The Restaurant Grind

We’ve got double the trouble this week with Trey Gamble and Jim Hicks, the owners of six Mugshots Grill & Bar restaurants spanning the Mississippi, Arkansas, and now Tennessee markets. These guys never knew a college job would turn into a career path, but years later, they continue to thrive by building family-like culture among their staff and serving up some of the best burgers in town. Tune in to hear their story!

It's a story of good timing, hard work, and a little bit of luck! Tune in today to hear Max Lawhon share how he started the sports bar at age 23 and what sets the neighborhood bar apart today.

This is our last episode before a short break for the holidays and it's short & sweet! Tune in to hear JD share about his background in the restaurant industry and make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss our new season of episodes in 2024.

He’s a New Orlean’s native that’s had an impressive career in the music and hospitality sectors. Tune in to hear how Mason Jambon got his start at the famous Commander’s Palace and eventually made his way to Memphis on this episode of The Restaurant Grind!

As the longest-standing Memphis in May BBQ competitor, Ernie Mellow has nothing to prove. Owner and pitmaster of Hog Wild BBQ, Ernie has earned countless accolades for his food and stood in as an advocate for other Memphis restaurateurs through his work with the Memphis Restaurant Association. Tune in to hear all sorts of Memphis stories, especially the origin story of Memphis’ famous barbecue nachos!

A Canada-native, Shawn Danko moved to Memphis with just a suitcase and a job with Hard Rock Cafe. Over 20 years later, he owns and operates two Kooky Canuck restaurants that have become icons far beyond the Mid-South. Tune in to hear his story and what he's working on now!

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! Not sure where to reserve a table this holiday season? Our restauranteurs share some of their all-time favorite spots in Memphis. Listen in to find out what they are!

Sally Fienup is the executive director of the Memphis Restaurant Association and has been working in or adjacent to the industry since she was in her teens! Tune in this week to learn about all the ways the MRA advocates for Memphis restauranteurs throughout our city.Subscribe and like to help us reach more Memphians in the restaurant industry!

A new player to the Memphis restauranteur crowd, Jason Heckendorf joins us today to share about his journey opening Eggs Up Grill in Germantown. Despite the myriad of power outages and minor crises since their opening, Jason and his team have a contagious positive spirit that radiates through the culture of their restaurant. Listen in to learn more!

A generational success story, listen in to hear Jesse Gonzalez share his family’s journey from immigrant family to owning multiple restaurants across Tennessee. An owner of Frida’s and the new “fresh mex” restaurant Guac, Jesse has contagious ambition and pours all of himself into the restaurant business. Tune in to hear more of his restaurant grind story - you don't want to miss it! SUBSCRIBE and LIKE to help us inspire more industry dreamers! #restaurant #restauranteurs #memphis #entrepreneur #mexicanfood

This week we're talking to Arturo Azcarate, owner of Curry n Jerk located right in downtown Memphis. Panamanian born, Arturo brings authenticity and passion to both his food and how he runs his restaurant. Listen in to hear how he went from engineer to restaurant owner on episode 4 of The Restaurant Grind!

With over 25 years in the restaurant industry, Mike Miller has been everything from dishwasher and bartender to manager and now owner of Patrick's in East Memphis. As President of the Memphis Restaurant Association, Mike cares deeply about the food community in Memphis and works diligently to advocate for owners, both new and seasoned! Tune in to hear more of his restaurant grind story - you don't want to miss it!

This episode features Chloe Sexton, the owner and baker of Bluffcakes, the TikTok-famous home of the giant cookie. Tune in to hear how Chloe turned her baking hobby into her full-time gig and what she does to keep selling out.

Our first episode features DJ Naylor, the owner of Celtic Crossing and Bog & Barley - two incredibly authentic Irish dining experiences in Memphis. Tune in to hear how DJ made it from Ireland to Memphis and what he's doing to create an unforgettable dining experience for his patrons.

The Restaurant Grind airs next week! Listen to the trailer to know what you can expect from us this season.