Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the faces of the Civil Rights Movement. He was, at the time, the youngest person to win a Nobel Prize “for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.” Dr. King valued truth, justice, dignity, and service which showed in his work. He desired for people to be treated as equals, and his legacy lives on today. But Dr. King’s connection goes deeper in Memphis.
While most people know Dr. King died in Memphis on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, some don’t realize this wasn’t his first time in the city. In fact, on several occasions, he visited town. He delivered his speech, “All Labor has Dignity,” at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple. He led a march on City Hall in Memphis. Then, he returned a week later and delivered his speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” just the day before his death.
King’s visits weren’t just speeches and marches. The time he spent in Memphis was used to meet with local Civil Rights leaders at churches and restaurants in the area including The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant.
The Four Way
The Four Way was originally opened in 1946 by Irene and Clint Cleaves. They cook classic soul food in the heart of Soulsville.
“My parents purchased The Four Way in 2000 not really knowing what they were going to open it to be,” Patrice Thompson, current owner of The Four Way said.
They are one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in America and have visitors from all over including celebrities like Drake, who filmed a music video at the restaurant, a variety of political figures, musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, and so many other notable individuals. One of those individuals being Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself.
Jerry Thompson, the unofficial The Four Way historian and husband to Patrice, said Dr. King’s last meal was at the restaurant.
“My father and mother-in-law were very adamant about trying to keep the original presence of The Four Way when we reintroduced to the public,” Jerry said.
The walls are lined with pictures and news clipping dating back to all of the special moments in the restaurant’s history. Several of these pictures were taken around the time of Dr. King and other notable people from that era.
“It’s been preserved because of how frequently he made his [Dr. King] presence known in Memphis.”
The History
The Four Way is a historical landmark. Having been around for over 70 years, there’s been a lot of history that came through the restaurant.
“At the time, the Civil Right Movement was going on and Memphis was very, very prominent even before the assassination,” Jerry explained.
Dr. King was “pushing for social change” across the country and would go various places to help support the movement. When he visited Memphis, he would make speeches at the churches right down the street from The Four Way.
“He was very approachable, but he was about his business. And everybody knew it at the time.”
When Dr. King would enter The Four Way with other Civil Rights leaders such as, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy, it became a place to relax.
“…Mrs. Cleaves was very, very adamant about making sure he had a place… [it] gave him a refuge where he could recharge his batteries and just relax.”
Next to The Four Way used to be a pool hall. Dr. King was an avid pool player. He was good too. There’s even photos of him taking a shot with a que behind his back. Mrs. Cleaves would often sell her famous sandwiches to the men playing over at the hall. Now, the pool hall is full of seats for the expanded restaurant.
The Four Way Today
“This neighborhood was very important to my dad… because of what was instilled in me, in valuing the neighborhood, the background, and foundation, it’s very important to me to continue the legacy that my parents’ started,” Patrice said.
Even to this day, The Four Way has stories and continues to make an impact in the community. The Four Way works with local groups that bring students to the restaurant to eat and learn about the history.
“It gives us an opportunity to continue his [Dr. King’s] prominence by telling the stories of him eating here and the things that happened here that affect all of us even to this day,” Jerry explained.
He later continued, “We have to make sure not to cover up the past but be true to it.”
The Four Way was and still is a cornerstone to the Memphis community and has an impact on all who visit it.
“The impact this place has had on me is so many words,” Patrice started. “It’s been a big impact. It’s changed my life in a lot of ways.”
Despite all the lore that comes with the establishment, they aren’t just known for the people who visited. They are known for incredible soul food and a place to feel comfortable as who you are, regardless of your walk of life.
The Thompsons kept the menu relatively the same as what it was when the Cleaves first opened it.
Some of the classic menu items include the fried catfish and peach cobbler, both said to be Dr. King’s favorites. They have incredible sides like yams, macaroni & cheese, and other quintessential southern dishes.
There isn’t a single item on that menu that anyone could consider bad. Even if you walk in thinking you won’t like a particular dish, you haven’t tried it at The Four Way. The Greater Memphis Chamber’s own, Patricia McKinney, says she doesn’t usually like Fried Green Tomatoes, but when she visits The Four Way, she won’t leave without ordering them.
The Four Way’s southern charm even spreads to the tourists who visit to sit in the same spot as so many influential people. Jerry says it’s important for restaurants like his own to show what Memphis is really about.
“The service industry… the individuals that work in those restaurants are the foot soldiers to tourist… but they see the hospitality of the folks that took their order and served their food, and it turns the narrative around,” Jerry continues. “For us, it’s very, very crucial to put Memphis in a positive light.”
Final Thoughts
Every Memphian should make it a priority to visit The Four Way at least once, though there’s no doubt you’ll end up there again. It is the place for authentic soul food, community, and history.
You can visit The Four Way at their 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126 location. They are opened Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can dine in and experience the atmosphere or place a to-go order in the restaurant or online.