The clock is ticking! ⏳ Nominations for Restaurateur of the Year and Associate Member of the Year are only open until Thursday, December 19.
This is your chance to recognize the leaders who’ve gone above and beyond in our industry. Whether it’s outstanding culinary innovation, exceptional service, or unwavering support of the restaurant community, these awards honor those who truly make a difference.
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for our Annual Food Festival, happening on Sunday, February 2, 2025!
This year, we’re taking it back to the Roaring Twenties with a dazzling flapper-themed celebration. 🥂✨
Get Involved:
MORE Sponsorship Opportunities!
Food & Drink Vendor Registration
Tickets Now Available
More exciting details will be shared soon, and we’ll keep updating the station list as vendors join in on the fun. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience!
🎉 Announcing the 2025 Memphis Restaurant Association Board of Directors!
We are excited to introduce the passionate individuals who will lead the Memphis Restaurant Association into 2025. Their dedication to our industry ensures a bright future for Memphis restaurants, associates, and the broader hospitality community.
Executive Officers
President: Jeff Zepatos, The Arcade Restaurant
Vice President: Alex Boggs, Huey’s
Treasurer: Terry Trim, Corky’s
Communications: Arturo Azcarate, Curry N Jerk
Restaurateurs
Maegan Smartt, Peabody
Marco Puerto, Cocina Mexicana
Matt McCrory, Gus’s Fried Chicken
Brad Allbritten, Bog & Barley
Joe Clarke, Villa Castrioti
Larry O’Connor, B.B. King’s Blues Club
Immediate Past President
Mike Miller
Associates
Jimmy Kiser, US Foods
Jim Walker, Sysco
Chris Green, Athens Distributing
Shawn Massey, TSCG
John Seay, State Systems
Melody Thomas, Moxey
Daniel Weber, Cleaner Solutions
AJ Jones, Old Dominick
Tourism Representative
Marcus Cox, Welcome to Memphis
Hotelier Representative
Wayne Tabor, MMHLA
Thank you to our board members for their commitment to serving our vibrant restaurant community. Here’s to an incredible year ahead! 🎉
Brighten Your Business and Save!
Looking to upgrade your business lighting? Check out this MLGW program offering incentives that cover up to 70% of the cost for qualifying lighting upgrades!
Improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and create a brighter workspace for your team and customers.
We wanted to inform you of an important update shared by one of our MRA Board members following a recent meeting with the Health Department. Effective immediately, the Health Department will be conducting restaurant inspections during evening hours and on Saturdays.
To help answer any questions you may have, a Health Department representative will be available at our upcoming MRA Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 23.
Additionally, we are planning a webinar before the end of the year featuring Kasia Smith-Alexander, R.S., Bureau Director of Environmental Health Services and Sustainability for the Shelby County Health Department.
We look forward to bringing you more information and support on this important update!
Associate and Vendor Members,
This event is for you! Network with others in the restaurant industry. We buy your cup of coffee.
Details:
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Location: Another Broken Egg, Highland, Memphis, 38111
