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.

Don’t let their hard work go unnoticed!

🏆 Nominate Today

• Restaurateur of the Year: Celebrating the creative and inspiring individuals who define excellence in the restaurant industry.

• Associate Member of the Year: Honoring partners and supporters who elevate our community behind the scenes.

Nominations take just a few minutes—submit yours now before it’s too late!

Click here to nominate!

Let’s celebrate the best in the business together! 🎉

2025 MRA Food Festival

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!

👉 [CLICK HERE]

Mark your calendars and get ready to step back in time for an evening of food, fun, and festivities!

🎉 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.

Learn more and apply today: Click here to visit the website.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your business and the environment!

Catch these recent Facebook Live recordings:

Important Update on Health Department Inspections

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

Time: 8a-9a

Bring your business cards and your elevator pitch! Tell us you’re coming here.