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The Restaurant Grind

The Restaurant Grind

Hosted by Matt Patrick

Episodes

15

Latest episode

Mar 2024

Language

EN

About the show

It’s no secret that running a restaurant is a tough gig. But the success stories seem to all have one thing in common – an owner that’s willing to pour everything they have into business. The Restaurant Grind is a podcast that features these grit 'n grind restauranteurs. Join JD & Matt each week to be inspired by these awesome industry stories, from humble beginnings to a bustling back-of-house.

Listen to episodes

15 recent
March 13, 202416 min

Tray Gamble and Jim Hicks of Mugshots Grill & Bar

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!

January 30, 202416 min

Max Lawhon of Max's Sport Bar in Memphis

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.

December 12, 202323 min

Mason Jambon of Railgarten, Loflin Yard, and Bounty on Broad

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!

December 5, 202322 min

Ernie Mellor of Hog Wild BBQ

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!

November 28, 202326 min

Shawn Danko of Kooky Canuck

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!

November 21, 20233 min

Favorite Memphis Restaurants for this Holiday Season

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!

November 14, 202323 min

Sally Fienup of the Memphis Restaurant Association

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!

November 7, 202322 min

Jason Heckendorf of Eggs Up Grill Germantown

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!

October 31, 202322 min

Jesse Gonzalez of Frida's and Guac Fresh Mex

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

October 24, 202318 min

Arturo Azcarate of Curry n Jerk

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!

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