rather forlorn in recent decades, might finally move into the modern era of Memphis thanks to Stuart Harris, principal at Constellation Properties. A longtime admirer of the building, Harris views the Sterick as the crown jewel of Downtown and harbors ambitious plans to revitalize the busy corner of Madison Avenue and B.B. King Street (formerly South ird) with retail, hospitality, and multifamily residences. Getting his hands on the deed to the property was an odyssey in itself, but with that hurdle cleared, the real work is ready to begin.

Anative Memphian, Harris has worked in and around the real estate industry for decades with roles at CBRE and SouthernSun Asset Management. He’s touched several other Downtown redevelopment projects, but his March 31, 2023, acquisition of the Sterick Building elicited cheers from some, and raised eyebrows from others. Was Harris’ plan to tackle a project that so many developers had avoided a stroke of genius, or folly? After all, the long dormant building — empty for more than 30 years — is 340,000 square feet, making it a massive renovation effort.

“Some time ago, we among others were invited to tour it,” says developer and real estate expert Henry Turley. “And at the time, a lot of us said this can’t be developed without the parking garage and a hotel next door. en you look at previous owners like the Gilliland family who did everything right, but still punted on it.”

The challenge didn’t deter Harris. While others might have a vested interest in redeveloping community assets, he harbored a passion, almost an obsession, with the tower, even going so far as to commission a Sterick-themed wedding cake back in 2006.

Untying the Gordian ownership knot and solving the land-versus-lease issue had long been a major impediment for any parties even vaguely interested in pursuing a revitalization project. “From the minute that the Sterick lease was transacted [in 1926], everything put on that land didn’t belong to it until April 30, 2025,” says Harris. “When that lease expired, everything

would return to the landowners.” Harris is referring to the Grosvenor Estate, the descendants of Napoleon Hill, the millionaire whose mansion previously stood on that site. “With ownership changing hands over the years, many of them didn’t care about maintaining the space with that in mind. And then when you saw Downtown depopulating in the ’70s and ’80s, there wasn’t a lot of demand for a space like the Sterick.”

But even as Downtown development picked up pace again in recent decades, there was always a Catch-22 lingering over any plans to spruce up the Queen of Memphis.

e lease requirement to turn the building back over to the Grosvenor Estate in “good working order” remained far enough away not to be too concerned about, but that same 2025 deadline meant that any improvements made to the building wouldn’t be worth the investment for developers.

If Harris wanted to make a deal happen, he needed to bring both the Grosvenor Estate and Equitable Life to the negotiating table and get both to buy into his pitch. He had both passion and a particular confluence of events that helped clear his path to ownership. For one, he already had a personal relationship with Henry Grosvenor, a member of the ownership trust, and started pitching his ideas for the Sterick in the first quarter of 2021. Plus, with the 2025 deadline in the back of everyone’s minds, the City of Memphis and local organizations like the Downtown Memphis Commission started putting more pressure on all parties to come to a resolution, rather than spending time in legal wranglings over whether or not the property was in “good working order.”

Harris also had a “proof of

concept” just down the street at 240 Madison that backed up his aspirations. In 2018, he finished redevelopment of the former Medical Arts Building on behalf of lead investor Michael Cook, founder, CEO, and co-chief investment officer of SouthernSun Asset Management. Now dubbed “ e Commonwealth,” the eight-story mixed-use development is a template for the kind of restoration Harris envisions for the Sterick. e Commonwealth, which had been empty since 1971, is now home to offices, 40 apartments, a coffee shop (Boycott Coffee), and a soon-to-be-announced new restaurant. Artwork on the ground floor, including custom murals depicting the building’s life in the ’20s and a large map of Downtown Memphis, pays homage to the neighborhood’s history. “We definitely look to reuse

opposite: The Sterick Building lobby as it appears today. The tile floor looks almost as beautiful as the day it was installed. below: Michael Cook (left) and Stuart Harris, on the roof of The Commonwealth, the building they purchased and restored just down the street from the Sterick.

as much as we can in our projects,” says Cook, a key player alongside Harris in the Sterick project. “With the Commonwealth, there were a lot of items left over in the basement, which was originally a public Civil Defense bomb shelter from the 1950s. We found C-rations and old bomb shelter signs down there, and brought artists in to make artwork out of those materials. It’s about maintaining that connection to the past, and then bringing it forward so that people feel like they’re a part of it.

“We definitely took some lessons from working on the Commonwealth,” adds Cook. “ ere’s less margin for error on a project like that since it was a smaller space, and we ran into issues and had some challenges with retrofitting. But it helped

because it was built in a similar era [1926], and had similar construction. So those learnings will be really valuable as we translate that experience into the Sterick Building.”

As he continued to pitch his vision for the Sterick, Harris challenged both the land owner and leaseholders individually, and tried to work out what type of arrangement would end with everyone happy. Helping throughout the whole process has been Stuart’s father, Michael Harris, known in Memphis as a real estate veteran and former longtime COO of Highwoods Properties, who has lent his expertise to help the Sterick project move forward.

While the parties have not disclosed the specifics of the sale, the result was a title in hand for Harris and Constellation Properties, complete control of his dream property, and no further legal obligation to have the building in “good working order” by 2025.

THE STERICK’S FIT DOWNTOWN

If Harris’ big gamble pays off — time will tell — the Sterick Building is poised to be a tremendous asset to Downtown Memphis. e Madison corridor has come a long way in the past couple of decades, and a quick glance around can tell any casual observer why. Locals can be seen strolling up and down the block, perhaps heading to the nearby YMCA or across the street to catch a Redbirds or 901 FC game at AutoZone Park. Multiple coffee shops, such as Boycott and Crazy Gander Coffee Company, welcome Downtown office workers and visitors. Restaurants along the Main Street Mall are just minutes away. And big projects, like the revamped Tom Lee Park and the Downtown Brooks Museum currently under construction, will likely draw even more visitors to the riverfront. It’s clear that people want to play Downtown, but there are many who want to live and work there, too. Harris’ plan for the new Sterick is to make it a hive of multifamily apartments, possibly accom-

panied by a boutique hotel, retail options, and restaurants. But even with so many apartments and hotels springing up around Downtown (and more on the way), Harris and Cook are confident that the city can accommodate more units.

A Zimmerman/Volk Associates (ZVA) housing market study commissioned by the Downtown Memphis Commission in 2021 backs up those claims. “Based on regional household growth, mobility, and other market trends, ZVA projects that Downtown has the potential to absorb between 6,000 – 7,000 market-rate housing units in the next decade,” reads the study. “Due to the high need in the Memphis region, demand for affordable housing units Downtown is extremely high.

“If 30 percent of new housing units are made affordable — which would require significant public investment — up to 10,000 new housing units (7,000 market-rate and 3,000 affordable) could be absorbed by the end of 2030,” continues the report. “ is is over twice the total units added since 2000 — holding the potential to dramatically reshape Downtown.” Henry Turley Company’s new Orleans Station apartments, just up the road in the Edge District, to name one recent example, opened at maximum occupancy. e demand for more units in the area remains hot.

As it’s still early days for the project, plenty of crucial details are yet to be hammered out. But Harris envisions the Sterick with a range of anywhere from 140 to 260 total apartment units. “We’re balancing the civic-mindedness of the project against profitability,” says Harris. “We’re analyzing where the apartments should sit, and where they might be the most profitable. So right now, we’re focused on our programming, modeling, and cost projections to make sure what we decide is sustainable.”

below: Harris points to plans for the Sterick Building. Still in the early stages, the full scope of the project is yet to be determined.

NO PAYWALL

Harris and Cook are also exploring the idea of adding a boutique hotel, if they deem it financially viable. “ e space is big enough to accommodate that,” says Harris. “And that’s something else to consider: Where do we put the hotel, and how does it interact with [the apartments]?” If a hotel does come to fruition, there will likely be plenty of visitors. According to Memphis Tourism’s 2022 annual report, the Memphis metro area sold over 6 million hotel room nights, an increase over 2021’s 4.1 million rooms. If anything, the Sterick Building could provide yet another option for conference-goers at the new Renasant Convention Center. (A convention-specific hotel has yet to reach fruition.)

Developers speak of “activating” certain areas, but Harris and Cook are pouring their resources into Madison, having purchased additional parcels of land between the Sterick and Commonwealth buildings, and have deals in the works for several more in the surrounding area. “I like to view this unofficially as the Commonwealth neighborhood,” says Cook. “ e motivation here is to do things with quality and with a long view. And we were actually content with the notion that we might not get the Sterick. We knew something might happen in 2025 if we didn’t, but it became about, how do we continue to operate in such a way that we’re … bringing life to the spine of Downtown.”

“Now, when we look at the connective tissue that something like the Sterick does for the broader neighborhood between the Downtown core and the Edge,” says Harris, “we’re kind of closing our eyes and envisioning a neighborhood that has some pretty awesome structures like the YMCA, the ballpark, Visible Music College, Downtown Elementary School, yet also has blight and a bunch of surface parking lots.”

above: A recent tour of the Sterick Building revealed a spacious corner office that had been empty for decades. One of the renovation challenges will involve replacing old carpet and Venetian blinds and modernizing more than 2,000 windows.

NEXT STEPS

Harris can already imagine the joy that his revamped Sterick might bring to Downtown. But first, the building needs more than a little TLC. And for that, it also needs additional financing.

A trek up the tower’s 29 stories leaves visitors with visions of a post-apocalyptic Mad Men. The lobby’s tile floor has remained marvelously intact, a beautiful invitation into the city’s first skyscraper. But farther up, footsteps frequently sink into squishy carpeting and rotting floorboards of a blighted interior. The ceilings and walls are riddled with gaping holes, black mold makes frequent appearances, and the asbestos-filled walls need addressing.

Elsewhere, shag carpet, zebra or bamboo wallpaper, and paint color decisions that were probably very chic in the ’60s abound, conjuring the image of a “no rules” approach to design. Rushed drop-ceiling HVAC installations from the ’50s, according to Harris, make rooms feel claustrophobic. All of the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical components of the interior will need to be redone. In essence, the interior will be like a completely new building if the project runs to completion. But it’s not an insurmountable project. “The damage inside is something that can be overcome,” says Turley. “What they’ve got to do is make it conform to the new use.”

And the exterior might get a shiny new glow-up, as well, with Harris mulling plans to restore the building’s current faded-yellow visage to its original stone facade. “It used to be stone, then it was white,” adds Turley. “The yellow just never worked. You’ve got the Shrine Building, the William Len Building, and 81 Madison; they’re all stone, and they look right. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

Harris acknowledges many of the concerns about the Sterick, but prefers to focus on what the building could be, rather than what it is now. “A lot of the damage is superficial,” he says. “The building itself is made out of concrete and steel, with a composite limestone exterior. It’s a beautiful historic shell in pretty good condition. Then, even under all the flooring, rip that up and you’ll still have marble and terrazzo floors underneath. We’ll leave that intact as much as we can, and actually did a similar thing at the Commonwealth.”

e first order of business for Harris and Cook is eliminating all the asbestos. But the next year-and-a-half, they speculate, will be dedicated to architectural and engineering plans. “Schematic designs and programming, things like that,” says Harris. “At the same time, we’ll be pricing the job, since construction costs are way up right now, and working on financing. We’re going to be working lockstep with the National Park Service and the State Historic Preserva-

tion office to make sure that we don’t get ahead of anybody, since we’ll be utilizing federal historic tax credits on this project.”

After the 18-month planning period, Harris predicts another 18-24 months of construction. If everything goes smoothly, he hopes to deliver a revamped Sterick Building by the third or fourth quarter of 2026. “But a lot of things can happen between now and then,” he says.

If — and at this early stage it’s definitely an if — all goes well, the Queen of Memphis may reign over Downtown once more. And Harris won’t have to settle for a Sterick wedding cake. He’ll have the real thing, and perhaps even a unit of his own. “I can’t imagine not having a place in there once it’s done, even if it’s in the basement,” he laughs.

above: The Sterick Building soars over AutoZone Park, as well as most other buildings Downtown. Only the 100 North Main Building a few blocks away is taller.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ART GALLERY

above: Mary Jo Karimnia and Yangbin Park sit below a perfectly pink painting by Keiko Gonzalez.

right: Park’s “Echoes of Home: Exploring Memory and Belonging” invites passersby to look in the front porch window at the Studiohouse on Malvern.

ARTIST MARY J O KARIMNIA WANTS YOU TO LOOK INSIDE HER WINDOW.

BY ABIGAIL MORICI

Only one pink house stands on Malvern Street in Midtown. Owner Mary Jo Karimnia swatched maybe 20 shades of pink before landing on the right one for the siding of what she calls her studiohouse. “Somewhere between coral and Barbie pink,” she says, her light pink pigtails resting above her shoulders. “ at’s my color.”

Besides its unusual pink hue, perhaps the most striking feature of the house is the window beside the front door. A peek through the glass pane reveals a box, home to a small art exhibit filled with sheets of thick paper of muted tones hanging at various heights, carrying childlike drawings of things like buildings and cars. is, Karimnia says, is the Porch Window Gallery, and right now, through late summer, Yangbin Park’s “Echoes of Home: Exploring Memory and Belonging” is on display as the gallery’s first show, only a block or so away from Crosstown Concourse.

While most people would be wary of strangers approaching their front porch, Karimnia, who is Crosstown Arts’ residency manager, welcomes anyone to take a gander through her window. “ e nice thing is, it’s open 24 hours a day,” she says. “When you drive by at night, it’s lighted; you can see it from the road.

People can come up on the porch, walk, bike, anything.” Best part is, you can’t miss the pink house. Inside, after walking under a sparkling pink disco ball hanging from beams, we sit at Karimnia’s red kitchen table that faces a tufted pink couch. e floor is tiled orange, pink, and white, and a pink minifridge sits in

the corner. Her tiny-beaded and felted landscapes in the style of vintage postcards hang on the wall. Karimnia renovated and designed the house herself with the help of a contractor, taking it from a duplex in bad shape to the delightfully pink space she now calls the Studiohouse on Malvern. She co-owns the house with

Bolivia-based painter Keiko Gonzales, whom she has known since college — “100 years ago, it feels like,” she chuckles. Gonzalez comes to Memphis a couple times a year and stays at the Malvern place. But the Porch Window Gallery is Karimnia’s baby.

When asked about the inspiration for the project, she shrugs

with a grin, saying, “I just made it up.” At first, all she knew was that she wanted to use her new studio space to nurture community. “A lot of my work is community-based,” she says.

In the past, she organized the “Unchained” series of art exhibitions, where she invited artists she didn’t know well to participate in the first show and asked them to come back for the next one, creating a domino effect. “I still have friends from that very fi rst ‘Unchained’ show,” Karimnia says. “I was trying to get to know the Memphis art scene, and [the ‘Unchained’ series] worked. I think we had three shows.”

The Porch Window Gallery operates on a similar basis, she explains. Karimnia invites an artist, who then invites the next, who then asks the next, the condition being that anyone an artist invites must be an artist they don’t know well.

However, before she invited the fi rst artist, Karimnia tested the concept of the Porch Window Gallery herself, earning

a Bridging the Distance grant from the UrbanArt Commission which called for small-scale community-focused projects in response to the Covid pandemic. “ e idea was art that you could experience without having to be in a crowded room,” she says. So in April of last year, in the midst of renovations, she displayed her cut-outs of disembodied eyes in the box hung in the front porch window, harkening to the idea of the Evil Eye as a form of protection from evil spirits.

Fast forward to March of this year. With renovations complete, Karimnia was ready to pass the torch — or, rather, the window

box — to the artist whose work would officially launch the Porch Window Gallery: Yangbin Park.

Ididn’t know Yangbin really,” Karimnia says, “but I knew about his print practice.” Having moved to Memphis last August to start his job as professor of printmaking at the University of Memphis, Park is relatively new to the area and says he accepted the invitation to meet local artists and make friends. Already, through this project and, consequently, his newfound friendship with Karimnia, who frequently hosts

groups of artists at her studio, Park has connected with artists he might not have otherwise. He even ended up inviting not just one but two artists — Johanna Moscoso and Emma Chauvin — to participate in shows following his.

“ is project is experimental,” Park says. “It’s not a common way to present your work. It’s not a common practice for artists because you are given this box that has a predetermined, intimate size. I thought about all the work I have created that could possibly serve this project, and I’d been thinking about the joomchi prints that I created years ago.”

Joomchi , he explains, is the traditional Korean technique of papermaking, using hanji, paper made from mulberry tree bark. “It’s light and it’s flexible,” he says. “It’s very adaptable.” Most importantly, though, joomchi holds an emotional connection for him, reminding him of his native country of South Korea, which he left in 2008 at age 26 to attend graduate school in the States.

“Once you are so far from your home, your family, you think more of it in an urgent way,” Park says. “While I was in Korea, I didn’t think about my cultural heritage as much because it’s already there. But once I relocated to the United States, I got interested in digging into our culture and heritage, my identity and my family.”

Although he now thinks that he might settle down in Memphis, Park admits that since moving to America, he hasn’t felt at home. “I never had a sense of certainty,” he says. “I came to the U.S. as an international student, and my immigration status was nonexistent. Now, I have a ‘semi-status,’ but you’re still uncertain about your future. You just don’t know where you’ll be going.”

So embracing joomchi, a process he’d previously dismissed, allowed Park to have a physical reminder of home. “It’s a bit of tangible evidence of history, memories, but I kind of forgot

clockwise from above: Clothline, 2013; Mr. Kim, 2013; Blanket, 2013

about it,” he says. “My work became very installation-centric — big-scale structures and printmaking. But this [project] reignited my passion in joomchi and hanji because I really felt something for the tangibility of it. I’m not just dealing with the material, but also I’m negotiating with it. e paper must be agitated for hours. So you can say it’s very labor-intensive, but then it holds the history of your craft, your artistry,”

For his Porch Window Gallery show, which he titled “Echoes of Home: Memory and Belong,” Park printed images on the hanji, fusing layers of the paper together to make a more resilient product to string on clothing lines within the window box.

e images, drawn in a childlike fashion, he says, represent his fragmented memories of Korea: his blanket and pillow, his boots from his military service, his old apartment building, the moving truck he packed with his belongings to move to New York for school.

In the center, at the forefront, hangs a piece of paper with “Mr. Kim” scrawled on it, a nod to the Kim family ruling over North Korea. When Kim Jong Il died and Kim Jong Un assumed power, Park says, “A very dark cloud approached the peninsula because there could be a war crisis. What will North Korea do? Will they go to war with South Korea? I did receive a letter from the South Korean army that I might be conscripted if something happened. It felt very concrete to me. It’s not like something you just see on the internet or in the newspaper, like, ‘Oh, something happened. It’s terrible, but, okay, let me move on.’ Now, I see how that kind of historical event can affect an individual.

“I just couldn’t let it sleep,” Park continues. “So, the images are either from a memory, but there are some from events that actually affected me.”

Yet, even though these images are personal to Park’s life, they in-

vite the viewer “to reflect on their own sense of home and belonging.” In fact, Park drew the images as a kid might to maintain simplicity, so anyone can recognize the elements and connect with them. And the Porch Window Gallery space amplifies this message, simply by the nature of the space being a residence unlike a traditional gallery space. “ e images [I’ve chosen] tend to be very domestic images of things,” Park says. “Although they’re kind of foreign here, they’ve found a new home here. After installing my work, I didn’t see any theoretical or etheric rupture by displacing my things that feel very personal to me. ey just blended into this new house.”

In a way, the artwork provides insight into the artist, just as peering through a window would reveal about a home’s dwellers. At the same time, as the viewer inevitably witnesses their own reflection cast upon the glass pane, the viewer must also consider their own position in relation to the art and the artist.

“I personally like artwork that kind of lets me in,” Karimnia says, pointing to Park’s art as the perfect example. “I don’t much enjoy looking at work that dictates and tells me what to think, what to see, what to feel. But with work that leaves space for me to come with my own idea of what home is, it’s a richer experience.”

“It’s a huge benefit for me to come to the studiohouse and walk by Yangbin’s work every day,” Karimnia adds. “It’s a real pleasure.”

As she looks forward to future shows that’ll take place in her Porch Window Gallery, Karimnia says that she mostly looks forward to the unknown. “As a curator, I’m letting go of the curation,” she says, especially since each artist chooses the next. “I’m allowing the process to flow. I’m not going to cu-

rate their work. I’m going to give them this box to figure out what they need to come up with their own vision. Of course, I’ll help them if I can.” But, ultimately, she says, the Porch Window Gallery is in the hands of the artists.

So far, she’s scheduled out the next two years for the Porch Window Gallery, though even that is flexible. Maritza Dávila will follow Park, with her work likely being on display in September, and eventually Johanna Moscoso and Emma Chauvin will participate as well. “I think I’m going to do maybe like five or six months for each exhibit,” Karimnia says, “then maybe a month to change out and then have the next artist come in. … I’m interested in how this project will evolve.”

Beyond the Porch Window Gallery at the Studiohouse on Malvern, Karimnia speaks of tentative plans for musical performances, open houses, and a light projection show by Nelson Gutierrez, hoping that events like these will further foster community. “ is neighborhood is really becoming activated in an arts way,” she says. “ e neighbors have been really supportive, and I’ve tried to nurture those relationships. ey’re invested in the things that I’m doing as well.”

For now, though, nothing is set in stone. “I’m in the process of figuring out where the Studiohouse on Malvern fits in the art ecosystem,” Karimnia says. “I don’t have super concrete goals. I kind of like to see what happens.”

Purchased in 2019, the Studiohouse on Malvern took two years to renovate. “We totally rehabbed it,” Karimnia says. “It’s a new interior, new exterior, new plumbing. We put in heat and air. I did all the floors, painted all the interior.”

e Porch Window Gallery at the Studiohouse on Malvern is located at 418 Malvern Street. Stay up to date with the gallery on Instagram (@studiohouse_on_ malvern). “Echoes of Home: Exploring Memory and Belonging” will be on display until August (or maybe September).

Follow Yangbin Park on Instagram (@yangbinpark).

DAVID EVANS

A blues pilgrim’s lifelong journey into music.

BY ALEX GREENE

The music pioneered by the Memphis Jug Band, a lively hybrid of country blues and jazz, full of interjections like “Oh now sugar baby!” over a weave of guitars, mandolin, fiddle, washtub bass, musical jug, and, most uniquely, kazoo, was something Memphis was known for once upon a time.

Ranging from the exquisitely sparse to the clamorously rocking (sans drums), and quite popular in their day, jug bands had been out of fashion for decades when, in 1997, a little-known album was released by Inside Sounds that revived the music once more. Shake at ing!, by the aptly named Last Chance Jug Band, was clearly an homage to music that had enjoyed its heyday from the ’20s through the ’50s, albeit with all the sonic clarity offered by modern equipment. Yet the sound remained rough, raw, and rocking, the vocalist’s delivery somehow off-hand, gruff and passionate at the same time, punctuated with earnest kazoo-playing — not unlike the city’s jug bands of yore.

But when he sang, “Well I’m going back to Memphis, gon’ get high up on the bluff/ en I won’t have to worry, ’bout these times being tough,” it was the singer’s original song; and the catch in his throat was loaded with soul, as was his kazoo solo that followed.

While laden with humor, this music was not a joke to him. Meanwhile, his pitch-perfect emulation of Mississippi Fred McDowell’s original guitar playing on “Write Me a Few Lines” was jaw-dropping. Hearing the album at the dawn of thetwenty-fi rst century, one might well have wondered, “Where did this anachronistic band and their impassioned singer-guitarist-kazooist come from?”

At the time, the answer would have led you to the University of Memphis, where the Last Chance Jug Band’s frontman, better known as Dr. David H. Evans Jr., taught for 38 years. Evans has blurred the lines between academia and performance all his life. Though trained in ethnomusicology before many graduate schools even offered such a specialization (his Ph.D. from

the University of Southern California was technically in folklore and mythology), he was hired as an associate professor of music by then-Memphis State University in 1978. And so, unlike so many ethnomusicologists in anthropology departments, “as a music professor ... there was some expectation that I should be a performer,” Evans writes. One senses his arm needed no twisting.

ose words are from a recently penned memoir, Going Up the Country: Adventures in Blues Fieldwork in the 1960s (University Press of Mississippi), co-authored by Evans and his early partner in research (and, for a time, romance), the late Marina Bokelman. It’s a tribute to both Evans’ modesty and his scholarship that his own playing figures little in the book. In keeping with his lifelong passion for others’ music, his own musicality chiefly occupies the early and late chapters. Yet it’s only in hearing his playing, as in the Last Chance Jug Band’s recordings, that one can grasp how deeply he’s internalized the music of other ages and cultures.

Furthermore, being an active performing musician has sharpened Evans’ insight as he’s pursued his twin passion: writing.

e above volume, for example, reveals just how prolific he and Bokelman were even as young graduate students in the field, with three chapters of the nearly 300-page book derived from “the actual notes we wrote in the evenings following days of trying to locate, record, and interview musicians and their family members,” as Evans writes. e detail and care put into those notes reflect not only the discipline of anthropology generally, which has long relied on the monkish practice of daily field notes, but also the sheer dedication of the young couple, their love of their work and their subjects.

“We interviewed Herb Quinn [of Franklinton, Louisiana],” goes one section of Evans’ notes from 1966, “with Marina getting it all down on paper. I don’t see how she did it.” Later that day, Evans broke out the tape recorder and his subject Quinn “wanted to start on mandolin, which is his favorite instrument. He asked me to play guitar behind him, and I did so reluctantly ... He and I did some instrumental pieces, which I managed to get through without too many mistakes.”

David Evans on stage. Please don’t call him “Doctor” or “Professor” when he’s performing.

clockwise from top left: Lighting out for the field in his Volkswagen, circa 1966; documenting his work with tape and pen, circa 1966; accompanying Hammie Nixon in The Netherlands, 1980; accompanying Jessie Mae Hemphill, 1985.

It’s a passage typical of the whole book, with Evans, only a year into his graduate studies at UCLA, approaching Quinn with his usual modesty, hoping most fervently to make a recording without his own playing. In the end, Evans’ prior knowledge of blues techniques helped him coax that and more out of Quinn. “He did a couple sentimental songs on guitar with one vocal ... When his fingers began to get sore, I asked him to play knife. He pulled out a huge curve-blade thing and played a great version of ‘Poor Boy Long Ways from Home.’ We left around 10:00.”

As with so many anthropological projects, studying the blues seemed to also entail a duty to preserve the music, and Evans threw himself into that mission from the start.

Not many 22-year-old grad students would have known to ask about playing slide guitar with a knife. Evans’ insight was rooted in years of careful listening, dating back to his undergraduate days at Harvard. Many collegiate types were falling in love with folk music in the early ’60s, and Boston-born Evans was no different. As he writes in Going Up the Country, folk and blues “seemed so much more mature than the adolescent pop music on the radio... e world these blues singers described in their songs just seemed more real than the life of a college student.”

Recalling that scene today, he notes that Cambridge, Massachusetts, was charmed at the time. “Just as I went to college, I got into this environment where I could

hear what back then would have been called ‘more authentic’ folk music. A friend was into the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Leadbelly, so then I started getting those records. en I met Al Wilson, who introduced me to more blues, and we would get interested in music together. So it was being in the right place at the right time. All these blues artists started turning up. Mississippi John Hurt and Bukka White and so on. ey played locally in coffeehouses and you could meet them. In fact, some of them stayed with Al Wilson and I would meet them there. So it was a great opportunity to get into something that was very outside of my environment. It was happening right there where I was, but it opened up other worlds.”

Wilson was to have a profound impact on Evans. Both friends wanted to do more than just listen, and Evans even bought the same type of guitar that Leadbelly had played. “I guess I liked it so much, I wanted to see if I could do it. It started from records, but very soon I got to see Sleepy John Estes and Hammie Nixon in 1962. And then a whole slew of others, Mississippi John Hurt and so on. So, I was just starting out and I could see these veteran performers, hear what they sounded like, and see how they played and performed. I tried to absorb as much as I could.”

his doctorate in 1976, and teaching at California State University, Fullerton, from 1969 to 1978, he published prolifically in more scholarly journals. One telling piece was titled “Few Scholars Are Involved in Studying and Preserving the Music We Call the Blues,” published in The Chronicle of Higher Education in 1988. Yet when Memphis State University eventually made him a full professor of music and director of Regional Studies in Ethnomusicology, he at least could continue to study and preserve the blues, now with tenure.

That included books such as 1971’s Tommy Johnson, a biography and analysis of the seminal African-American folk blues singer; Big Road Blues: Tradition and Creativity in the Folk Blues in 1982; and The NPR Curious Listener’s Guide to Blues in 2005. Along the way, his research was also celebrated by others. The late Robert Palmer’s Deep Blues, which, along with a documentary of the same name, introduced many to the variations and complexities of Mississippi blues in 1981, paid homage to Evans’ research And Evans’ two Grammys for liner notes to blues collections speak further to his popular impact, above and beyond any academic writings.

This highlights how much Evans continued to value his recording practice. If folk and blues had enjoyed a revival in his Harvard years, in retrospect that seemed but a brief respite from the steady decline in blues audiences throughout most of Evans’ career (though the genre now has a more solid foothold once again,

thanks to institutions like the Blues Foundation). As with so many anthropological projects, studying the blues seemed to also entail a duty to preserve the music, and Evans threw himself into that mission from the start.

“Blues at Nightfall: High

Water

Records”

In 1980, Evans and Richard Ranta, the first dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, founded High Water Records to take the kind of recordings Evans had made for years out of the archives and into record stores. A university-based record label was an unusual move, but it not only helped connect ethnomusicology with Memphis State’s burgeoning recording technology curriculum, it created product that was invaluable to the blues, gospel, and jazz artists of the era.

and “Build a Heaven of My Own: African-American Vernacular Art and the Blues,” will be on view at AMUM through September.

Over the course of 64 singles and albums, artists like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Jessie Mae Hemphill, who came to be celebrated globally, were honored alongside more obscure performers like Hezekiah & the Houserockers or the Pattersonaires. All were obscure initially, and High Water brought them to light.

Furthermore, Evans went beyond simple documentation, occasionally accompanying performers when needed, and assisting them with touring or crafting their careers. As he recalls of Jessie Mae Hemphill, “She wasn’t really playing blues when I met her; she had a guitar but she was very rusty and didn’t have many songs. But I could see she had all the elements there, and I just encouraged her to start writing songs and keep playing and composing. So she started developing one after another and they were great. And she created a style that was quite unique. A lot of people didn’t like it, or thought it was extremely simplistic, and in some ways it was, but I’ve never heard anyone else do it.”

As with many High Water artists, Hemphill eventually found international acclaim. “She was one of kind and I’m glad I could help her sound get out there,” he says. “She had a career, and the kind of fame that lives on. ey’re having a festival in Switzerland coming up this weekend that’s dedicated in her honor.”

But while the impacts of both High Water and the ethnomusicology program were significant, both were strangely undervalued by the university system that launched them. Evans retired in 2012 (though continued teaching for four more years), but since his departure, the University of Memphis has not replaced him or kept High Water active.

“Now, I don’t think they care about things

top: The Last Chance Jug Band, 2023. above: The Art Museum of the University of Memphis exhibit celebrating Evans’ record label, High Water Records, 2023. Evans was also presented with a Festschrift in his honor.

like that at the university,” Evans laments. “ ey’re interested in what you might call prestige grants, and they measure research success in dollars, not results. It’s killed the humanities and the arts and some of the social sciences.”

Evans is not alone in this assessment. Recently Leslie Luebbers, director of the Art Museum of the University of Memphis (AMUM), felt the need to recognize Evans’ work so powerfully that she decided to do something about it. “ e university has not done well by him,” she says. “And this is at a time when the university has put a lot of work into making this a campus that has a focus on African-American history and culture. So it’s really unfortunate, in that environment, for his work to be ignored.”

With these thoughts in mind, Luebbers put together the twin exhibits, “Blues at Nightfall: High Water Records” and “Build a Heaven of My Own: African-American Vernacular Art and the Blues,” which opened this April and will be on view at AMUM through September. While the second exhibit was only indirectly related to Evans, being curated

by his former Ph.D. student, William Ferris (co-founder of the Center for Southern Folklore), the first was an outright celebration of the recording company that Evans directed for decades, including a separate showing of classic High Water album covers as redesigned by current U of M students.

Yet, as Luebbers explains, there was more to the project than met the eye. “ ere were two students in my museum studies program who were both interested in doing this project. And one of them is an incredible researcher. One of the problems with doing this was that the High Water documents were scattered all over the place. Nobody had ever taken the time to assemble them or treat them as something of value. So they were stashed here and there, and this student went all over the campus, hauled them all back together, and turned them in to the music library. ey found films and tapes and all this stuff. I think the work that was done to produce the High Water show is actually more important than the show itself.”

Luebbers adds that “we did this with a hope that it would bring some highly deserved attention back to him,” and indeed it did. e exhibit’s opening night drew a packed house to bear witness to the label’s many releases in blues and gospel, as well as later releases of music from Ethiopia and Venezuela. Most movingly, perhaps, the opening night drew attention to the man himself. In preparation for the opening, Kip Lornell, guest editor of the Tennessee Folklore Society Bulletin, put together the “David Evans Festschrift,” a celebration of Evans’ work by former students and colleagues . As a surprise, it was presented to him that night.

Now retired and living with his wife, Marice, in the semi-rural Woodstock area north of Memphis, Evans carries on pretty much as he has done since the mid-’60s, writing, recording, and — of course — playing and singing the blues. When first contacted about this article, he was most eager to speak of his show with the Last Chance Jug Band a few days earlier, in Brownsville, Tennessee. “It was the Exit 56 Blues Festival,” he explains. “ ey used to be very small, but honestly, yesterday they had a thousand people there!”

Evans himself sees some overlap between his playing and his scholarship, but ultimately wants to keep them distinct. “ e fairly esoteric kind of music that I play is not something people hear every day. ese days, it inevitably has an educational quality to it,” he admits. en he adds, “When you hear any type of music you’re not used to hearing, you learn something. But it’s not my primary purpose as a performer. When I play and sing, I’m trying to entertain, not make it into a lecture. at’s the bane of my career, to be introduced on stages as ‘Dr. David Evans,’ or ‘Professor David Evans.’”

SUPPORTINGMID-SOUTH REALTORSSINCE1910.

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TheMLSshowed 1,018pendingsales asofMay15,up6.7% frommid-April.

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Therewere561sales ofunitsthatwereon themarketforfewer than30days.

THEMEMPHIS MARKET

GIMME SHELTER

A look at the residential real estate market in the Greater Memphis Area.

BY JON W. SPARKS

S tep right up to the roller coaster that is residential real estate. For home sellers, home buyers, Realtors, mortgage lenders, and anyone in the business, the past few years have been a wild ride.

We’ve gathered three of the area’s top residential real

estate experts to help guide us through where the industry has been (dealing with housing shortages, a pandemic, up and down interest rates), where it is now (a seller’s market but with buyers wielding a lot of clout), and what’s coming up (BlueOval City).

CARMEN PRINCE

has been in the real estate business for 19 years and is president of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR). She sold predominantly in the Tipton County area most of her early career and now focuses on Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties. She has been with Crye-Leike since 2015.

“It was such a wild and crazy ride for two or three years,” she says. “Now the market is correcting itself.”

NANCY C. HUDDLESTON has 13 years in the business, with extensive experience in sales and finance. She is with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury and has earned numerous accolades. She is a Certified Luxury Specialist, is president of the Memphis Multi-Million Dollar Club, and is on the board of Leadership Collierville.

“My job is to take people around and let them fall in love with the house,” she says. “And then I do all my work. I’m such an optimist. My attitude is that no matter what, I’m going to sell real estate.”

LEON DICKSON SR.

is the owner of BenchMark Realtors. A Realtor for 35 years, he was president of MAAR and was the organization’s Realtor of the Year. He was the first Black Realtor of the Year for the Tennessee Association of Realtors. He’s involved in the National Association of Realtors, serving on several committees. He is also chairman of MLGW’s Board of Commissioners.

“I’ve always said that I get out of real estate what I put in it,” says Dickson. “So, no matter what the market is doing, I don’t allow the forecast to interfere with my work ethic. When somebody says the sky’s falling, then everybody goes in the house — but the person who stays outside keeps selling.”

THE MARKET

T he residential real estate market has been buffeted by several factors. To gain some clarity, our Realtors offer us history and context.

Prince says that to understand the current market, it’s useful to go back a few years. “Prior to the pandemic, we started seeing a little bit of shortage of inventory, and that all stemmed from the Great Recession that happened from about 2007 to 2009. Builders stopped building, a lot of builders

Prince says. “First-time home buyers and people who wanted a bigger house created the frenzy that we had in 2021 and 2022. At the end of 2022 is when we started seeing interest rates rising because of inflation. It put a damper on housing markets. It was like a light switch went off when January 1, 2023, rolled around. Buyers started looking again. They were comfortable with the interest rates rising. People were still needing houses.”

Prince says that national news made it seem like the sky was falling, “but real estate is local, and what’s happening here in Memphis doesn’t mean that it’s happening in California or Florida or New York or Texas. Our buyers and our sellers were still selling their homes and buying homes.”

There is still a shortage. Realtors use Multiple Listing Services (MLS) data to understand market inventories, and Prince compared the number of active houses in May of 2022 — 2,191— to the number a year later, which was 2,280. “We have just a little bit more inventory right now, but we’re still at the same point we were last year. So that’s the reason prices are seeing a little bit of an uptick. It’s supply and demand.”

drives more business,” Huddleston says. She recently hosted an open house visited by 13 families. “We have a strong market in Memphis. And yes, the rates have been a little tricky, but there are so many lenders out there that work with first-time homebuyers and they offer different incentives.” Plus, she says, financial experts are saying it’s okay to buy now. “This mortgage isn’t set for life — you can refinance one day.”

went out of business, and that lack [of construction] over a number of years really and truly made a shortage of inventory that we’re experiencing now.”

She says that most first-time home buyers don’t start at the very top new construction level, but are looking for starter homes. But with fewer new homes, there weren’t as many people moving out of existing homes, resulting in a shortage for first-timers.

“Then the pandemic hit and interest rates plummeted, opening the doors for a lot of people,”

She says that while sales have been down in 2023, “the average sales price of a house is up 2.1 percent over this time last year. Sales are down, but sellers are still getting their price for their house.”

One aspect that has changed is the time that a house is on the market. “It’s not one or two days on the market anymore,” Prince says.

“We’re looking at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days on market.” Some buyers thought that they could undercut the asking price for a home that had been on the market for weeks, but, she says, it wasn’t changing.

“Sellers are still driving the market,” she says.

“If you go back pre-Covid, it was a pretty level market,” Huddleston says. “We’re in a level market again and it really is a better time for buyers because in the past three years, everything was inflated. You’d have multiple offers on a house, and people were paying over what the appraisal probably would be or should be, and they didn’t care. They wanted that house. You still have multiple offers in certain areas, but most of it is more level. That gives the buyer time — they don’t have to be in a frenzy and spend money where three years down the road they’ll wonder, ‘What in the heck did I do?’ In a lot of ways, it’s better for the seller and the buyer.”

At present, the inventory is low and it’s a seller’s market, but it’s not a simple situation. “In a way, it

Dickson notes that the recent housing shortages affected both existing homes as well as new construction. But even with the added complexities of the pandemic and the economy, there were, for him, some good results.

“I’ve had my company now for about 17 years,” he says. “And financially, the first complete year of the pandemic was my best year in a long time. We had a greater cashflow during the pandemic than we did in any other period in a long time.”

The times were certainly different for Realtors. Dickson gives some examples: “Moving through the pandemic, we had issues showing properties. There was masking, and people not wanting

CHANGING TRENDS

H ome builders are responding to changing customer wants and needs. When the pandemic forced many to work from home — and with that continuing to be a factor post-pandemic — people were wanting workspaces. Downstairs bedroom and dining room spaces have been

serving as home office spaces more and more.

Also, the aging population is moving in with their children in greater numbers. “With parents in their 80s, they don’t want to take stairs, so that calls for downstairs bedrooms,” Huddleston says. “More people are wanting

one-story ranch-style homes even though it’s less expensive for builders to add a story. And home buyers, having experienced the quarantine conditions that kept people at home, are also more intent on amenities such as pools and fine yards.”

The national news made it seem like the sky was falling, “but real estate is local, and what’s happening here in Memphis doesn’t mean that it’s happening in California or Florida or New York or Texas. Our buyers and our sellers were still selling their homes and buying homes.”

— Carmen Prince

buyers in their houses at certain times. And some people just pretty much took their houses off the market because they were afraid, which was understandable.”

But things did get better. “People were still buying houses and still closing. Coming out of the pandemic, we still had low inventory and new construction still being built.” Dickson notes that prices were going up, and then interest rates rose too. “Buyers would get less house but for more money. And that’s sort of still going on. In fact, that market squeezed a lot of buyers completely out of the housing market.”

Still, there were problems related to the changes. “I had quite a few deals fall through,” Dickson says. “When the buyer went on the contract under one interest rate, by the time the builder finished building, the interest rate had increased dramatically. The buyer’s DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio)

HOTSPOTS

A hotspot for you might not be a hotspot for somebody else,” Huddleston notes. She observes that Downtown and South Main, for example, “are big for people who love and embrace Downtown, and want the convenience. Maybe they work Downtown or they travel a lot and it’s easy. They hop on the interstate and they’re at the airport. They like the Grizzlies, they like the arts, they like the Orpheum. Those are hotspots for those type of people.”

But different homebuyers have different needs. “There are hotspots in Collierville, Bartlett, Arlington, and East Memphis because of the schools. Whether it’s for scholarships or education or soccer or baseball or basketball, it really varies according to the family’s needs.”

In a way, all of Memphis is a hotspot considering the relative cost of living in the region. “We are so affordable,” Huddleston says. “Compare Memphis to Nashville — Nashville’s like L.A. now. When you have clients come from New York and California, it blows their mind. And then we have FedEx, we

changed because of that, and they no longer qualified.”

For Dickson, the situation he is seeing now has changed. “You used to buy a pretty decent house at $125,000. Now you’d be hard-pressed to get a buyer to be excited when they walk into one of those houses.” And even though it’s currently considered a seller’s market, the trend of having multiple offers is not as prevalent now.

At one time, buyers just wanted a house. “They would give up closing costs, and the seller didn’t have to do any repairs, no home warranty. Now buyers have become more selective as to what they will and won’t accept. They have choices and are not just accepting a house because it was placed on the market.”

The seller’s market, he says, has softened, although due to the low inventory, it’s not a buyer’s market.

So, sellers are becoming more flexible, Dickson says, and there is also a trend of “mortgage companies becoming more creative with their loan programs. They’re trying to tailor their loan products more to the buyer so that they can close more loans and that’s as a result of high interest rates.”

Looking ahead, Dickson says, “If I had a crystal ball, I would expect a year from now that the inventory would still be somewhat slowed unless the rates change. Because when your rates go up, then the person who was thinking about selling may not want to since they’ll soon be a buyer. Quite a bit of whatever money the seller might make may end up getting used to get into their new house. So that in itself is causing the market to stay where we have low inventory.”

have International Paper, we have St. Jude, we have the Grizzlies. We have so much in our city.”

There is also a growing interest in areas outside of Shelby County.

“We’re seeing a lot of growth in Tipton, Fayette, and DeSoto counties,” Huddleston says. And there’s plenty of land in those areas.

Prince says that the situations in Fayette and Tipton counties are illustrative. “Fayette County has seen a fairly large jump in their average sales price,” she says. “In 2022, their average sales price across the board was about $320,000. Now we’re at $400,000, about 25 percent higher in price than this time last year. And then in Tipton County, we’ve seen a lot of construction. The sales price from new construction is about $415,000.”

Prince says Tipton and Fayette are more affordable due to lower property taxes. “When you buy a $350,000 house in Tipton County versus a $350,000 house in Shelby County, your note will be different because the tax base is lower in Tipton than in Shelby.”

Dickson says there are a lot of great buys in most segments of the city at every price point. “But I would say a couple of specific hotspots would be the Binghampton area and the 38117 ZIP code area in East Memphis.”

Jumping into residential real estate is tricky in the simplest of times. These days, it behooves you to be even more well prepared than usual, whether buying or selling.

The market in 2023 is challenging assumptions, so don’t rely on conventional wisdom. For example, the home inventory in Germantown dropped about 28 percent from April of 2022 to April of this year. Yet the average sales price has jumped 7.2 percent in the same time period. And it’s a seller’s market, yet buyers are able to call a lot of the shots.

Details matter, so get ready to do the homework: If you’re buying, know your budget, have some ideas where you want to live, and be flexible. If you’re selling, clean up the property, research property values in your area, and be flexible.

I nterest rates in the past have been historically high, and then they dropped to historical lows,” Prince says. “We’re now in the middle and our market is correcting and eventually it’s going to stabilize. Once it does and quits going high, low, high, low, those people that have put it on hold by not buying the house are going to enter the market again. And whenever it does, it’s going to create another frenzy. That’s my opinion, but I follow a lot of economists, especially Dr. Lawrence Yun, the NAR [National Association of Realtors] economist. He predicts that by the end of 2024, the country is going to be out of this mini-recession and we’re going to start seeing a little bit more stable economy and more stable interest rates. So, I feel like we’re getting back on track. We’re moving forward and our market will correct itself.” Huddleston thinks the rates won’t go too high. “Everything feeds off real estate,” she says. “When real estate is booming, it’s feeding so many different companies and it just makes the whole world go; it helps the economy. And I think people are used to the rates now. [Rates in mid-June of this year were about 7 percent.] When you compare it to the rate many years ago at 21 percent, are you kidding? This is a great rate. I hope that they’ll keep it at that and maybe come down a little. I think it’ll happen.”

Mortgage interest rates were at record lows in 2020 and 2021 thanks to the pandemic. The big jump started in 2022 and even though it was widely acknowledged that rates would be going up, it was still, as Huddleston says, “a little bit of a culture shock, I think more for first time home buyers. Jumping up to a 7 percent rate meant a lot of difference in their monthly note.”

But soon enough, the rise in rates was seen as the new norm. “I think most people were like, okay, we get it. I think people just had to accept that’s where the rates were.”

T he elephant that recently entered the room is the development of BlueOval City in Haywood County, where Ford Motor Company is building an assembly complex for their new electric F-150. About 5,800 jobs are expected to be created. The project site sits about halfway between Memphis and Jackson with nearby cities of Arlington, Brownsville, and Somerville expected to be heavily impacted. “Think about all the people living around there,” Huddleston says. “It’s going to be another suburb.”

Prince says, “we have seen a lot of out-of-state buyers coming to our area. I think one thing that we will continue to see is buyers coming in because of BlueOval City. That is going to really take and shape our real estate industry in 2024, because they expect to be up and running by 2025.”

Shaping that market, Prince says, will be the heavy-hitters in upper management. “They’re going to be looking at Arlington, Collierville, Germantown. And they don’t mind commuting 45 minutes or an hour back and forth to work.”

“In one to five years,” Huddleston says, “you’ll continue to see a lot of movement out in Fayette, Tipton, and DeSoto Counties because you can build — there’s new construction. There’s not as much new construction in Memphis. I think the trend is seeing more growth out there, including better schools in those counties.”

TIPS FOR BUYERS

G etting a first home is daunting in any case, and the current market situation can create an even bigger challenge. But there are basic boxes a buyer should check no matter what the market or economy is doing.

“Buyers need to decide what’s important to them,” Prince says. “Do they want to live close to their children’s schools? Close to where they work? Close to nightlife?”

“I would get them in touch with several top lenders,” Huddleston says. “We have lots of great lenders in town and it really helps a first-time home buyer to have an in-town lender versus out of state because they’ll work closely with them. You’re not talking to somebody that you’ve never met. Give them an idea of what you want to spend and they’ll give you an idea of what your note will be. Some of the home buyers are really surprised. They’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, my mortgage can be what I’m paying in rent.’ Once they’re comfortable with it, then we go out and look.”

Dickson says that buyers have a great resource when they choose an agent they can trust. “Listen to them,” he says. “This is what we do

on a day-to-day basis. We are experts. We know the loan programs. We understand the interest rates. We understand how to get people in the house for as little money as possible. We understand what the sellers will and won’t do. We understand which areas are really hot,

doing repairs. They’re even doing the appraisal repairs as well as the home inspector repairs. And then they’re also doing buydowns on loans for the buyer so that they can qualify.

All that said, Dickson urges buyers to be flexible. “Be open to other locations. There are a lot of great spots in Memphis.”

which houses are going to have multiple offers.”

He also says that even though it’s nominally a seller’s market, buyers have been able to get some concessions. “Some sellers are paying closing costs. They’re paying purchasing home warranties. They’re

Prince notes, “Because the market is still competitive and being driven by sellers, they need to put their best foot forward whenever they’re making an offer. My advice to that first-time home buyer is, if you can stomach that interest rate being high right now, go ahead and buy that house. If you can possibly make that payment for 12 months or however long it takes for an interest rate to go down, you can refinance and be more comfortable. You’re not locked into that rate for the whole 30 years.”

“My advice to that first-time home buyer is, if you can stomach that interest rate being high right now, go ahead and buy that house… You’re not locked into that rate for the whole 30 years.”

— Carmen Prince

TIPS FOR SELLERS

H uddleston says, “It’s a whole new world now. The past couple of years, sellers had it made. They had us come in and we did our thing, told them what to do with the house, put a sign in the yard, and boom, they had multiple offers.”

She says that there are still multiple offers, but most sellers now have to be more prepared with repairs in their houses. “I tell them that before they list, have a home inspector come and let’s go through and make the repairs that need to be done before you go on the market.” Buyers are now asking for more repairs than in past years, even in today’s sellers’ market.

If the seller hasn’t done it before, it may be eye-opening to get a house truly ready to go on today’s market. It’s not enough to tidy up a bit. Removing clutter and improving curb appeal can be a major undertaking. “If you know you’re moving, put stuff in the garage,” Huddleston says. “Even family pictures. I always tell sellers I love their pictures, but they’re going to be on display in the new house. Make the house you’re selling minimal so people can come in and visualize what they will put on the wall and accessorize.”

That goes for the outside as well. Mulch the yard and make it look well-manicured, Huddleston says. “When they see that, they know that when they go in, that house is meticulous, versus seeing a yard that’s not taken care of. I am a stickler. Get your house ready, because if not, I can’t maximize what you’re going to get out of your house. I always say, I’m the eyes of the buyers.”

Prince echoes that advice. “Sellers know they’re in the driver’s seat, but they need to realize that it’s going to take 30 days, 60 days, maybe longer in some instances to sell the home. Buyers are looking for move-in readiness — they don’t want a project. And I cannot stress enough that more curb appeal means so much as a first impression.”

Once the seller has signed the agreement with the agent, it’s good to know what’s happening next.

“We bring in a professional photographer,” Huddleston says. “The photographer will do videos, and high-end pictures, and even drone shots if the property has lots

Huddleston says. “The buyer’s agent will come with the inspector and the clients, and after that’s done, she’ll send us a list of repairs — and I educate the seller on what repairs I think they should do — and we negotiate constantly.”

Once that’s resolved, the buyers will do a final walkthrough a few days before closing and get the receipts of all the repairs. “And then I sit at the table with them at closing,” she says, “so I am there every second pretty much of the 30 or 45 days, because that’s my job.”

Dickson says that sellers should realize that buyers are not as desperate as before. When buyers were just focused on acquiring a house, sellers didn’t feel the need to do lots of repairs or get the house entirely ready. “That has changed,” he says. “Buyers are not as flexible and are not just accepting anything that the seller puts on the market. Sellers need to be prepared to put a good product on the market.”

T he rental market has also been motivated by the pandemic and economy. It’s further affected by companies buying a substantial number of houses to rehab and return to the market.

“In the past couple of years, the rent amounts really started going up,” Huddleston says. “This year, I think all these apartments and big apartment complexes figured

of land. And we bring in stagers if we have to place furniture in the house. A lot of times you have empty houses: Sometimes they look great and don’t need it, but sometimes you need a stager to come in.”

And then the hard work begins. Huddleston says she insists on getting feedback after showings and then negotiating offers. “My job is to make it so easy for the sellers that they can maintain their lifestyle, do their jobs, and let us do all the work.”

The work continues. “Once we get it under contract, then you have an inspection, so we monitor that,”

Sellers, he adds, “should always consider the other properties comparable to theirs in the vicinity of their property. Because if all the houses are priced within the same range, but their house is not up to par, the buyers are going to select the other properties. And if their property sits on the market too long, then the next buyer is going to think something is wrong and bypass it. Sellers need to put their best product on the market the same way that they would be expecting to find a house that they’re looking for.”

“If you can rent a property for $1,700 and you can own a property for $1,700, why not own the property?”

— Leon Dickson, Sr.

the rates are going up and renters can’t afford to buy, so they’ll jack up rents. In a way, I can see why — big companies are doing that. But if rents are too high, they’re going to lose people. That’s why we think buying is still very strong for first-time home buyers. A couple years ago you could say you’ll save $400, but if they can match what they’re renting and own, go for it. And if the rates go down, refinance. At least it’s their money, not somebody else’s.”

Dickson thinks the rising rental rates “have probably pushed more people into home ownership. If you can rent a property for $1,700 and you can own a property for $1,700, why not own the property?” And, he says, mortgage companies have gotten creative with financing for the buyer.

“Buyers are looking for move-in readiness — they don’t want a project. And I cannot stress enough that more curb appeal means so much as a first impression.”

— Carmen Prince

2023 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB MEMBER GUIDE

IT TAKES SOMETHING SPECIAL to rank in the top 1 percent of Realtors in the Memphis Region. Mia Atkinson has proven herself as one of the top real estate professionals in the area. She combines a commitment to excellence while building lasting and trusting relationships with her clients. She is known to take exceptional care of her clientele. Mia is ambitious and is passionate about helping others. She has expanded the borders of her business by taking on new ground in Mississippi this year. She has become a Lifetime Multimillion Dollar Club Member within the Memphis Association of Realtors and has been featured as a top producer on the cover of Real Producers magazine. She never takes anything for granted. It wasn’t easy starting out. In fact, she is not a local Memphian with deeprooted connections. She started her career nine years ago when she had just moved to the area as a single parent raising four kids under the age of 10. She believes the phrase, “success leaves clues,” and paid attention and studied those she respected in business. “There is always a good story behind the struggle”, she says. With a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, Mia is no stranger to building rapport with people and naturally communicating with others that they are in good hands.

NANCY HUDDLESTON BRINGS over 14 years of real estate experience, and over 30 years of sales experience to her business. Her extensive sales background includes pharmaceutical sales and a sales associate position with Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. She also owned Calvert Court, Inc. and was featured twice in USA Today and highlighted in Money Magazine, Women’s Magazine and Income Opportunity Magazine. Her company, Calvert’s Court, inc. won the “Small Business Award” for employees 1-25 from the Memphis Business Journal in February 1986.

Nancy’s greatest passion is to help buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs. Selling in the Greater Memphis Area and Fayette County, Nancy has earned the respect of each and every one of her clients. Her passion has earned her a place among the top sales professionals at Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury. She is a Certified Luxury Specialist, and holds the CRS, GRI, and ABR designations. She is currently the President of the Memphis Multi Million Dollar Club Board of Govenors, a past Board Member of Leadership Collierville, and a member of the Collierville Chamber of Commerce. Nancy is also a recipient of the 2022 Star of Hope Award, given to the agent nationally at Coldwell Banker who gave the most Money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nancy resides in Piperton, Tennessee, with her husband and daughter. Her daughter is a recent 2023 Graduate of Mississippi State. Nancy strives for excellence in all she does. Her sales experience, combined with her enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitude, have culminated in a successful career as a dedicated full-time professional realtor.

From Urban Homes to Luxury Estates, memories are created and stories are told. Whether it’s the smallest details or the largest inspirations, it’s what drives me to find the “Magic” of home for my clients.

TALL” ADAMS

I’VE BEEN A REALTOR at Keller Williams Realty, since 2015. I grew up in East Memphis and live in Germantown, our kids are students at Houston High School. As a local, I’m familiar with the positives in our 901 communities.

I’m not locked into a specific neighborhood that I serve as I’ve sold homes from Harbor Town to Pickwick!

As a Lifetime, Multi Million Dollar Club member, it’s a huge honor that truly means, I’m blessed to have a lot of great clients who trusted me to sell their homes.

When I’m selling your house, I’ll create a business plan that we can follow to accomplish the goal, “Sold!”

ANNA IS A Top Producing Realtor with Crye-Leike, Realtors. Consistently ranked in the top 1% of all Memphis agents, Anna has called Memphis home for over 20 years. She attended Rhodes College, and graduated with an Executive Masters in Nursing from The University of Memphis. All roads travelled have led to her extremely successful career in the West TN Real Estate world.

Anna represents buyers and sellers in Memphis and surrounding counties. In addition to her impeccable attention to detail, Anna provides top quality service to her clients from start to finish— she’s with you each step of the way. She loves first time home buyers, as she loves to teach and help young people become homeowners, sharing her knowledge of wealth building through real estate investing. She is an expert in marketing residential and land sales, representing buyers and sellers.

Anna is a graduate of Leadership Memphis, a proud sponsor of the Memphis Tigers Athletic Program, and an Official Realtor of the Memphis Tigers. She lives and loves the 901 and all things Memphis.

FARA CAPTAIN

GRI®, SRS, CRS, PSA, ABR®, Ninja, At Home with Diversity®, SRES, C2EX Real Estate and Lifestyle Expert with The American Dream TV:Selling Memphis

FARA CAPTAIN IS the Founder of Captain & Co. Real Estate LLC, and leader of The Captain Team. She is a MMDC Life member and is consistently ranked in the top 100 REALTORS in the Memphis Area.

Fara believes that clients’ needs should always come first, and that building relationships with clients is paramount. She considers being someone’s REALTOR® a forever commitment as she strives to be a resource to both her clients and community. Her past experience as a Project Manager and Engineer makes her processes and detail-oriented skills an asset to her clients.

In addition to being a Top Producer, Fara is currently working on growing the next generation of real estate leaders through her firm Captain & Co. Real Estate LLC.

ABBEY GARNER MIESSE

ABBEY GARNER MIESSE has been selling homes for over 27 years! Abbey has already earned the following designations: Broker, ABR, GRI, SREC, New Home Specialist. She’s also a Lifetime Member of the Multi Million Dollar Club for over 22 years. She has served three years on the Board of Governors of the Multi Million Dollar Club.

Abbey was featured in At Home magazine in the fall of 2022. Abbey was also featured as One of the Top “Women To Watch” (fall of 2022).

Abbey was Ranked #82 out of all 4,700 Memphis Realtors for 2022.

Abbey was in the top 17 Residential Realtors and Rewarded BREDD 2023: Best Real Estate Deal Maker Winner with Memphis Business Journal

She is known to sell some years up to an average of over $40,000,000 a year. You cannot go wrong with putting your trust in this chick’s hands.

Broker #263163 Oak

WITH OVER 20 YEARS in real estate, Ken brings extensive expertise to Memphis clients. His personal experience in buying, renovating, renting, and selling properties provides unique insights for homebuyers, investors, sellers, and families. Ken’s exceptional service guarantees a smooth experience and supports clients before, during, and long after the sale, ensuring their needs are met at every step.

Infinity Group REALTORS®

1355

kenharrisonyour901realtor@gmail.com

MONICA MAURICIO

MONICA MAURICIO, an active REALTOR® since 1999, is an award-winning agent at RE/MAX Experts and a lifetime member of the MAAR Multi Million Dollar Club. Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, Monica worked in the corporate sector of Fortune 500 companies and developed skills such as integrity, clear communication, and consistency, which are essential to being a great REALTOR. Hundreds of closings later, she still credits her success as a top producer to applying those skills in each transaction. As a native Memphian, Monica is passionate about sharing her knowledge of our city and surrounding areas while helping people find the perfect place to call their home. She generously gives back to the industry and community that supports her in many ways including serving in leadership roles at Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® and volunteering. When taking a break, Monica enjoys learning about global Real Estate opportunities by traveling on international Trade Missions and learning about other cultures.

Whether representing a buyer or seller, Monica’s goal is to deliver an excellent experience.

KEN HARRISON Affiliate Broker

2022 Realtor Associate of the Year; 2022 Memphis Most Winner — Real Estate Agent; Multi Million Dollar Club — life member & 2021-2022 President; Crye Leike Multi Million Dollar Club — life member; ABRAccredited Buyer’s Representative; CRS —

Certified Residential Specialist; SRS — Seller

Representative Specialist; AHWD — At Home with Diversity; SNP — Social Networking Professional; MMDC board of governors member; Realtor political action board member; MAAR leadership graduate; Relocation

certified; RPAC Sterling Major Investor; Office license # 58997; TN license # 00303277

CRYE-LEIKE, INC. REALTORS®

2868 Summer Oaks, Bartlett, TN 38134 901.277.8041 | rachel.gilliam@crye-leike.com

Cardiac Electrophysiology

DOMINEY SHAW

Affiliate Broker

License #: 337088

WITH OVER 7 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, Dominey is a MultiMillion Dollar Club Life Member and loves what she does. As a Memphis native, she is passionate about helping buyers and sellers accomplish their real estate goals in and around the Bluff City.

Dominey is also proud to represent Grant Homes, thirdgeneration home builders who deliver some of the highest quality homes in the Mid-South. Closing nearly 100 new home transactions since 2018, she is also a New Construction expert. Dominey works hard for her clients and believes that excellent customer service will always speak for itself.

Dominey enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and their dogs. She is fiercely committed to supporting local sports, community outreaches, and animal rescue groups.

Myers

901.273.6577 • dominey@myerscobbrealtors.com myerscobbrealtors.com

WITH 21 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, my passion for real estate and love for community have resulted in hundreds of successful real estate transitions in the Greater Memphis and surrounding areas. As a multi-million dollar producer, my goal is to continue offering professional guidance and quality service for all of your real estate needs with “Results that Move You.”

KAIZEN REALTY

901.649.0063 (c) | 901.221.4041 (o)

web address: rhondayourrealtor.com

email address: info@rhondayourrealtor.com

Cardiac Electrophysiology

RIP HANEY HAS provided professional representation to buyers and sellers of fine homes in the Memphis area since 1993, offering the highest quality service available in the most desirable areas of the city. His areas of focus range from Downtown, Mud Island, Midtown, East Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Eads and beyond.

Rip specializes in listing and selling fine homes, but also helps families who are moving to the Memphis area with multiple organizations. He is a Life Member and was elected 2016-2017 President of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Multi-Million Dollar Club, limited to the top 1 percent of agents in the area.

MARX-BENSDORF, REALTORS®

901.351.2190 | rhaney@m-brealtors.com

RipHaneyRealtor.com

Cardiac Electrophysiology

HUGH IS A LIFELONG MEMPHIAN and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club.

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

Hugh is extremely involved in the betterment of our community, and has served as a leader in numerous non-profit organizations.

From Collierville to Midtown… East Memphis to Fayette County… selling your home or buying a new one.

Hugh will MOVE you!

MARX-BENSDORF, REALTORS®

901.682.1868 (o) | 901.497.9756 (c) hmallory@m-brealtors.com

Cardiac

RACHEL BAGGETT GILLIAM Vice President

RHONDA FRANKLIN Realtor

AS A RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST with a deep understanding of what makes the MidSouth unique, I have acquired extensive knowledge of our local real estate market, neighborhoods, and pricing trends. I pride myself on providing personalized guidance to clients while helping them navigate the selling process with ease. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer service, I strive to ensure sellers achieve their desired outcomes in a timely manner. Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi.

SUE STINSON-TURNER

VPres, Broker, CRB, CRS, SRES, GRI, AHWD, e-Pro, LTG

MARY FRANCES VOOKLES PITTS

Realtor

901.277.0476 Juliette@MooreDeals4U.com

WHEN EXPERIENCE and personal care mean everything to you, make the call to ME!

Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi. Areas of service in Tennessee include: East Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Arlington. Area of service in Mississippi, include: Olive Branch, Southaven, and Horn Lake.

CRYE-LEIKE, INC. REALTORS®

3030 Forest Hill-Irene, Germantown, TN 38138 901.757.2500 (o) | 901.485.3029 (c) sturner@crye-leike.com

Cardiac Electrophysiology

I’M A LIFELONG MEMPHIAN and longtime (35 years) member of the Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. Years ago, when the average house cost around $50,000, it was a difficult task to get to the Million mark. I sell properties in Downtown, Midtown, East Memphis, and somewhat beyond. If I can’t find it, you probably wouldn’t want to buy it.

I’m aka: Agent Pitts, still selling AND closing after all these years. Call me. I’ll show you how it’s done!

WARE JONES REALTORS®

Cardiac Electrophysiology

A native Memphian, Julie Upchurch with McWaters & Associates Realtors has successfully become ranked among the top 2% of Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) members since becoming a Realtor in 2017. With a Business Degree from the University of Alabama & a background in marketing & business development, she's applied her skills to help her clients achieve their real estate goals. She is an expert listing agent as well as a strong buyer’s agent, helping buyers relocate to the area, buy their first home, or upsize and downsize. Julie is a Lifetime Member of the Multi Million Dollar Club & serves on the Board of Governors as Assistant Treasurer. She was voted Best Realtor in Best of Memphis in 2021-2022.

MEET THE MEMBERS

of the Multi Million Dollar Club

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.

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 sales units.

Multi Million Dollar Club | BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Nancy Huddleston (President) Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Lexie Hicks-Johnston (President-Elect) Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Amanda Lee (Treasurer) McWaters & Associates

Julie Upchurch (Asst Treasurer) McWaters & Associates

Sherry Scott-Chambers (Two-Year Director) Crye-Leike, REALTORS®

Eleanore Maynard (Two-Year Director) Hobson, REALTORS®

Tracy Jefferson (Recording Secretary) Crye-Leike, REALTORS®

Dustin Benetz (Corresponding Secretary) Emmett Baird Realty

Brandy Marek (4th Year Director) BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Victoria Brown (3rd Year Director) Memphis, TN 38125

Mallely Tackett (2nd Year Director) Crye-Leike, REALTORS®

Holly James (1st Year Director) Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS®

Amy Batson (Director) Crye-Leike, REALTORS®

Multi Million Dollar Club

LIFE MEMBERS

Ellie Bennett, Hobson, REALTORS

Stacey Berry, Keller Williams

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.

Vicki Blackwell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Harold Blockman, Keller Williams

Ashley Bonds, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Melody Bourell, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Ric Bowman, Weichert, REALTORS-BenchMark

Steve Boysen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Marina Brinkley, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Jeffrey Britt, REMAX Experts

Jeff Bronze, Premier Realty, Inc.

Deborah Brooks, Main Street, REALTORS

Juan Brooks, Process Realty Services

Leanne Brooks, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Jessica Brown, REMAX Experts

Sharon Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Steve Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tiffany Brown, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Jeannie Bruce, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

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

David Apperson, McWaters & Associates

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, eXp Realty, LLC

Rhonda Avant, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Sarah Aylward, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Lynda Baddour, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Jerry Baggett, HORIZON REALTY

Patti Baggett, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Lisa Ballard-Martin, D R Horton Memphis

Bill Bates, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Amy Batson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

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

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

Julie Burke, Keller Williams Realty

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

Lisa Cannon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Lauren Cansler, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Carolina Capote, Hobson, REALTORS

Fara Captain, Captain & Company Real Estate

Julianne Carney, Keller Williams

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

Lisa Chou, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Alli Clark, Keller Williams

Laura Clark, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Ginger Coggins, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Debbe Coletta, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Jessica Collier, Collier REALTORS

Doug Collins, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Abby Cook, Keller Williams

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, Groome & Co.

John Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Lauren Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tommie Criswell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Melinda Crosslin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

William Crosslin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Alicia Schuerman Croteau, eXp Realty, LLC

Michele Crump, Hobson, REALTORS

Tracy Dougan Lombardo, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Joseph Doughton, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Rhea Douglas, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Barbara S. DuFour, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tracy Duggan, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty

Elizabeth 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, Sell901 Real Estate

Jimmie Finch, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Isaac Fisher, Redkey Realty

Lisa Fitzgerald, Main Street, REALTORS

Barbara Fletcher, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Marsha Fletcher, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Steven Ford, The Carter Group LLC, REALTORS

Trey Foster, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Susan Fouse, Groome & Co.

Lana Fowler, Real Estate Agency

Maureen Fraser, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Danny Freeman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

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, L

Kathryn Garland, Garland Company Real Estate, L

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.

Melvin Guy, Reid, REALTORS

Kim Hairrell, Crye-Leike Inc., REALTORS

Lisa Haley, Keystone Realty, LLC

Rita Hallum, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Kesha Hamilton, Keller Williams

Harold Crye, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Suzanne Culpepper, The Murphy Company, REALTORS

Nancy Cunningham, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Mary Currie, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

David Da Ponte, Sowell, Realtors

Doug Damico, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Barbie Dan, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Jaron Darnell, Real Estate Agency

Katie Davidson, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Lisa Davis Wills, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Curt Davis, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Cindy Diaz, MidSouth Residential, LLC

Jon Dickens, The Firm

Clarence Dickson, BEST Real Estate Company

Ken Garland, Ken Garland Co., REALTORS

Abbey Garner Miesse, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

John Gatti, Keller Williams Realty

Jodi Gibbs, 901 Real Estate Services

Katy Gillespie, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

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

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

Reginald Harris, Harris Realty Services

Shirley Harris, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Gary Harte, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

James Harvey, Keller Williams

Whitney Harvey, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Janis Hasen, Hobson, REALTORS

Michelle Hayes Thomas, Hayes Homes and Realty, Inc

Meatha Haynes Tapley, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Michele Haywood, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Thomas Henze, Hobson, REALTORS

Jerry Hewlett, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Lexie Hicks-Johnston, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

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, Welch Realty, 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

Lita Hurston-Reed, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Sally Isom, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

JonDickens

ElizabethDukeShannanMcWatersMikeParker

CatWright

GaNelleRoberts

KimHardwick

LuciGann

ElizabethBran

KatrinaGrubb

PetersonWellford

1STYEAR1STYEAR1STYEAR 1STYEAR

AliciaTeeter

Carol Iverson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Cathy Ivey, Enterprise, REALTORS

Michael Jacques, Reid, REALTORS

Susie James, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Katy Jeffrey McAlexander, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Gail Johnsey, eXp Realty, LLC

C. Lauren Jones, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Faye Jones, 1 Percent Lists Midsouth

Enarn Malvezzi, Regency Realty, LLC

Thomas Marchbanks, eXp Realty, LLC

Lewis Marshall, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty

Vanessa Marshall, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC

Pamela Martello, Real Estate Agency

Carol Martin, BHHS Taliesyn Realty

Mary Martin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Melody Martin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Kathryn Anne Matheny, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Monica Mauricio, REMAX Experts

Bill Maury, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Christie May, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Eleanore Maynard, Hobson, REALTORS

Deborah Mays, Hobson, REALTORS

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

Claire Owen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Janet Pace, Heritage Homes Co.

Robbie Ann Pahlow, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Mike Parker, The Firm

Mike Parker, REMAX Experts

Kay Paul, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Alicestine Payne, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Milleigh Pearson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Jan Jones, Groome & Co.

Michael Jones, Regency Realty, LLC

Worth Jones, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Louise Jordan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

David Kam, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Faith Kaye, Ware Jones, 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

Dana Landry, Life, REALTORS

Randal Lankford, Lankford Realty Co.

Janice Latimer, Keller Williams

Jake Lawhead, Marx-Bensdorf, 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

Verna Littleton, Fast Track Realty, LLC

Dominey Long Shaw, Myers Cobb Realtors, 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

Felecia Magro, The Stamps Real Estate Company

David Maley, RE/MAX Right Way

Diane Malkin, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Bill Malone, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Laurie McBride Connors, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Meredith McDonald, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Paul McDonald, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Emily McEvoy, Keller Williams

Joyce McKenzie, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Jill McKnatt, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Judy McLellan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tiffany McLemore, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

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

Livona Monday, Groome & Co.

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, One Stop Global Realty

Brad Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC

Robert Neal, Realty Services, LLC

Karen Newton, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Bang Nguyen, REMAX Experts

Saeed Nia, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Katherine Nichols Cook, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Debbie Nixon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tammy Norman, MidSouth Residential, LLC

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, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Pam Phillips, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Silvana Piadade, eXp Realty, LLC

Pam Pierce, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Preston Pittman, Doorstep 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

Heather Quinn, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

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

Bob Renshaw, Renshaw Company, REALTORS

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

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Billy Rodgers, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Stephanie Rooks, Keller Williams

Stacia Rosatti, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Sheldon Rosengarten, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Jaime Ross, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Nan Rountree, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Robert Rowe, Hobson, REALTORS

Mike Rowland, Mike Rowland, REALTOR

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

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

Harry Samuels, Pinnacle Realty

Itzel Sanchez Bustamante, Keller Williams

Ronald Sandefer, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Marc Scheinberg, Keller Williams Realty

Taj Schuerman, Keller Williams Realty

Hedda Schwartz, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

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

Edward Sharp, McWaters & Associates

Virginia Sharp, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Michelle Shaver, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Channing Shaw-Wright, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Stephanie Sheahan, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Myra Sheddan, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Alta Simpson, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Wally Sisk, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Donna Skaarer, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Lynn Slayton, Sowell, Realtors

Brooke Smith, REMAX Experts

Cheryl Smith, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Crissy Smith, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Jeffrey Smith, JASCO Realty

Judy Smith, Enterprise, REALTORS

Kaye Smith, Property Place

Lynn Smith, C21 Home First, REALTORS

Bill Stewart, REMAX Experts

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

Matthew Talley, Keller Williams

Tim Tanner, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Robert Vaughn, The Carter Group LLC, REALTORS

Meredith Vezina, Keller Williams

Mindy Wagerman, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Karen Walker, Karen Walker Realty Group, LLC

Jason Wallace, Keller Williams Realty

Laura Wallace, Keller Williams Realty

Matt Wallace, REMAX Experts, The Heart to Ho

Ray Wallace, REMAX Experts

Edward Walthal, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Curtis Ward, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Michael Ward, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Angie Ware, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Denise Ware, Ware Jones, REALTORS

William Ware, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Ashley Weatherly Stafford, eXp Realty, LLC

Barbara Weir, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Sheryl Wells, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

John West, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Jill White, Fast Track Realty, LLC

Sam White, 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

Tyler Tapley, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

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

Eric Trotz, Trotz Real Estate Serv., Inc.

Ana Trujillo, Trujillo Realty

David Truong, eXp Realty, LLC

Alex Turner, Hobson, REALTORS

Paul Turner, Germantown Properties

Julie Upchurch, McWaters & Associates

Christy Utterback, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty

Nasreen Valiani, Pinnacle Realty

Raymond Vallier, Purple Reign Realty

Sissy Vaughan, BHHS McLemore & Co., Realty

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

Cat Wright, The Firm

Duane Wright, Duane Wright Realty

Clara Yerger, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Rosemarie Yoon, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Gay Young, eXp Realty, LLC

Patricia Young, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Staffardnett Young, REMAX Experts

Steve Young, eXp Realty, LLC

Leslie Zarshenas, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Andres Zuluaga, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Multi Million Dollar Club

FIRST THROUGH MULTI-YEAR MMDC MEMBERS

Teresa Coop, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Joshua Cooper, Sowell, Realtors

Marla Cooper, 4 Success Realty, LLC

Lee Anne Crisp, Exit Realty Blues City

LouAnne Crump, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Evans Cummings, Regency Realty, LLC

Fredrick Cunningham, Keller Williams

Mandy Cushenberry, Bryan Realty Group

Leanna Dagen, Five Star Real Estate Services

Keith Daniel, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Gabriel Davenport, Sell901 Real Estate

Audrey Davis, REMAX Experts

Christina Davis, Keller Williams Realty

Jason Davis, Keller Williams Realty

Javanha Davis, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tammy Davis, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

April Davison, Regency Realty, LLC

Adam Dawson, Weichert, REALTORS-BenchMark

David De La Paz, Keller Williams Realty

Patricia Didlake, Didlake Realty Group, LLC

Cassandra DiMento, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Alan Durham, Main Street, REALTORS

Alli Echlin, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Hayden Edmondson, eXp Realty, LLC

Anna Acosta, REMAX Experts

Tara Airhart, Dwell Real Estate Group, LLC

Kelsey Alcala, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Chelena Allen, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC

Cortez Ammons, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC

Stephanie Arender, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Linda Ash, Centric Realty LLC

Kira Auvert, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Erin Baker, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Sarah Bard, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Amber Beard Bean, Groome & Co.

Kendra Bell, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Linda Bell, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Dustin Benetz, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Flor Bernal, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Rik Berry, Keller Williams

Ashleigh Bettis, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC

Jaya Bhatlapenumarthy, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Hallie Biggs, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Melanie Blakeney, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Tanika Bland, BEST Real Estate Company

Barbara Bond, Keller Williams Realty

Kim Bowden, Vylla Home

Tyler Bowman, Weichert, REALTORS-BenchMark

Curtis Braden, Braden, Braden & Braden LLC

Elizabeth Bran, The Firm

Hattie Brawley, 2 Rivers Realty, LLC

Alexis Brown, Emmett Baird Realty, LLC

Jennifer Brown, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Kevin Brown, eXp Realty, LLC

Mary Brown, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Victoria Brown, 4 Success Realty, LLC

April Bryan, Bryan Realty Group

Seth Bryan, Bryan Realty Group

Kaye Burke, McWaters & Associates

Monica Bynum, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Angela Cage, Harris & Harris Realty Group, Michelle Campbell, Keller Williams Realty

Ken Cannon, Crye-Leike of MS, Inc.

Sandra Carranza, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

William Carter, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC

Brenda Cartwright, Groome & Co.

Chase Chasteen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Ashlyn Clark, Keller Williams

Jennifer Clark, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Kevin Clark, Keller Williams

Kristie Clark, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Liz Clark, Keller Williams

Marq Cobb, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC

Marcia Coleman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Carson Cook, Keller Williams

Theresa Cook, eXp Realty, LLC

Ashley Edwards, Keller Williams

Cynthia Edwards, Assured Real Estate Services

Rebecca Edwards, Keller Williams

Anthony Elliott, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Kelbert Fagan, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Elizabeth Fair, Bryan Realty Group

Lorraine Fields, Sell901 Real Estate

Molly Flynn, Keller Williams

Amy Foster, Bryan Realty Group

Rhonda Franklin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

David Fraser, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Michael Frizzell, Adaro Realty, Inc.

Rena Frulla, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Luci Gann, The Firm

Elizabeth Gant, REMAX Experts

Palmer Gardner, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Gary Garrison, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Valencia Gathwright, Keller Williams

Jason Gendron, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Ashley Gillihan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Kim Golden, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Michelle Goode, eXp Realty, LLC

Rachel Goss, Reid, REALTORS

Kris Goudy, 360 RealtyPRO

Karen Gray, REMAX Experts

Haley Griffith, eXp Realty, LLC

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.

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.

The Memphis Area Association Of REALTORS® 2023 - 2024 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CLUB BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Katrina Grubb, The Firm

Rachel Guthrie, McWaters & Associates

LaKendrea Hall, Ken Hall Realty

Kimberly Hardwick, The Firm

Crystell Harris, Harris & Harris Realty Group,

Patsie Harris-DeGraff, 4 Success Realty, LLC

Kenya Harrison, Infinity Group REALTORS, Inc.

William Haynes, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tona Heard, D R Horton Memphis

Jennifer Hearn Cox, Five Star Real Estate Services

Sohail Hemani, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Raven Henderson, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Elizabeth Hendricks, Weichert REALTOR-SPM

Camela Henke, Enterprise, REALTORS

Marissa Hertzog, Captain & Company Real Estate

Leana Holcomb, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Danielle Holland, Reedy Group II, LLC

Paige Holmes, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

James Hooker, Tiger Realty

Jeffrey Howard, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC

Katie Hughes, Tiffany Jones Realty Group

Shawn Hughes, MidSouth Residential, LLC

Loren Huie, BHHS Taliesyn Realty

Christie Hurst, List 4 Less Realty

Joseph Jackson, 4 Success Realty, LLC

Luke Jackson, eXp Realty, LLC

Tony Jackson, Weichert REALTOR-SPM

Aaron Jacques, Reid, REALTORS

Holly James, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Kelly Jankovsky, Exit Realty Blues City

Keri Jayroe, eXp Realty, LLC

Tracy Jefferson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Julie Jenkins, REMAX Experts

Kelly Leonard, Real Estate Agency

Daryl Lewis, Infinity Group REALTORS, Inc.

Christopher Lowrie, Bluff City Realty Group, LLC

Theresa Lucas, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co

Jill Finkey Lucchesi, Sowell, Realtors

Brian Maclin, Unique Properties

Catrell Maclin, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Sarah Maiden, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Hugh Mallory, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

Anthony Mannie, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Tamara Manuel, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC

Brandy Marek, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Gena Marie, Keller Williams

Karen Marino, Keller Williams Realty

Kenneth Marino, Keller Williams Realty

Jan Mars, Keller Williams

Rachel Martin, Myers Cobb Realtors, LLC

Emanuel Martinez, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Calvin Mathews, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co

Carrie McCaskill Smith, Fayette Realty, LLC

Veronica McCasland, List 4 Less Realty

Africa McCloy, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tonya McDowell, The Stamps Real Estate Company

Nikki McKnett, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Penne McWaters, McWaters & Associates

Margaret Mikkelsen, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

LaJuana Miller, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

L. Bruce Milner, eXp Realty, LLC

Crystal Mitchell, Paradigm21 Realty

John Moore, Keller Williams

Paul Morris, Morris and Morris

Carla Mosley, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Joshua Moss, Franchise Realty, LLC

Evan Mottley, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co

Devon Murphy, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Natalie Murphy, MidSouth Residential, LLC

Amy Murrah, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Cali Neal, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Lisa Nelson, 901, REALTORS

Amber Nichols, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Susan Jenkins, 2 Rivers Realty, LLC

Tia Jennings, Keller Williams

Dylan Johnson, 901, REALTORS

Alie Jones, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Marquela Jones, BenchMark REALTORS, LLC

Tiffany Jones, Tiffany Jones Realty Group

Adam Kalin, Keller Williams

Emily Kalmon, Collier REALTORS

Danielle Kebede, D R Horton Memphis

Katrina Kelly Isom, 4 Success Realty, LLC

Hart Burke Kelman, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Tara King, Tiffany Jones Realty Group

Varma Kosuri, The Buyer’s Agent

Tarra Kruzan, REMAX Experts

Rebecca Kuntzman, Grant & Co., REALTORS

Devarrio Lakes, Patterson Homes Real Estate Co

KC Lam, Cordova Realty, Inc.

Daniel Lane, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Jo Ann Langlois, Keller Williams

Candace Leake, Crye-Leike of MS, Inc.

Lilly Leatherwood, Keller Williams

Mary Lynn Nicholson, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Jonathan Nunez, Fast Track Realty, LLC

Princess Parker, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Caleb Parr, Renshaw Company, REALTORS

Shay Payne, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Scott Perryman, The Porter Group

Emily Pilkinton, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Morgan Pippen, Green Bee Real Estate

Hillary Pitt, Keller Williams Realty

Kimmer Plunk, Centric Realty LLC

Amber Poe, Grant & Co., REALTORS

Leanna Potter, BHHS McLemore & Co. Realty

Andre Pruitt, TRG Real Estate Services, LLC

Mike Pyrdom, eXp Realty

Shelly Rainwater, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Sarah Ramey, eXp Realty, LLC

Cheryl Rogers, RE/MAX Right Way

Rollin Rosatti, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Austin Rowe, Rowe REALTORS

Kristi Ryan, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

Realis Sanders, Keller Williams

Paula Sansom, Hobson, REALTORS

Logan Scheidt, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Sherri Schmid, Groome & Co.

Kirsten Sciacchetano, eXp Realty, LLC

Jerry Sides, MidSouth Residential, LLC

Emma Simpson, Unique Properties

Lorna Skelton, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Hannah Smith, Enterprise, REALTORS

Michelle Smith, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Suzanne Smith, Enterprise, REALTORS

Vincent Smith, REMAX Experts

Susie Sneed, Sneed Company, REALTORS

Jennifer Stachowski, Keller Williams Realty

Alan Stricklin Crensha, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Sharleen Sundin, Groome & Co.

Mallely Tackett, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Karen Taylor, John Green & Co., REALTORS

Tammy Taylor, Keller Williams

Meleah Thurmond-Edwards, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Ginny Tibbels, REMAX Experts

Aubrey Tilson, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Ashley Tinker, Reid, REALTORS

Christian Townsend, KAIZEN Realty, LLC

Sandra Tushek, Groome & Co.

Adam Underwood, Heritage Homes Co.

Larry Unterberger, Keller Williams

Luke VanHoose, Fast Track Realty, LLC

Jenny Vergos, Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

John Vick, eXp Realty, LLC

Renee Victory, Oak Grove Realty, LLC

Lauren Vinson, Fast Track Realty, LLC

Tony Vuong, Keller Williams Realty

Petra Walker Jones, Keller Williams

Taylor Waring, Ware Jones, REALTORS

Randall Weatherall, Memphis Metro Realty

Frieda Weeden, Keller Williams

Dawn Welch Kinard, Welch Realty, LLC

Peterson Wellford, The Firm

Denise West, REMAX Experts

Tanquilla Wherry, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Bryan Whitaker, Keller Williams Realty

Saundra Whiteside, Lankford Realty Co.

Justin Wilburn, Fayette Realty, LLC

Amy Williams, Captain & Company Real Estate

Ginia Williams, Centric Realty LLC

Jennifer Williams, Hobson, REALTORS

Marceline Williams, Vylla Home

Patrice Williams-Wooten, Keller Williams

Jenna Williamson, Green Bee Real Estate

Myles Wilson, Keller Williams

Mary Wood, REMAX Experts

Amy Woods, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

Kenneth Woods, Keller Williams

“An Intoxicating Job”

At Pantà, Aaron Ivory serves cocktails with panache.

BY BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN

Aaron Ivory has a flair for the dramatic, which is only natural for a former theater major. Now, as the bar manager for Pantà, Chef Kelly English’s Catalan-inspired eatery in Overton Square, he presides over a space that brings its own drama, splashed with the bold oranges, deep reds, and powerful floral patterns of local designer David Quarles IV.

and they hired me. Twelve years later,” he laughs, “and I’m still in the business.”

Ivory quickly moved from a front-of-house job to behindthe-bar gigs, including stints at Frida’s, Local on the Square, Second Line, and the now-closed Schweinehaus.

“I got sucked into the business at first because it was easy money,” he says. “In those days, whatever tips you made, you took home the same day. It was fastpaced, and being a bartender can be a kind of a rock-star life. If you do well at your job, people come to see you. at’s why a lot of bartenders get a little full of themselves: You have fans, people who come to drink the cocktails that you created. It can be an intoxicating job — pardon the pun.”

Ivory began tending bar six years ago at Second Line, where he fi rst concocted his own signature drinks: “It was a great feeling,” he says, “knowing that people were ordering and enjoying drinks that you created. At that point, I knew I wanted to do more of it.”

I’m a fan of a good gin and tonic, and the menu offers a number of delicious-sounding versions, but Ivory cites one that he’s particularly fond of making. It’s called the Boozy Bear, and it features — believe it or not — gummy bears. “I was just thinking one day about how cool it would be to make a drink with gummy bears, so I started experimenting,” he says. e result of the experiment features California’s Gray Whale gin, light Indian Tree tonic, a slice each of lemon, lime, and orange — and a few gummy bears.

“Would you like to try one?” he asks.

It’s my job, so yes, I would, indeed.

above: Aaron Ivory. right: A “Boozy Bear” featuring — believe it or not — gummy bears.

above right: by David Quarles IV.

above right: The dramatic bar designed by David Quarles IV.

Ivory was born in Memphis but spent enough of his childhood in Detroit to become a Lions fan. After college, he found himself in Poughkeepsie, New York, doing a theater internship but knowing he’d need a job when he got back to Memphis.

“I wanted to keep pursuing theater,” he says, “and I needed a part-time job that would let me do that. A friend told me he knew about a position open as a host at On the Border. e hours were flexible, so I applied

But Ivory has another reason for staying in the business: the people. “I think it’s cool that bartenders, servers, and cooks are involved in society’s happiness and its celebrations,” he says. “How much of a gift is that to be able to offer to people? I always tell the staff: ‘Everybody who comes through those doors tonight is our friend.’ It’s one of the best things about Pantà. It’s a small bar and there’s no television, so people begin talking to each other. At the end of the night, people are saying goodbye like old friends.”

And about that bar? “The majority of the cocktails on the menu, I’ve created,” Ivory says. “And because Pantà is Catalan-inspired, gin and tonics are our focal point.”

After a few minutes of prep, Ivory sets a party waiting to happen in front of me. It looks like a big glass of fun, or trouble, depending on how fast you consume it. e citrus colors are a perfect visual companion to the bar’s vivid palette. And there, at the bottom of the glass, as advertised, is a sleuth of gummy bears. (And yes, I had to look up what a group of bears is called. You’re welcome.)

I take a sip, and the drink has a classic gin and tonic punch — crisp, with notes of juniper and lime. But there’s something else, very subtle, but there: a tiny sweetness that has to be coming from those bears on the bottom.

Or maybe that’s just the candy talking. It’s probably best to go see Ivory and decide for yourself.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN

Belle Meade Social

Modern twists on classic American dishes at this friendand family-led restaurant now open in East Memphis.

BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

For restaurateur Jules Jordan, opening the doors of Belle Meade Social for the first time must have felt like destiny. The new, upscale neighborhood bar and eatery in East Memphis welcomed plenty of diners at its May 9th launch at 518 Perkins Extd. (the former Strano space). The lamb lollipops and Belle Meade sours were the immediate draws. But for Jordan, the moment represented much more, as she was launching her first restaurant endeavor in the same space where her father began his own culinary career. Today, she works with a few close friends on the ownership team and in the kitchen. She hopes the conviviality will translate to guests, and that Belle Meade Social will be experienced both as a casual hangout and as a date night destination.

Jordan expressed some disbelief that she opened a restaurant at 29 alongside longtime friend and business partner Paul Stephens. But her immersion in Memphis’ culinary world began during her childhood. “My dad [Trey Jordan] is the founder of Pimentos and Holiday Ham,” said Jordan, “so I’ve been in and around the industry my whole life. And this space was the site of the first Holiday Ham all the way back in 1993.”

But rather than follow in his deli-oriented footsteps, Jordan branched out into fi ne dining. And there’s plenty to delight,

with everything from small shareable snacks to a 14-ounce New York strip steak. To start my meal, I opted for the tuna stack, having watched it arrive at several other tables. e brightly colored dish, with its pinks, greens, and reds, draws in the eye just as its wide-ranging umami teases the taste buds. Ahi tuna is stacked with layers of pineapple, avocados, and tomatoes; we scooped the soft blend of sweet, savory, and acidic flavors using crunchy house-made wontons. Several house-made sauces line the plate, offering extra avenues to spice for diners who enjoy

heat. To balance the palate afterwards, we scarfed a bowl of crispy mixed potatoes.

We perched in the large Garden Room, painted a calming dark green and offering large window views (of Poplar, but still). If diners ever ate at Strano, then they’ll be familiar with Belle Meade’s layout. When sprucing up the interior, Jordan and Stephens were pleased with the bones and didn’t want to make wholesale changes. “Paul had actually identified this space and had been looking at it for a long time,” said Jordan. “We came in here and thought that it was already a pretty elevated interior, so we just set about making some design decisions to bring it more in line with our vision. We did things like change the bar top and add tiling underneath. We redid all the chairs with brown leather to give it a bit more of that elevated vibe, we did some stencil work on the windows and added some new artwork; Paul likes to describe it as ‘country-club casual.’”

e Garden Room and the bar area provide the main spaces for

Belle Meade Social co-owners Paul Stephens and Jules Jordan.

Diners enjoy a meal in the main bar area at Belle Meade Social.

Belle Meade Sour

experience, Jordan and Stephens have set up the Tuckahoe Room. Recalling a speakeasy, guests can relax on a brown leather couch or green velvet chairs beneath a chandelier, perfect for a private dinner or a night out with just a couple of friends.

So far, Jordan and Stephens have been aligned in their vision for Belle Meade Social. “Paul and I go way back. We grew up together, and pretty much consider ourselves siblings,” she laughs. “He’d been involved with Pimentos for a while before we started Belle Meade, and approached me fi rst about opening our own place, something that we hadn’t really thought about doing together. We trust each other’s judgment, which has been really beneficial when putting the restaurant together and bringing our vision to life.”

In the Tuckahoe Room, recalling a speakeasy, guests can relax on a brown leather couch or green velvet chairs beneath a chandelier, perfect for a private dinner or a night out with just a couple of friends.

to lead the kitchen, and turned to another longtime acquaintance. Jordan brought in Eric Ingraham, who had been general manager at Pimentos for the last decade. “I knew Eric well going back the last ten years,” says Jordan. “I really respect him, and knew that his talents in the kitchen were being underutilized as a GM, so we brought him here and he’s been a rock star.” Rounding out the leadership team is Daniel Faulk as bar manager and George Newton as sous chef.

top left: Spicy seafood pasta with grouper, shrimp, and mussels.

top right: The tuna stack appetizer piles ahi tuna atop pineapple, avocado, and tomatoes; served with housemade wontons.

left: The original version of Belle Meade’s lamb lollipops, cooked medium-rare and coated in a Dijon panko crust. The new take on lamb is grilled and herbmarinated with a red pepper and mint jelly.

the savory and spicy bites. Cut with a knife or picked up by the bone, the lamb lollipops are a strong contender for the restaurant’s signature dish.

seafood pasta. Ribbons of pecorino cheese drape over a healthy portion of grouper, shrimp, and mussels that are mixed into a spicy marinara sauce, served alongside several slices of garlic ciabatta. (For those who are shy around heat, the dish is not too spicy.) e menu offers a few more traditional options, too, like the Belle Meade Burger or a grilled chicken sandwich. Brunch offerings may be arriving soon, but the staff is focused on perfecting the current lunch and dinner menu first.

e co-owners knew they needed someone skilled and reliable

e lamb lollipops have been among the most popular entrées over the first couple of months. A perfectly medium rare during my visit, the tender meat rests inside a crunchy Dijon panko crust that adds a hint of tangy spice. e lamb is served atop fluff y mashed potatoes enhanced with dollops of a zesty house cherry sauce that provides splashes of sweetness alongside

For Jordan, evolution and adaptation are key elements of the restaurant game. During our conversation, she revealed that the lamb lollipops have undergone a bit of a transformation since my first experience with them. “A lot of people were requesting that the lamb be cooked medium-well or well-done,” Jordan told me, “which would burn the panko crust that we were doing. So we started thinking about how we might be able to adapt that recipe. George did some tinkering, and came up with an alternative that’s a grilled herb-marinated lamb that comes with red pepper and mint jelly. We’re still in the early days here, so it’s been important to us to listen to our diners and just see what we can adapt going forward, and what is really resonating with people.”

For a pescatarian option, diners can’t go wrong with the spicy

Jordan believes that there’s always room for dessert. “I have to shout out our bread pudding, which is at the top of my list for dessert,” she told me. “It’s a Skrewball peanut butter whiskey bread pudding that comes with bananas, caramel sauce, and our homemade whipped cream that’s infused with Biscoff cookie butter.”

Whether it’s sipping on a cocktail (or mocktail) or a full night out, Jordan is focused on providing an elevated experience alongside the meal. “My focus is to put hospitality above all else,” she said, “and [to] make sure that people absolutely enjoy their time here. It’s a space where you can make it whatever you want based on the experience that you’re looking for.”

Belle Meade Social is located at 518 Perkins Extd. Open for lunch and dinner, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday– ursday, Sunday; 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. bellemeadesocial.com

Memphis Dining Guide

A Curated Guide to Eating Out

Memphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact Samuel X. Cicci at scicci@contemporary-media.com.

DOWNTOWN

117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$

ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$

THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $

AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime Downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BACKLOT SANDWICH SHOP—Big sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and build-your-own-biscuits for breakfast, lunch, and an early supper. 265 S. Front St. 509-8612. B, L, D, $

BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752.

B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$

BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only Paleo-centric restaurant, offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433.

B, L, D, X, $-$$

BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580.

L (Sun.), D, MRA, $

CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$

CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, X, $-$$

DINING SYMBOLS

B — breakfast

L — lunch

D — dinner

CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Nordic influences, presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal tasting menus. Afternoon tea served Thu-Sun., noon-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$

SB — Sunday brunch

WB — weekend brunch

X— wheelchair accessible

MRA — member, Memphis Restaurant Association

$ — under $15 per person without drinks or desserts

$$ — under $25

$$$ — $26-$50

$$$$ — over $50

BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779-4125. L, D, X, $-$$

BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$

BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE—Serves Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, with seasonally changing menu; also a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. 528-1010. L, D, X, $-$$

BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$

BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee St. 310-4341. B, L, $

CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $

CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$

CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 444-3232. B, L, D, X, $-$$$

THE CLOVER CLUB Southern fusion and internationally-inspired small plates at Hotel Indigo. 22 N. B.B. King. B, L, D, X, $-$$

COCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq. 609-1111. D, X, $-$$

COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway. 527-9158. L, D, $

CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$

DOS HERMANOS KITCHEN—Breakfast and lunch concept by Eli Townsend in the renovated Cossitt Library. 33 S. Front. B, L, $ EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X , $ FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves sushi rice bowls, noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls. Closed Sun. 149 Madison. 701-6666; 521 S. Highland. 249-2636. L, D, X, $

FANCY’S FISH HOUSE—Serving chef-inspired favorites at One Beale, including fresh, daily-caught fish and seafood, a raw bar, and signature dishes from the grill, with fabulous river views from the dining room and patio. 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. #1. 589-3474. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. 55 S. Main. 654-5926. L, X, $

FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed

Sun. and Mon. A Downtown staple at Brinkley Plaza, 383 S. Main. 5230877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

FERRARO’S CHEESY CORNER & PIZZERIA—Plenty of pizzas, along with a whole new cheese-inspired menu (fancy grilled cheeses and build-your-own mac and cheese bowls). 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, D, 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, $-$$

FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and burgers. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$

GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Fish and grits, steak and eggs, and other upscale takes on Southern brunch classics. 492 S. Main St. 249-7450. B, L, $$

GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306-4711. L, D, X, $-$$

THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105. 410-8169. B, L, D, X, $-$$

GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $

HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $

HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison. 333-1229. D, X, $

HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $

IBIS—Upscale cocktail bar serving sharable small plates, including lobster rolls, crab cakes, and lamb meatballs, alongside select larger entrees. Closed Mon.-Wed. 314 S. Main. 748-5187. D, X, $-$$

INKWELL—Unique craft concoctions, charcuterie plates, flatbreads, and sandwiches at this dope cocktail bar. Closed Mon.-Tue. 631 Madison Ave. 334-9411. D, X, $-$$

ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, conveniently located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union Ave. 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$

KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$

LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, $-$$

THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomatoes. Closed until further notice. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $

THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas Downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101. 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$

LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include lobster mac-and-cheese and rib-eye patty melt; menu differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, X, $-$$

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at

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. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. 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). 662-890-2467; 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, $-$$

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, $-$$$

PENNY’S NITTY GRITTY—Coach Penny Hardaway brings plenty of Southern flavors and lots of customizable grits. 220 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-5950. B, L, D, $$-$$$

PRETTY TACO Fast casual tacos with a Memphis twist, like the Soul Burger tacos. Closed Sun./Mon. 265 S. Front St. 509-8120. L, D, $-$$

RAW GIRLS—Raw and hot plant-based food alongside cold-pressed juices made from seasonal, locally grown sources. Closed Sun. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 118. 207-5463. B, L, D, $-$$

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, 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, X, $

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, X, $-$$

SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis). 844-6117. B, L, X, MRA, $

SUPPER CLUB ON 2ND—Fine dining and urban bistro styles collide at this snazzy, chic restaurant, featuring gold-encrusted tomahawk steaks, a deep sea lobster dawg, fancy cocktails, and plenty of other elevated goodies. 85 S. 2nd St. 453-6334. D, WB, X, $$-$$$

TALK SHOP—Southern-style cuisine, a breakfast bar, and plenty of other cool dishes and drinks at the Caption by Hyatt. 245 S. Front St. B, L, D, X, $-$$

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, WB, 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, X, $-$$

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, 410-8909. 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 Texasstyle barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper. 310-4141. B, L, X, $-$$

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 CooperYoung 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. 272-1277. 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 pecan-crusted 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 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. 4177962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 601-9095820. 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, $

EAT AT BLACK LODGE—High-end breakfasts, like waffle grilled cheese sandwiches, nacho and tater-tot “tot-chos,” and other entrees like sweet spicy thai pork at the longtime video store. Closed Mon./Tue. 405 N. Cleveland. 672-7905. 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—Farmer classics include pan-seared catfish, gulf shrimp and grits, or a Gibson donut bread pudding. Closed Mon./ Tue. 2166 Central. 313-0087. D, X, $-$$

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 Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn Ave. L, D, X, $-$$

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). 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, 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, $-$$

LOAF—Former food truck owner Kale Carm’s take on modern Memphis and deep South cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tue. 1934 Poplar (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art). 300-0103. 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). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$.

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, $-$$

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). 8540622; 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, X, $-$$

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, $$-$$$

TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland. L, D, X, $-$$

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, $-$$

CACHE 42 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS—Elevated fine dining (think golden rack of lamb or lobster queso) and cocktail lounge at

MoneyBagg Yo’s restaurant; menu by chef Daris Leatherwood. Brunch and lunch options coming soon. 4202 Hacks Cross Rd., Suite 121. 4945458. 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, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. L, D, X, MRA, $ SUMMER/BERCLAIR/ RALEIGH/BARTLETT

901 HOT POT & KOREAN BBQ—All-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ, from short ribs to garlic shrimp. 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. 512-4963. L, D, 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, X, $ BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Slingin’ famous biscuits, plate lunches, chicken fried steak, and other breakfast classics since 1968. 3965 Summer Ave. 324-7494. B, L, $

CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer Ave. 672-7905. L, D, $ CHEF FLAVAS AND BARTLETT BREAKFAST FACTORY ”Flavaful” sandwiches, soups, pastas, and more from the makers of the popular local spinach artichoke dip. Traditional breakfast options served by Bartlett Breakfast Factory. Closed Sun./Mon. 6301 Stage Rd. 779-2200. B, L, D, X, $-$$

DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more. 5266 Summer Ave. #65. 766-0831. L, D, X, $-$$

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 bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, X, $

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, $

MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 7619321. L, D, 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, $-$$

ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten Rd. 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$

PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, 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. 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. 324-0144. B, X, $

CELEBRITY’S SOUL FOOD—Classic soul food dishes coupled with a Hollywood-esque VIP experience. 431 S. Highland St., Ste 105. L, D, 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 avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins. 818-2273. L, D, X, $$-$$$

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, $-$$

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, $-$$$

ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 236-7784. L, D, $-$$

ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle. 347-3569. D, 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, $

ANTIGUA MEXICAN BAR & GRILL—Tortas, tacos, and other authentic Mexican cuisine alongside freshly-made salsa, guacamole, and white queso dip. 717 N. White Station Rd. 761-1374. L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$

BELLE MEADE SOCIAL—Upscale Americana cuisine including lamb lollipops, spicy tuna stack, and steak & noodle salad. 518 Perkins Extd. 480-7054. L, D, $-$$$

BELMONT GRILL—Burgers, steak sandwiches, and other classic American fare at one of Memphis’ longstanding bars. 4970 Poplar. 767-0305. L, D, 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, X, $-$$

BOG & BARLEY—An all-Irish fine dining experience by the owners of Celtic Crossing, and a full bar with plenty of beer and 25-year-old Mccallan. 6150 Poplar, Suite 124. 805-2262. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

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. 725-8557; 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 Mon. 5101 Sanderlin Ave. 205-2500. 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. 729-7687. 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. 662-8907611. 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-andsour 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 Italian-inspired 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. 572-1803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. 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. L, 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, $

THE READY ROOM—Duck wontons, bananas “Oscar,” and plenty of other bar snacks and entrees at Hook Point Brewing Co.’s taproom. Closed Mon./Tues. 715 W. Brookhaven Cir. 487-6931. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$$

RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 4550 Poplar. 590-2828. L, D, X, $$-$$$

SoundWaves™, the nation’s first truly upscale indoor/outdoor resort water attraction, is the perfect hangout with four acres of thrill rides and chill vibes for adventurers of all ages.

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, $$$

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. 454-3352. L, D, X, $-$$

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; 3660

S. Houston Levee Road, Ste 104 (Collierville). 286-4335; 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. 7793499. 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. 3710580. 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, X, $

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. 421-6399. L, D, X, $-$$

THE WING GURU—A staple of the Memphis wing scene, featuring everything from classic buffalo to exquisite lemon pepper. 5699 Mt. Moriah Rd. 509-2405; 875 W. Poplar Ave., Ste. 6 (Collierville). 221-7488; 8253 Highway 51, North Suite #103 (Millington). 872-0849; 4130 Elvis Presley Blvd (Whitehaven). 791-4726). L, D, X, $-$$

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, vegetable plates, and homemade desserts are specialties. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $

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 herbcrusted 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. 6246001. 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, $-$$

LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike. 791-2328. D, 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; 255 New Byhalia Rd. 316-5638. 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, $-$$$

STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in hand-cut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar Ave., Suite 101. 207-1100. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

SUFI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & BAR—Offers authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, from hummus shawarma to traditional moussaka. Closed Mon.. 7609 Poplar Pike. 779-2200. L, D, X, $-$$$

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, $

THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar Ave., Ste. 11. B, L, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$

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, $-$$$

DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center St. 850-7750. L, D, 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). 7551447; 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. 8615000. 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. 609-8680. 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 Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, 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, X, $-$$

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, $

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, $-$$

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

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, $-$$

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, X, $-$$

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, X, $-$$$

TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-510-5734. B, L, D, X, $-$$

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). 870-6550222. L, D, WB, $-$$$

This Must Be the Place

The pleasures (mostly) of homeownership.

BY CHRIS MCCOY

one, then?” said Frank.

We closed the deal on March 20th, the first day of the Iraq War. e day before, our loan officer informed us that the reasonable interest rate she had promised us was no longer available, because of unexpected volatility in the credit markets. “Nobody knew there was going to be a war,” she said. at led to a very frank discussion in which I threatened to bail on the deal. It was an empty threat, given how badly LJ wanted the house.

Buy a house,” they said.

It was 2002, and my girlfriend LJ and I were moving in together, again. e last time we cohabitated had ended with her kicking me out. We reconciled for a while, then she kicked me out again. Living apart turned out to be good for our relationship, but our leases were running out, and rent hikes seemed imminent. Shacking up made financial sense. But I had a condition: Both of our names would be on the lease, so she couldn’t kick me out a third time. I was getting too old for couch surfing. ined, would feel like being on vacation all the time.

At this point, someone suggested we buy a house. Interest rates were low, and we both had steady jobs. We wanted to stay in Midtown, so we went looking for houses with Frank Cooper of Sowell Realtors. On the first day, we found a weird little house in Central Gardens. It was built in 1921, not too long after the neighborhood was founded. It was bigger than a double shotgun, about 1,100 square feet, with a stucco exterior which, we later learned, was originally pink. e home was renovated in 1980 by Don Green, an architect who had worked for Holiday Inn. the resulting interior was vaguely reminiscent of a late-’70s beach hotel. Living here, we imag-

But the house was just outside our price range, so we continued to house-browse for three months. Frank and his partner, David da Ponte-Cooper, indulged us while we toured every available wreck and mansion inside the Parkways. As month three of the home search was coming to a close, we were sitting on the porch of a Cooper-Young bungalow, debating its merits. I liked it, but wished it had the quirkiness and privacy of the Central Gardens house.

“Are y’all still talking about that house?” Frank asked.

Yes, we talked about it all the time. “Well, why not buy that

e shakedown ended with us paying the loan officer an extra $1,000 to “convince her boss.”

e closing meeting proceeded in tense silence.

We had a common project, or maybe we were just growing up together. When we finally decided to get married, we knew there was only one place for the ceremony.

rubbed shoulders with the upand comers — and when I say “rubbed shoulders” I mean that literally. Remember the party scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s? e first year, 12 local filmmakers were on the invite list. By 2018, there were 112. We still host the party, but not here. ree months after we moved in, Hurricane Elvis tore up this town like Godzilla. e Bradford pear tree in the back yard, which had been a 30-foot fountain of white blooms, fell on the house, and destroyed the back fence. We baked in the heat for two weeks, discovering it was a problem that our windows didn’t open.

When we moved in a month later, we repainted almost every surface. Our first purchase was a dining room table, where I’m currently sitting and writing these words.

LJ’s two elderly cats, Virginia and Sly, tried to make themselves at home. But the shock was too much for Virginia, who died soon after the move. Sly, on the other hand, flourished here.

Two weeks after we moved in, LJ hosted a friend’s bridal shower, and we discovered our home was great for entertaining. In 2004, my debut film won Best Hometowner Feature at Indie Memphis. After spending a lonely and dispiriting few months on the film festival circuit, we hosted an annual party where filmmakers could relax and get to know each other. e Official Unofficial Indie Memphis Filmmakers party happened at our house for 13 years. Famous filmmakers

As for LJ and me, the house seemed to draw us closer. We had a common project, or maybe we were just growing up together. When we finally decided to get married, we knew there was only one place for the ceremony. Eleven people attended, including our surviving parents, siblings, and friends of many decades. Sly had his own chair. Congressman Steve Cohen officiated — a story unto itself. In the dining room, LJ walked down the aisle to Talking Heads’ “ is Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)”, and we said our vows in the foyer. e 300-guest reception was held at someone else’s house.

Now, Sly is gone. His ashes are buried under a red maple which replaced the Bradford pear. e house, like any century-old dwelling, has a lot of problems, but we’re not leaving. We’ll fix what we can and work around the rest. is must be the place.

LJ and the author, with officiant Steve Cohen