Greater Memphis Chamber

restaurants

THE GREATER PLATE: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

by

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.

 

THE GREATER PLATE: 4 Great Memphis Coffee Spots

by

Winters in Memphis—you never know what to expect. It could be Snow-mageddon or a nice spring day. It could be 21 degrees or feel like the best day for a walk around the neighborhood. Who knows? But one thing we all know is Memphis has great coffee spots whether you need to warm up or cool down. Here are 4 of our favorite places for coffee on any occasion.

Belltower Coffeehouse and Studio at Highland

Ice Cream Matcha Latte from Belltower Coffee is a perfect pair with their delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Belltower Coffeehouse and Studio at Highland is an essential Memphis coffee shop. Its cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot to grab a coffee, a pastry, and get to know someone. Belltower serves specialty coffees plus a comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu. Their menu is varied and is comprised of something you’re sure to enjoy, like their very popular Grasshopper Latte or Honeysuckle Latte. If that doesn’t sound intriguing, you can always peruse their seasonal menu or see what the barista’s latest favorites are. One barista’s favorite is listed as an “Ice Cream Matcha Latte,” which is a mix of chocolate and vanilla syrups and, of course, matcha. Pair that with their chocolate chip cookie and your sweet tooth craving will officially be curbed. Not only do they serve coffee and unique dining options, but they also have a pottery studio attached. They offer classes for beginners and memberships for experienced potters. There is so much to discover at Belltower from trivia nights to wine nights to even catering. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Coffee from Cafe Eclectic

Café Eclectic

Café Eclectic is true to its name. This Midtown hot spot is a must-try. Looking for a place to get a little work done? Café Eclectic is the answer. Want somewhere with all the good vibes? Just visit Café Eclectic. Café Eclectic has an array of specialty coffees like the Karamel Sutra, The Cinniful Jim, or Star & Micey. Each has their own distinctive combination of flavors and uses Illy’s signature blend. Beyond the coffee, you can always grab a delicious pastry provided by several local vendors, but if you have more time, they serve breakfast classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon. They also serve lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Monday through Friday, and Sunday brunch. Café Eclectic is dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and even drive-thru, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking for a great coffee and a Memphis classic. Café Eclectic is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is perfect for on-the-go!

Sitting in a local coffee shop is great. Not everyone has the time for that.  But don’t worry, Scooter’s Coffee gives you quick, positive service. Their goal is to help you “scoot in and scoot out.” Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru and walk-up window coffee shop. They don’t have a spot for you to hang around—other than a park bench or two.  Scooter’s Coffee is ideal for those on the go, but that doesn’t negate its ability to be an excellent spot for coffee. They have a frequent rotation of seasonal coffees like their Strawberry Sweetheart Mocha they had for Valentine’s Day or Sea Salt Carmelicious. They’ve also got quick bites for those on the go like their omelet bites, donuts, and cake bites. Scooter’s even has smoothies if you’re looking to switch it up. They’re perfect for a last-minute coffee run before a meeting or an end-of-day caffeine boost. Scooter’s Coffee is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends.

 

Memphis Chess Club

Memphis Chess Club is a unique spot in Downtown Memphis. Per the name, it is a chess club that doubles as a coffee shop. Upon entering the building you’re greeted with wooden tables that are also chess boards. If you’re interested in a quick game, you can pay to play a game or two or if you’re a chess fanatic you can buy a membership. To visit Memphis Chess Club and still enjoy the venue, you don’t have to be a chess player. They offer an entire wall full of other board games. In the middle of a work week, it’s a great spot to lock in and get a few things done. Their welcoming environment serves all-day breakfast, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads during lunch and pastries and snacks for a quick bite. They have all the coffee classics like cold brew, mochas, and café au lait. While you’re sipping your coffee, take them up on their all-day breakfast. Memphis Chess Club has an incredible Loaded Croissant consisting of perfectly cooked bacon, egg, cheese, and a beautiful and flakey croissant. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your coffee needs, Memphis has so many options to satisfy your caffeine craving—whether that be an iced matcha from Belltower to cool you off and have you dreaming of warmer weather, or a strawberry mocha from Scooter’s to keep you in love with the season. Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “I work from home. I need a different option.” Don’t worry. Grindhouse Coffee is a great local option for those who like to brew their own. Try out any of the local coffee spots and you won’t be disappointed.

THE GREATER PLATE: Classic McEwen’s

by

As you’re walking in Downtown Memphis searching for a place to grab a bite to eat, a bright red door catches your attention from across the street. You decide to head inside and are greeted by a buzzing bar and welcoming staff. You glance around at the timeless restaurant filled with people, both locals and visitors alike. You take a deep breath in, smell an aroma of spices coming from the kitchen and know that you’re at the classic Memphis restaurant, McEwen’s.

McEwen's store front with a red door.
McEwen’s iconic red door you can spot down the street.

John Littlefield and Bert Smythe, current owners of McEwen’s, are both life-long restaurant industry professionals. John is originally from Jackson, TN but first came to Memphis for college. Bert is a native Memphian. The two ran in similar circles. However, their paths didn’t officially cross until 1997 when they started working together at a restaurant. At the time they didn’t realize it, but 1997 was an important year for them because it was also the year McEwen’s was officially opened by the original owner.  

John said, “We started discussing partnering up probably four or five [years prior].”

The Right Opportunity 

Having been restaurant professionals for the majority of their careers, it was the “next logical step,” said Bert.  

“We looked at a bunch of different locations, waiting for the right opportunity,” he said.  

Initially, they intended to start a restaurant from the ground up and make it their own, but then the right opportunity found them. The previous owner of McEwen’s heard the two were looking to own a restaurant and offered to sell them McEwen’s. John and Bert took ownership of McEwen’s in 2008. At that point, the restaurant had been around for over a decade.  

“McEwen’s was a known entity at the time,” Bert stated.  

After taking ownership, they made a few changes including expanding the bar and changing operational systems previously in place yet maintained the essence of McEwen’s.  

“We tightened it up,” John explained. “And over time made it better,” added Bert.  

John and Bert also made a few changes to the menu but maintained several crucial dishes.  

“We expanded the menu,” Bert continued. “In a relatively short time, we added the small plates… that we continue to have to this day.” 

They sought to keep the original McEwen’s but add on to it.  

“We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel, but we polished the wheel,” he said. 

The People 

McEwen’s has now been around for 27 years. 16 of those years were under the ownership of John and Bert.  

“McEwen’s has really become kind of THE place to go for lunch,” Bert said.  

McEwen’s has two menus—one for lunch and one for dinner. John and Bert say they are chosen for lunch because people know, “they can get in and out.” 

“I see the same people here daily,” John mentioned.  

During the weekdays they mostly have tourists and businesspeople. Bert explained the lunch hour crowd is “a Mecca of downtown business who’s who.” 

However, the dinner crowd is totally different. He continued by saying, “We’re a neighborhood bar and restaurant for some, but we’re also that special occasion for someone.”  

“With the white tablecloths and the glasses on it, it has the appearance of a more formal atmosphere,” John explains. He continues to express that at McEwen’s they want to make people comfortable.  

“We’re not stuffy. You can make it what you want it to be,” Bert stated.   

“People call all the time: ‘Do you have a dress code?’ No. We want you to come in, in a concert T-shirt and shorts. That’s great. You might be sitting next to someone in a blazer, or you may be sitting next to someone in formal wear,” he continued.  

Ultimately, John and Bert want people to know that they’re going to get good, quality food at McEwen’s.  

The Food Blueberry Lemon Cake

Like any restaurant that’s been around for a few decades, there must be good food. And McEwen’s is no exception. 

“I think with the food you have to be really consistent—without being too trendy.” John said. “The idea is to have longevity.” 

 Some of the food on the menu has been there since the first owner, like the BBQ Duck Confit Enchiladas. Bert refers to them as a “staple.”  

Other food has become so loved that people come to McEwen’s just for specific dishes such as pork ossobuco.  

John mentioned, “We tried to take it off.”  

“Initially we took it off seasonally… it’s a great wintertime dish. But when we would take it off people were like, ‘Oh, we came down here. We drove all this way,’” Bert added.  

Other highlights from their menu include Sweet Potato Crusted Catfish, Short Rib Pasta, roasted potato salad, and McEwen’s Famous Banana Cream Pie.  

In all of this, John and Bert try to buy locally sourced ingredients and supplies whenever possible.  

“People come support us so, in turn, we’re supporting the local person,” Bert said.  

“It makes sense to support your neighborhood,” John said.  

Rules for a Successful Restaurant 

No one can deny McEwen’s success. They are a downtown favorite that people keep coming back to.  

“I can get it down to two rules,” John claims. “Greet people when they walk in the door and serve them good hot food.” 

Bert added on by saying, “You treat your customers with appreciation and give them a good quality product. It truly is that simple.” 

They also note that they adapt when necessary, and don’t follow trends or attempt to be a restaurant they’re not.  

“We’ve stuck to the tried and true, but we’ve not been afraid to try new things,” Bert said.  

They believe that if you get the basics down and stay true to your brand, you can be a successful restaurant owner.  

“You know, hospitality—whether you’re in New Orleans, New York, Paris, London, Florence, wherever, Memphis, Tennessee—it’s all based on the same principles. And I think if you can do those well, it lends to longevity,” Bert explained. 

Final Thoughts 

McEwen’s is a Memphis classic that is consistent in food, in service, and in environment. They are located at 120 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103. They are open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is a restaurant for any occasion at any time. Not only can customers dine in, but McEwen’s offers lunchtime catering.  

 

McEwen’s get 5 forks for being a Consistent Classic 

Happy Downtown Memphis Dining Week!

by

Downtown dining is crucial to the Memphis ecosystem. Without our restaurants downtown, where would you grab a bite to eat before seeing a show at the Orpheum or grab drinks after watching the Grizzlies play at the FedExForum? While this is definitely a perk of restaurants in the area, downtown dining is for more than just that. Downtown dining is for after work drinks with coworkers, meetings with a client, girls’ night out, a culinary experience, catering for your next event, a good meal, and so much more!  November 4-10, 2024, is Downtown Memphis Dining Week. Take the time to head downtown and grab a bite to eat, support local restaurants, and celebrate Memphis dining. To help you with this task, here is a short list of some of our favorite downtown restaurants for every occasion.  

These restaurants are perfect for:

A Quick And Delicious Lunch: 

A Mid-Week Pick-Me-Up: 

A Burger And A Beer: 

A Nice Dinner: 

Sunday Brunch: 

Gaming And Snacking: 

Trying Something New: 

Memphis Classics That Never Fail: 

Let us know which of these downtown dining options you eat at this week!  For more information about Downtown Memphis Dining Week visit the Downtown Memphis Commission website. View our latest Greater Plate blog post here.

THE GREATER PLATE: Something for Everyone at Majestic Grille

by

Editor’s Note: Welcome to The Greater Plate! This is a series for our GREATER blog where we feature some of the fantastic restaurant offerings in the Greater Memphis area. My hope is that you will discover (or maybe even rediscover) a restaurant in town where you can meet new people and experience one of the crucial elements that makes Memphis greater—good food. Join me, Taylor Ann Carpenter, on this journey and find a restaurant for every one of life’s cravings.

 

If you walked down Main Street in the 1910s, and 20s you’d see a block full of theaters. Silent films were all the rage. It was a popular pastime for Memphians. As technology advanced so did the film industry. As our world continued to evolve so did downtown Memphis. Though we may not go downtown to watch a silent film, the legacy of the silent film era remains in a handful of buildings like the Majestic Grille.

Six months after getting married, Patrick and Deni Reilly opened the doors of the Majestic Grille. Now almost twenty years later, it remains a key player in Memphis dining.

“We really wanted it to be a neighborhood place,” said Deni.

Who Are the Reillys

Husband and wife, Patrick and Deni Reilly
Patrick and Deni Reilly owners of the Majestic Grille.

Patrick Reilly is originally from Ireland and went to culinary school in Dublin. Throughout his career he worked at a Michelin star restaurant in London, worked in restaurants in several major U.S. cities but landed in Memphis when he was originally set to work on a restaurant in Nashville.

Deni is originally from New Jersey. She worked in the hospitality and event planning industry. After her employer merged with a Memphis company in the late 90s, Deni decided to follow them to the city.

The two connected through music and the rest was history.

“I just came here, and I just fell in love with the city and fell in love with her,” said Patrick.

How Majestic Got Its Start

The Majestic Grille’s restaurant concept pays tribute to its namesake, Majestic Theatre No. 1, and is housed in the very same building. When the downtown landscape began to evolve, many of the theater buildings were torn down and rebuilt.

However, due to its size, Majestic No. 1 Theater was prime real estate and could easily be converted into other businesses. The 145 South Main Street building was everything from a theater to a retail store, and now a restaurant.

When creating the restaurant, the couple wanted to, as Deni put it, “honor the building.”

Patrick added, “You want to have a story to tell, and there was a great story here.”

The front of the building was restored to the original façade and much of the interior is the same as the theater. Upon entering the building, the walls are lined with stills from some of the original pictures played in the theater and pictures from Majestic No. 1 back in the 1910s. A screen playing silent films and classic movies hangs high above the ground.

Something for Everyone

A meal at the Majestic Grille is met with good food and good people.

“We have the pillars upon which our business is built and they’re of equal importance,” Patrick explained, “They’re our customers, our employees, our vendors and our investors.”

And the driving force behind these pillars is integrity. They understand that they interact with people from all walks of life on a day-to-day basis. For the Reillys it is important for the Majestic to be seen as a cornerstone of Memphis, but they can’t represent Memphis without integrity.

Deni recalled a review someone once gave that has always stuck with her, “It said, ‘Majestic might be the one place that has something for everyone.’”

She continued to describe what that meant to her and said,  “What I love about that is it means that somebody can come in a Grizzlies’ jersey and a baseball cap, sit at the bar, and have a burger and a beer before they go to a game and be just as comfortable as the mayor having a meeting, two tables over.”

Patrick explained that even at the restaurant’s conception, this was the idea.

“I’ve always wanted to have a culture that was very supportive and inclusive.”

And the couple has done just that.

“What we have really tried to do is really try to set an example of, the hospitality industry, restaurants in particular, being a noble place to work. And being a place that you can have a career in and support your family and be proud of what you do and be part of something greater,” said Deni.

Throughout the pandemic they continued to offer healthcare and other resources for employees. When the pandemic was winding down and people were returning to work, the Majestic Grille had 100% of their employees return to the restaurant.

They have employees who have been with them from the start. They’ve seen people come and go, but they have many employees who have stayed with them for most of the restaurant’s life.

 The Reillys pride themselves on the culture they’ve built around the restaurant, but they know it’s not solely dependent on them.

“Together, we all work to create this thing that is the Majestic,” explained Deni.

Consistency and Comfort

brunch plates on a table
The Majestic Grille serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.

“To me, there’s nothing worse than going to a restaurant where I got something before, and it was awesome…Then you get it [again] and you’re like, ‘Oh, this is not what I want,’” said Patrick.

As a chef, Patrick wants to produce work that is good and consistent. Throughout the restaurant’s history, he has workshopped dishes, let guests try them, and ultimately created a menu that customers can count on.

“Consistency is a big part of what we hang our hat on,” said Deni.

The food at the Majestic Grille takes an elevated interpretation of classic dishes. For instance, the grilled cheese is not like your regular grilled cheese but is a hit among customers. Deni even recalled a frequent customer who moved away, and after six years returned to the Majestic Grille saying, “I’ve been thinking about that grilled cheese for six years.”

The delectable grilled cheese consists of aged white cheddar, bacon, tomato, house made creole mustard, and sourdough bread. It satisfies your hunger, yet somehow has you wishing you had a few more bites left to enjoy.

“I wanted to have a really good grilled cheese,” Patrick said. “I wanted to have an entry level, entrée that’s not expensive but really good.”

The Majestic Grille serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their menu caters to all different tastebuds. Handmade beignets, classic dishes like oysters, French toast and mimosas populate their brunch menu. For dinner their filet mignons, flatbreads and seared tuna are sure to bring down the house.

Their shareable salmon appetizer comes with homemade focaccia bread crisps creole mustard and house smoked salmon. Patrick made this dish for years, but when he opened the restaurant and “Memphis-ed it up” by adding barbecue spices.

Speaking of spice, the Majestic Grille has a harissa grilled chicken served on rice with toasted chickpeas, spinach, roasted red peppers and harissa butter.

plate of harissa chicken from the Majestic Grille
Harissa Grilled Chicken served on a bed of rice with toasted chickpeas, spinach, roasted red peppers and harissa butter.

Harissa is a chili pepper paste native to Africa. It is jam packed with spices and herbs. For the dish at the Majestic Grille, Patrick perfected his own harissa recipe and used it in the dish creating a flavorful meal with a spicy kick to it.

There are so many meals at the restaurant like the perfectly cooked and seasoned steak that melts in your mouth. Or the variety of their signature flatbreads with ingredients suitable for sharing.

Suffice to say, you can’t go wrong with anything at the Majestic Grille.

Final Thoughts

The Majestic Grille is vital to the Memphis community. You can go into the restaurant knowing what you’ll get—good food, good service and a good time. Whether it’s a night downtown, a quick bite before a game or a business dinner with a client, the Majestic Grille will take good care of you. They are a one-stop shop for holiday dining, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, catering, take out and more!

You can reach the Majestic Grille by phone at 901.522.8555 or visit them at their location downtown, 145 S Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103. For more information about their menu, private dining, or to order online visit their website www.majesticgrille.com

 

The Majestic Grille gets five forks up for having something for everyone.