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Owners:
Angie Ware & Sean Blankenship
Laura Clark (901) 483-2117
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Jeanne
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22 A Friendship Forged in Stone and Steel
Jim Buchman’s sculptures are studies in contrasts — as is my 60-year friendship with him. ~ by jack richbourg
27 Top Doctors
Our annual look at the very best in Mid-South healthcare. 80 Grieving and Grateful
As Memphis Theological Seminary prepares to close its doors, a meditation on the school that celebrated unity in diversity. ~ by david waters
86 ROAD TRIP: All Roads Lead to Greenville
The Mississippi port town, a wellspring of musical talent, gave the Magnolia State its song. ~ by alex greene
94 LOCAL TREASURES
Sally Jones Heinz: Feeding the Need MIFA’s outgoing leader looks to years of community involvement, past and future. ~ by jon w. sparks
102 SIPS
From Blue to Brew
Meet the woman pulling the taps at Lucchesi’s Beer Garden. ~ by bruce vanwyngarden 104 CITY DINING
The city’s most extensive dining listings.
112 LAST STAND Disappearing Past
My parents were devoted to Memphis Theological Seminary. Now, that legacy is being lost. ~ by jon w. sparks
CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse
EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger
MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh
SENIOR EDITORS jon w. sparks, bruce vanwyngarden
STAFF WRITERS michael donahue, alex greene, chris mccoy
CONTRIBUTORS tom jones, vance lauderdale, jack richbourg
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june 2026
Health/Wealth
BY ANNA TRAVERSE
My mind meanders habitually into little linguistic puzzles that I invent for myself. (We all have our quirks.) One recent example: Does anything rhyme with health other than wealth ? e two concepts — health and wealth — are so strongly correlated, and for reasons far beyond the words’ matching phonemes. Virgil supposedly wrote that “the greatest wealth is health,” though I can’t find any evidence that the poet actually coined such a phrase. (If he had, the Latin words wouldn’t have rhymed.)
Regardless of historical provenance, it’s hard not to see that health bestows a sort of long-term capital — and that wealth makes possible physical and mental maintenance. is month, we present Memphis Magazine ’s annual list of the area’s top physicians, according to peer-reviewed data. Whether you are looking for a specialist or a general practitioner, our list is a good place to start.
Memphis is home to some of the country’s best doctors, and many of the world’s most cutting-edge medical innovations. We are fortunate to have these experts in our community.
Simultaneously, Memphis is home to several of the nation’s most grievous public-health challenges. Yes, residents here experience higher than average rates of all the prevalent American conditions: cancer, diabetes, heart disease. Alongside those conditions, Memphis residents also face a sharply higher incidence of syphilis and HIV than the national average.
Over a four-year period from 2018 to 2022, syphilis cases jumped 158 percent here; HIV cases also rose over the same period.
of health. It didn’t have to be this way It doesn’t have to be this way.
I don’t imagine a column in Memphis Magazine is going to change the way we approach healthcare in this country. So, what am I hoping to accomplish? I hope we can all be just a little more intentional about finding common ground. Here’s a simple prescription: First, take the best care of yourself you can, and empower others in your life to do the same for themselves. It’s the old oxygen-mask logic. We can’t be useful members of community if we are depleted ourselves; we can’t breathe life into others when we’re suffocating.
Meanwhile, our air quality has worsened, particularly in poorer areas, with the worst air quality concentrated in South Memphis’ industrial-adjacent neighborhoods. You’re more likely to develop asthma in Memphis than in other places, and the pollen counts aren’t the culprit (though spring’s yellow shellacking surely does not help matters).
People who lack wealth are, too often, deprived
Just as importantly, look for the helpers — and then join them. Whether that’s supporting a friend or family member through a difficult diagnosis or fi nding a local organization whose work you admire and can support, helping others will recharge your soul.
One last part of the prescription: Try to stay open, stay curious, keep asking questions. I’m convinced we stay youthful of spirit as long as we keep wondering and seeking. Keep asking for input, keep going for checkups, keep soliciting second and third opinions — about medical questions and about life questions, too. Not one of us knows all the answers (how boring would that be?).
I mean, if I had all the answers, I would have realized sooner that “wealth” and “health” have a third rhyming sibling: “stealth.” at one snuck up on me.
WILL
MELANIE BLAKENEY
ASHLEY BONDS
MELODY BOURELL PARTNER
CATHLEEN
LEIGH ANN CARKEET
KATIE
ANDREA LOPEZ HAYES
MICHELE JOHNSTON
CINDY LEAVELL
JORDAN NICHOLS
SHELDON ROSENGARTEN
JIMMY
ANGIE STREET
JENNY VERGOS
DAVID TESTER PARTNER MINDY
THE WALLFLOWERS
LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL Bright and bold law student Elle Woods fights to prove herself at Harvard Law School despite the dubious expectations of her peers. THEATRE MEMPHIS, JUNE 5–28.
EDWIN MCCAIN & FIVE FOR FIGHTING Edwin McCain joins forces with fellow singer-songwriter and pianist Five for Fighting to bring audiences a blend of modern pop and alternative music. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JUNE 5, 8 P.M.
JUNE 2026
COMPILED BY SEY NEURINGER
ORION FINANCIAL FREE CONCERT SERIES Bring your picnic blankets, folding chairs, and friends, and enjoy a lineup of free concerts each weekend in Overton. OVERTON PARK SHELL, MAY 9–JUNE 27, 7:30 P.M.
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST In this Disney classic brought to life on stage, Belle slowly falls in love with the mysterious Beast and his enchanted household as she seeks a way to break the Beast’s terrible curse. THE ORPHEUM THEATRE, JUNE 2–7.
MEMPHIS REDBIRDS BASEBALL June 2–7 vs. Louisville Bats, June 16–21 vs. Nashville Sounds, June 30–July 5 vs. Charlotte Knights. AUTOZONE PARK.
MEMPHIS PRIDE FEST Don your brightest colors and rainbow flags and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with three days of festivities, including the annual Memphis Pride Parade! VARIOUS LOCATIONS, JUNE 4–7.
SIP AND STROLL Sip on themed cocktails, explore the gardens, and learn how to grow produce in your own backyard. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, JUNE 4, 6 P.M. TINA TURNER TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE Tribute band Elevation Memphis brings the powerful sound of Tina Turner back to life. THE GROVE, JUNE 4, 6:30 P.M.
THE WALLFLOWERS Described as a “roots rock” band, the Wallflowers is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Bringing Down the Horse with a full album playthrough. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JUNE 4, 7:30 P.M.
FALSETTOS Marvin struggles to navigate the relationship between his family, homosexuality, and Jewish identity amid the early years of the AIDS crisis. GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE, JUNE 5–21.
SWEENEY TODD Barber-turned-murderer Sweeney Todd is inspired to bloody vengeance after his unjust exile. PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE, JUNE 5–JULY 12.
MEMPHIS JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL Come together with your community to celebrate Juneteenth early! Eat, shop local business, watch talented performers, and stop by the Juneteenth Car Show Exhibition. MEDICAL DISTRICT PARK, JUNE 5–6.
CHELCIE LYNN Known for her “Trailer Trash Tammy” persona, YouTuber and comedian Chelcie Lynn brings the same spirit and wit to the stage on her Loose Lips Tour. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JUNE 6, 8 P.M.
901 STORIES: DOWN ON BEALE The Tennessee Ballet Theater celebrates the legacies of Memphians Alex Chilton, Al Green, and Carla and Vaneese Thomas through dance. NEW DAISY THEATRE, JUNE 6-7.
MEMPHIS ICE CREAM FESTIVAL To all the ice cream lovers out there, join the Overton Park Conservancy in celebrating their 125th anniversary with ice cream from Sugar Ghost and Kaye’s Pints. OVERTON PARK, JUNE 7, 2 P.M.
BLACK ART COLLECTIVE: FIRST EDITION Celebrate the opening of David Uzochukwu’s exhibition, “Bodies of Water,” with an exhibition viewing and dinner. BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, JUNE 10, 7 P.M.
FOOD TRUCK GARDEN PARTY Sample from a selection of food trucks, including Flipside Asia, Cookies & Cream, Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls, 901 Nacho Lemonade, and Delos Chicken and Waffle. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, JUNE 10, 5 P.M.
GERMANTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POPS
CONCERT The Germantown Symphony Orchestra performs pieces to the theme of “Music of Our Nation from Sea to Shining Sea.” THE GROVE, JUNE 11, 6:30 P.M.
MUSIC BY THE LAKE Enjoy dinner and a lakeside view as you tune into live music by tribute bands Almost Elton John and the Rocketmen and Almost Famous. BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, JUNE 12 & 26. THE BIG SQUEEZE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Try out food trucks Tacotitlan, Smoke & Toast, BBQ X, Bay’s Wings and Things, Radiant Lemonade, and Marble Slab Creamery, featuring music by Fleetwood Mac tribute band Landslide. THE GROVE, JUNE 13, 6 PM.
LIVE AT THE GARDEN: ALABAMA Bring a picnic and your lawn chairs as you enjoy live music from poprock and country band Alabama at the outdoor Radians Amphitheater. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, JUNE 13, 8 P.M.
JOHN VIOLINIST Acclaimed musician John Violinist blends contemporary, hip hop, R&B, and soul in his passionate violin performances. THE ORPHEUM THEATRE, JUNE 14, 6 P.M.
MEMPHIS REDBIRDS BASEBALL MERLIN
ART OF PRIDE Celebrate Pride Month at the Brooks with a live DJ, interactive activities, and a photobooth. BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, JUNE 18, 6 P.M.
THE MD’S Passionate about all things Booker T. & the MG’s, this tribute band spotlights both classic and deep cuts from the original band. The Grove, June 18, 6:30 p.m.
MARISA ANDERSON Guitarist Marisa Anderson extends her musical influences into the past, drawing on influences of twentiethcentury Islamic, Southeast Asian, and Soviet music. CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JUNE 18, 7:30 P.M.
ALI SIDDIQ Known for his narrative comedy and skillful storytelling, Ali Siddiq opens a new chapter of stories on his Custom Fit tour. THE ORPHEUM THEATRE, JUNE 18-19.
GLADYS KNIGHT “Empress of Soul” and seven-time Grammy award-winner Gladys Knight shares her highly celebrated discography of soul, pop, R&B, contemporary, and gospel. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, JUNE 19, 7:30 PM.
MISSISSIPPI BLUES NIGHT: WILLIE FARMER AND RYAN LEE CROSBY Willie Farmer and Ryan Lee Crosby unite over their love of Mississippi blues and perform a diverse mixture of Delta, Memphis, North Mississippi, and Bentonia blues. CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JUNE 20, 7:30 P.M.
SIXTH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FREEDOM
RIDE Celebrate Juneteenth with a 27-, 45-, or 75mile bike ride through Memphis. STARTS AT WISEACRE BREWING, JUNE 20, 7 A.M.
SUNSET SKATE Strap on your rollerblades and glide along Tom Lee Park’s trails while admiring a picturesque sunset over the Mississippi River. TOM LEE PARK, JUNE 25, 6 P.M.
ALEXIS JADE AND THE GEMSTONES Inspired by the sound of Jade’s hometown, Alexis Jade and her band weave together the spirit, storytelling, and integrity of country, rock-and-roll, and folk music. THE GROVE, JUNE 26, 6:30 P.M.
ROMAIN COLLIN + AARON JAMES Aaron James adds an indie/folk accompaniment to pianist Romain Collins’ original compositions and pop covers. CROSSTOWN ARTS GREEN ROOM, JUNE 26, 7:30 P.M.
JOHN VIOLINIST AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
The Hollywood Café
Made famous by a song, it’s still “a nice place in the middle of nowhere.”
BY MICHAEL DONAHUE
Iremember pulling into the parking lot of e Hollywood Café in Tunica Resorts (formerly Robinsonville), Mississippi, on a moonlit night. A woman, later to be immortalized in a hit song, was playing a piano in the window and singing, “When it’s darkness on the Delta, that’s the time my heart is light. When it’s darkness on the Delta, let me linger in the shelter of the night.”
at’s one of the most beautifully haunting memories I have about the South.
I recount my memory to Bard Selden, who founded e Hollywood. “It’s a bright spot in the middle of a very, very big sky,” he says. is is the place immortalized in Mark Cohn’s 1991 song, “Walking in Memphis.” He talks about Muriel playing the piano at e Hollywood. at was the late Muriel Wilkins, the pianist in the window. She played on weekends, Selden tells me.
I begin my dinner with the restaurant’s iconic quarter-sized fried dill pickles. And later that night, on that same old piano, I play “Roll Mississippi” from the 1935 Bing Crosby movie, Mississippi. e original restaurant was in Hollywood, Mississippi, Selden says, housed in an old commissary built in the 1870s. “ at was the Tate Commissary. ose are relatives of mine. My
grandmother was Connie Tate.”
Selden and his wife, Wendlandt Hasselle, still live in the house where he was born, which is across the street from where the commissary stood. “It was a nice building,” he says. “It was my great-grandfather’s commissary, my mother’s antique shop, and then it sat vacant for a couple of years.”
He opened e Hollywood (“Café” was added later) in 1969 when he was 19. “My father had gotten sick,” he says. “I had to drop out of college and assist in running the farm.”
As for the name, Selden says, “I just called it ‘ e Hollywood’ ’cause I didn’t have any money for a sign.” A highway marker directing people to Hollywood, Mississippi, doubled as the restaurant’s sign. “It said, ‘Hollywood.’ And it had an arrow. at’s how it got the name.”
At first, e Hollywood “was just me running this place. I didn’t have a cooking staff or anything like that.”
Even so, it was popular. “I guess within six months I had the top Anheuser-Busch account in the district, and there wasn’t any draft beer in Tunica. I put Michelob on draft.”
People could drink beer in Mississippi when they were 18. “So, I got a lot of service people from Millington.”
e only food Selden sold back then were Stewart’s sandwiches out of a machine and the famous fried dill pickles, which were created by his brother, Tate Selden. “I had hair down to my waist and a beard down to the second button of my shirt,” he says. “If I was going to have a kitchen, I would have had to wear a hair net on my beard. at’s why I didn’t have it.”
Selden ran e Hollywood for a number of years before renting it to a man named Bob Hall, who added a full kitchen and turned it into a steakhouse.
He finally sold the property to Hall in the early ’70s. “I didn’t want to be running a beer joint for the rest of my life,” he says. “And I went back and graduated from college and went to law school. In fact, that’s how I got the money to go to law school.”
e Hollywood “became something of a fixture” but the building was destroyed by fire
in 1985. Someone didn’t turn off the deep fat fryer when they closed for the evening, Selden says. “ at’s what caused the place to burn down.”
He remembers a friend saying to him, “Hey, it’s daylight outside.”
“And that was at night,” Selden says. “I looked out and it was e Hollywood on fire.”
Today, the rebuilt Hollywood Cafe, now owned by Bill and Angel Lee, features a range of items including catfish, barbecue, and hamburgers. Perhaps the most famous item on the menu is “ e Hollywood Belly Buster” — two half-pound beef patties, fried dill pickles, fried green tomatoes, lettuce, and six slices of cheese (two American, two Pepper jack, and two Swiss). It’s topped with a fried onion ring.
A framed photo of Selden hangs on one wall, and a large photo of Cohn hangs over the piano. When Selden owned it, e Hollywood had a couple of pinball machines, a shuffleboard table, and coin-operated pool table. “I also had a big beer can collection,” he says. “It lined a wall for about 30 feet.”
Selden obviously has fond memories of e Hollywood, “which he calls a nice place in the middle of nowhere.”
The Hollywood Café, 1585 Old Commerce Road, Tunica Resorts, Mississippi
above: The author enjoys the fried dill pickles, served by longtime employee Karen Mitchell.
above: The Hollywood first opened in 1969. It’s become a local institution.
The Hot Tamale Capital of the World invites you to enjoy an eclectic collection of events and entertaining stops.
» MAY « Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Festival, including Frog Fest and Leland Craw sh Festival LelandChamber.com
Future Tour Golf Championship
» JUNE « Delta Soul & Celebrity Golf Event facebook.com/DeltaSoulGolf
Lake Washington’s “Straight O The Lake” Music Festival
» AUGUST « MS Delta Duck Boat Races at Lake Washington
» SEPTEMBER « Delta Blues & Heritage Festival deltabluesms.org Gumbo Nationals greenvillespeedway.net
Sam Chatmon Blues Fest facebook.com/SamChatmonBlues
Stephone Hughes Old Time Gospel Fest
» OCTOBER «
Delta Hot Tamale Fest mainstreetgreenville.com/ delta-hot-tamale-festival
Highway 61 Blues Festival highway61blues.com
Monuments on Main Street Historic Greenville Cemetery Tour deltacenterstage.org/events
YMCA Cotton Classic 10K/5K Run racesonline.com/ymca-cotton-classic
» NOVEMBER « Roll’n on the River Car Show facebook.com/redwinecarshow
» DECEMBER « Christmas on Deer Creek LelandChamber.com
The E.H. Crump Memorial
Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.
BY VANCE LAUDERDALE
DEAR M.A.: It’s impossible to overstate the legacy of Edward Hull Crump. In fact, when we published the first issue of this magazine, in 1976, we decided to entice subscribers with a picture of Crump on the cover and a so-called “Conversation with Boss Crump,” even though he had died in 1954. His name and likeness, we thought, still resonated with readers.
Born in 1874 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, the “Red Snapper” (so named because of his red
hair) was 19 when he came to Memphis, where he found employment as a bookkeeper for a buggy company. Despite these humble beginnings, he quickly became a member of high society in 1902, when he married Bessie McLean, daughter of the vice president of the Wm. R. Moore Dry Goods Company, one of this city’s largest merchants.
In 1905, Crump entered politics, starting with a low-profile position on the Board of Public Works, and quickly made a name for himself when he was appointed commissioner of the fire and police departments. Elected mayor in 1910, he served until 1915, when he became involved in state and national politics,
serving in the U.S. Congress representing Tennessee’s 10th District (later changed to the 9th).
In 1940, voters elected him mayor of Memphis again, but he resigned minutes after being sworn in — so he could catch the train for the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. e vice mayor took over, until the city commission selected another mayor entirely.
In and out of office, Crump held sway over a well-oiled and powerful political machine. Reporters knew he was always good for a memorable quote, claiming (for example) that a political rival “would milk his neighbor’s cow through a crack in the fence.” His endorsement usually ensured victory for
his hand-picked candidates. W.C. Handy saluted his crime-busting efforts in “ e Memphis Blues,” with the famous lyric, “Mr. Crump don’t ’low no easy-riders here.” He even made the May 27, 1946, cover of Time magazine, with the writer calling him “the most absolute political boss in the U.S.” at wasn’t meant as a compliment, though, and some of his judgments were questionable. He was personal friends with Georgia Tann, the woman behind the Tennessee Children’s Home “adoption for profit” scandal, and hand-picked Lloyd Binford to be the city’s censor, who made this city a laughingstock for banning movies that he disliked
DEAR VANCE: Did a local sculptor craft the impressive bronze monument to E.H. Crump that stands at the entrance to Overton Park? — M.A., Memphis.
From his granite perch, E.H. Crump gazes across Overton Park.
for entirely personal reasons. Look, if anyone wants to know more, I recommend Mayor Crump Don’t Like It, by Wayne Dowdy, manager of the Memphis and Shelby County Room at the main library. Involved with every aspect of the city for half a century, it seemed Crump would be around forever. In fact, he once predicted he would live to be 97. So Memphians were probably stunned by the banner Commercial Appeal headline on October 16, 1954: “E.H. Crump Dies At His Home At Age 80.” Perhaps nothing sums up his accomplishments better than the subhead: “Dominant Figure in Tennessee Politics Was Elected to Office 25 Times.” And that was in addition to his successful insurance and real estate ventures.
On October 18th, Crump lay in state in the dining room of his home at 1962 Peabody, with a line of mourners stretching down the sidewalk. After a brief service the following morning, conducted by Dr. Donald Henning, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church, a hearse carried Crump’s bronze casket to Elmwood Cemetery, followed by a miles-long funeral procession. Memphians young and old stood outside to watch the long line, and more than 1,500 crowded around his gravesite, with hundreds more held back at the cemetery gates. He was laid to rest in the Crump family plot, marked with a soaring granite obelisk. The Commercial Appeal observed, “ e political leader of Memphis for half a century became a mortal memory.”
By the next day, the mountain of flowers that covered his grave was completely gone, taken away as souvenirs. “ ey will press them into their Bibles,” a policemen directing traffic told a reporter.
It would be the largest funeral in Memphis’ history, until the death of Elvis Presley in 1977.
Okay, you asked about the statue? Within two days of his burial, the Memphis and Shelby County Council of Civic Clubs
decided Crump deserved a more impressive — and more public — monument. ese discussions took months, with the first order of business establishing the E.H. Crump Memorial Statue Fund. One member said, “ e hope is at least for a life-sized statue.”
ey considered various designs and locations, from Court Square to the riverfront, before settling on the Poplar Avenue entrance to Overton Park, across from the Parkview Hotel.
An anonymous donor kickstarted the campaign with a gift of $5,000, accompanied by a note reading, “No man better deserves this honor,” noting “Mr. Crump’s brilliant record as a man, as a citizen, and as a great civic patriot.” Donations began to pour in; within a year, the statue fund topped $100,000 — the equivalent of $1.2 million today.
After reviewing works from various artists, in July 1955 the committee — now called the E.H. Crump Memorial Association — selected New York sculptor Donald DeLue (1897-1988) to create the commemorative statue, to be unveiled on Victory Day, November 11, 1956.
memorials, many still standing today. Among them: sculptures for the Philadelphia courthouse, Gettysburg battlefield, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Tech, the Smithsonian, the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and the Normandy American Cemetery in France.
provided the color guard for the dramatic moment: Pallie Pidgeon, Crump’s 8-year-old great-granddaughter, tugged a rope to pull off the tarpaulin — revealing a standing figure of Boss Crump, wearing a suit and overcoat, holding a cane in one hand and his familiar floppy hat in the other.
For Crump, DeLue told reporters that “he aims to create as striking a likeness as possible. Not even his glasses will be omitted. Without the glasses, it would not look like Crump.” (Maybe so, but he must have changed his mind about that detail; the finished statue has no eyeglasses.) He worked from photos and home movies provided by the Crump family, who frequently visited his studio on the New Jersey shore to review the progress. DeLue began with a preliminary clay model 18 inches high, progressed to larger versions, and once those were final, made the full-size plaster version, which was cast in bronze.
The Commercial Appeal reported, “Comments like ‘It’s just like him!’ and ‘Isn’t it lovely?’ came from the crowd.” e newspaper said the statue was “a bronze thing of beauty, made possible by the donations of 1,496 citizens.” e names of those contributors “would be forever sealed beneath the granite base.”
One person, at least, wasn’t pleased. at was the art critic for The Commercial Appeal. In his “Adventures in Art” column, Guy Northrop Jr. acknowledged that the size was “rightly large and stands in a heroic manner.” e problem, he complained, was with the face: “ e sculptor failed to capture Crump’s dynamic personality. It is a benign face, lacking the crackling good humor and the red snapper character one usually found in it. e eyes and mouth are those of a dreamer, rather than a doer.”
As the donations increased, however, the association’s plans became more complex.
e Crump statue would not stand alone, but would now serve as the centerpiece for a memorial plaza with a sweeping granite wall holding two bas-relief figures representing Inspiration and Achievement.
It was quite an achievement to obtain the services of DeLue, a nationally recognized artist. After graduating from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and five years working with sculptors in Paris, he returned to the U.S. and began specializing in monuments and
Remember the original committee’s hope that they would at least end up with something lifesize? e finished bronze statue, shipped to Memphis in March 1957, stood nine feet, six inches tall. It was placed in storage, hidden away until the unveiling on Easter Sunday, April 21st. at afternoon, at precisely 1:30 p.m., the ceremony began with an invocation by Dr. Donald Henning, who had performed the funeral rites at Crump’s home more than two years earlier, and a benediction by Baptist minister D.A. Ellis. Tennessee state representative Clifford Davis and former mayor Walter Malone delivered short addresses. en, the Memphis Federation of Musicians Band performed, the Al Chymia Temple Chanters sang, and the American Legion
Northrup also disliked that bulky overcoat, “which is entirely uncalled for. To our knowledge, this is the only such statue clothed in such unheroic and unnecessary garb” and makes Crump look like “a Russian general.”
And finally, he expressed displeasure at the cost, “which ran to something like $100,000 and puts it in the class with an apartment building or a small Rembrandt painting.”
Well, I think it’s quite fine, coat and all. And I hope something similar marks my last resting place, but with one key addition: e Lauderdale name shall be spelled out in flashing neon.
Two lifelong Memphians reflect on faith, mentorship, and basketball in Color Blind.
BY JESSE DAVIS
Following the creation of the Federal Housing Administration in 1934, Memphis was the second city in the United States to establish a local housing authority, the Memphis Housing Authority in 1935. Built in 1938, the city’s first two public housing ventures were Dixie Homes, for Black Memphians, and Lauderdale Courts, the former home of a young Elvis Presley, for whites. With segregation still the law of the land at the time, the expectation was that the communities served by the two projects would not meet.
Decades later, in the early 1980s, one young resident of Dixie Homes, Cornelius Sanders, would begin a friendship with his white basketball coach that crossed that seemingly inviolable racial boundary line. Sanders and his one-time coach, Ramsay Clark, shared a friendship that began on the courts of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis and has, for more than 50 years, had far more impact off the court. e two Memphians tell their story — one of friendship, faith, mentorship, and basketball — in the newly released Color Blind (WestBow Press).
DIXIE DREAMS AND BOYS CLUB BASKETBALL
AThe book is a meditation on responsibility and community-building, co-authored by two men who met in their respective youth and young manhood, bonded over basketball, and con-
s a child, Sanders attended the Dixie Homes Club after school, as well as the Ira Samelson Jr. Club near Treadwell High School. at’s where he met Clark, who began coaching basketball as a way to give back to the community. Clark had no prior experience as a coach, but he had played basketball and hoped those skills would translate. “Your mom knew where you were, and she was okay with that,” Sanders remembers. ough Sanders would one day grow to be a mentor and a community leader, at the time he would not have admitted he was looking for a mentor for himself. “We started out just going there to have fun,” Sanders says. “I didn’t start out as
“ A ll we have to do is C are . ”
– PENNY
HARDAWAY
tinued to lead lives defined by service. Clark, 69, began working on Color Blind after retiring from a career in healthcare sales, with seven years spent as the director of development for the Memphis Leadership Foundation. Sanders, now 61, is president of the Promise Development Corporation, offering housing, economic development, and supportive services.
“I grew up in a housing project and I remember when my mom bought a duplex,” he says. “I was 12 years old and still remember the feelings I had when we unloaded the furniture and moved in. I want to replicate that many, many times. I think to myself how great it would be to do that for others — provide safe, decent, affordable housing for people to lay down in comfort and security. at keeps me going.”
a teenager saying I wanted to mentor folks. I needed it myself.”
Discipline and character-building were side effects of the program, not the stated goal, at least not for the boys on the team. “I had an interest in playing basketball,” Sanders says with a chuckle. Of such simple ingredients, a passing interest for basketball and a place his mother could find him, futures can be shaped.
“Cornelius did grow up without a father,” Clark remembers, though he never suspected then and still doesn’t believe that Sanders was intentionally looking for a father figure or mentor at all. “He was just looking to me to be a solid coach.”
Sanders and Clark agree that their friendship began as a simple coach-andplayer relationship, but it grew off the
courts as Sanders and several other boys looked to Clark for guidance in arenas of life not pertaining to basketball.
Kids, both Sanders and Clark agree, are relatively uncomplicated in their motives. The best way to cultivate values of the importance of diversity and community isn’t with lectures and lessons, but simply to have a comfortable place to play basketball — or music or chess or soccer — and throw the doors open wide, making sure that everyone is safe and welcome. The lessons will be learned through experience, by youth who may have no loftier goals than to entertain themselves for the afternoon.
IT STARTS AT HOME
Sanders and Clark are deeply invested in their city, and it shows. The lifelong Memphians believe that, with hard work and careful guidance, the people of Memphis can create a bright future. Clark continues to embody that ideal through his work with Leadership Memphis, as a coach, and with Economic Opportunities nonprofit, which pairs “justice-impacted, under-resourced” Memphians with mentors who coach their mentees in their journey toward financial stability and independence. Through his company Promise Development Corporation, Sanders works to help unhoused and low-income Memphians secure affordable housing. In short, when it comes to working to create a better Memphis, Sanders and Clark are more than just talk.
“If we’re looking for how to change not only our city but eventually our world, how do we do that?” Sanders muses. “Our story gives an example of just getting involved where you are, on a small scale, and who knows what will come out of that?”
Both in Color Blind and in conversation, the concept of starting small,
working locally, comes up repeatedly. Admittedly, there exists much to find fault with in the world, many problems in need of solutions. The key to becoming overwhelmed, as evidenced by the example of two humble Memphians, is to roll up your sleeves and start where you know you can help. Perhaps then, there is something to that old truism that charity starts at home. With luck and a little momentum, what starts at home can have a surprisingly long reach.
“We do things that are modeled in our homes,” Sanders says. “My mom was a girls softball coach, and she dragged my little happy self around with her. That was my first introduction to doing something in the community, serving in the community and not getting paid for it.” That idea, that our mindsets are modeled and copied first at home, is central to the work that Sanders and Clark do, and to their story as told in Color Blind. Clark’s example, as a basketball player turned volunteer basketball coach, sets the tone. Everyone has some skill, some knowledge, some capacity for care that could potentially benefit someone in need.
Of course, Sanders has taught Clark much as well over the course of their friendship. Sanders is an ordained minister, and Clark admits that his friend has become something of a faith mentor for him over the years, teaching by example as well as through conversations.
“He’s taught me that mentorship swings both ways,” Clark says.
While a common thread in the tapestry of Sanders’ and Clark’s friendship is undeniably that starting small can have tremendous results, it would be unfair to assume that the two men are afraid to dream big. Indeed, when asked what he hopes is in store for his city, Sanders does not mince words.
“What I would like to see for Memphis
is racial reconciliation and harmony,” Sanders says.
“Hey, it wouldn’t hurt our city!” Clark quips.
As young men, both Clark and Sanders heard their families make broad, sweeping generalizations about Memphians of different racial backgrounds, but they both knew people who didn’t fit the stereotypes they heard repeated during supper. That knowledge gave them a secure base from which to question other harmful stereotypes and assumptions they heard people make. It also gave them the faith in themselves necessary to show that what they knew to be true was right.
“Racism would have died off years ago if it wasn’t allowed to perpetuate at the dinner table,” Cornelius says, reaffirming that home is the best place to start making the world a better place.
That, too, explains why Clark and Sanders have both poured so much love and energy into mentoring their fellow Memphians.
“This is home,” Clark says.
CITY JOURNAL
Holy Ground
The National Civil Rights Museum stands as a reminder of how far we’ve come — and how far we still need to go.
BY TOM JONES
It was an improbable journey that took the run-down Lorraine Motel from an auction on the Courthouse steps to the National Civil Rights Museum, which next month celebrates 35 years as a Memphis landmark.
The odyssey from the motel sale on December 13, 1982, to the museum dedication on July 4, 1991, was anything but inevitable. Challenge after challenge — financial, political, and cultural — threatened the vision of transforming Memphis’ most tragic site, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, into a site of reflection and reconciliation.
As each threat emerged, A.W. Willis Jr., attorney and the first African American elected to the Tennessee Legislature after Reconstruction, would invariably say, nodding toward the sky: “Don’t worry. Someone bigger than us is in charge of this.”
Some solutions did defy any explanation except divine intervention, and maybe that factors into why the National Civil Rights Museum has become the revered Memphis institution it is today.
Fourteen years after King’s death, the motel was deteriorating in a neighborhood of ramshackle shotgun houses, an abandoned nightclub, and a lounge, with its rooms rented more often for sex work than for business travel. Ultimately, a determined coalition of Willis, attorney and activist D’Army Bailey, banker Jesse Turner Sr., and media personality Chuck Scruggs stepped forward to champion the idea of a museum. They locked arms and would not be deterred. If any one of them had not been involved, it is hard to imagine that the project would have succeeded.
Willis used his political credibility to win the support of Governor Ned Ray McWherter and to put the museum on the agendas of Memphis Mayor Dick Hackett and Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris. Bailey provided the rhetorical firepower, Turner the financial acumen, and Scruggs offered
vote in his race against Memphis dentist and former Republican governor Winfield Dunn.
Meanwhile, Hackett displayed political savvy of his own. The balance of $4.4 million was to be split between city and county governments. It was widely thought that county commissioners — majority white, Republican, and conservative — would never approve money for the project, so Hackett said he’d support the funding if county government approved it.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand, playing in the background, no other museum can approach the emotional impact that comes from viewing the room and remembering the tragedy that took place as he stepped out to its balcony.
experience from saving the historically Black Mississippi Delta town of Mound Bayou from bankruptcy.
And yet, the proposal for the museum was a political lightning rod that reflected the broader tensions reshaping Memphis at the time. During the 1980s, Memphis moved from majority white to majority Black, a demographic shift accompanied by white flight as tens of thousands of Memphians moved out of the city and as financing suburban sprawl pushed county government to the brink of insolvency.
“I can feel the presence of Dr. King. This is holy ground.”
— Nelson Mandela
Most people thought the project was dead; however, Morris displayed some clever political gamesmanship of his own. He announced solemnly that the county’s $2.2 million was contingent on the museum satisfying a list of rigorous conditions. The county commissioners, assuming the benchmarks were unattainable, approved his plan; however, Morris knew something they didn’t — all of the conditions had already been satisfied during the planning stage.
Rihanna said: “I can’t describe the feeling that came over me. You gotta go to experience it for yourself.” Nobel Prize laureate and former South African president Nelson Mandela said: “I can feel the presence of Dr. King. This is holy ground.”
Since the museum opened, the holy ground has more than doubled in size to 60,000 square feet, with renovations and expansions costing more than $72 million. Just last month, it launched a new chapter with its reimagined “Legacy Experience,” which explores the impact of the Civil Rights Movement post-1968. There are technology upgrades and immersive experiences to heighten visitor impact.
State, city, and county elected leaders were bombarded with thousands of political and personal threats if they backed the project and only through strategic political maneuvering did it go forward.
Ben Lawless, retired Smithsonian Institution director who had revolutionized museum displays by introducing theatricality and storytelling, estimated the museum’s cost at $8.8 million. Legislation to fund half of the amount was filed in the General Assembly, and when McWherter, powerful Speaker of the House, endorsed it, the state funding was set in stone.
It was smart politics for McWherter, son of a sharecropper, who, as Democratic candidate for governor, coveted Memphis’ Black
A political dead end became a breakthrough. Groundbreaking was held January 27, 1989, 10 days after McWherter was sworn in as governor. It was a turning point but also a moment of loss. Willis, so critical to the project, had died six months earlier at 63.
In the years since the groundbreaking, more than two dozen
A frican American and civil rights museums have opened, but the Memphis museum has one deniable advantage — history. It is not just a place where history is interpreted; it is a place for it to be experienced.
Lorraine Motel’s Room 306 where King stayed remains as it was on April 4, 1968. With a recording of Mahalia Jackson singing King’s favorite hymn,
Perhaps the most striking thing about the Lorraine Motel’s journey is how easily it could have gone differently. It is no longer just a building in Memphis. It is a reminder of where we’ve been, of what was sacrificed, and how much farther there is to go.
None of the founders are alive today. One thing is certain: in their wildest dreams, they could never have imagined what the National Civil Rights Museum has become on its 35th anniversary.
Although they can’t be there, there’s little question that if Willis were alive, he would be looking skyward once more.
Tom Jones is the principal of Smart City Consulting, which specializes in strategic communications, public policy development, and strategic planning. He tends the 20-year-old Smart City Memphis blog and is an author with experience in local government. He can be reached at tjones@ smartcityconsulting.com
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A FRIENDSHIP FORGED IN
STONE STEEL
Memphian Jim Buchman’s sculptures are studies in contrasts — as is my 60-year friendship with him.
BY JACK RICHBOURG
J im Buchman has never been on speaking terms with a comb in his life. If he ever owned one, it’s long since been welded into a granite monument to the evils of vanity. His hair, like his sculptures, resists order. Strands lifted by a quick rake of the fingers fall where they please. Einstein and he share unruly hair and a restless intellect. At a Lincolnesque 6-foot-3, he towers over me, and the dissimilarity doesn’t end there.
We met in the 10th grade at White Station High School. Our graduating class of 1966 included Kathy Bates, winner of the Oscar for Best Actress, and Alan Lightman, physicist and best-selling novelist, along with Jim — leaving me feeling like a pair of overalls in a closet full of tuxedos. From there the dissimilarities multiply. Jim went north to Dartmouth; I stayed south, at Tennessee. He became a sculptor; I, an attorney. Despite our differences we remained friends, visiting with each other on his trips to Memphis.
His love of shapes and forms may have come from his father, Leslie Buchman, a principal in a Memphis steel manufacturing firm, Southern Fabricators, who also dabbled in watercolors. His dad’s contacts landed Jim a summer job with S & W Construction Company pouring concrete for bridges across I-55 — an experience that would later serve him well.
His grandmother, Alice Wallace, lived in an old home at the corner of East Cherry Circle and Poplar, the property torn down to make way for the Christ Methodist Church soccer field. When his father and mother married, Jim’s grandmother gave her daughter, Annie Rose Wallace, and her new husband the sheep pasture adjoining her property. Jim grew up in the home they built there.
A seminal event in Jim’s youth was his trip to Europe with his mother and his younger sister, Dana (more about her later). They bought a car in Rotterdam, and 16-year-old Jim somehow managed to steer it to Paris. Annie Rose took him to the Musée Rodin which, at the time, was hosting an exhibit of twentieth-century American abstract sculptures. It featured leading modernists such as David Smith, Isamu Noguchi, and Mark Di Suvero, among others. In
Paris, ironically surrounded by American art, Jim decided to be a sculptor. His entire family was talented. His younger sister, Dana Buchman, stitched her way into the New York fashion world with an exclusive line of dresses, purses, and accessories. His older sister, Leslie Buchman, had a more secret profession, working for the CIA as a language expert. Their mother was so proud of Leslie that she bragged to friends that her daughter was in the CIA — until a stern man in a black suit appeared at her door with instructions to stop the loose talk. She complied.
Most parents might be skeptical of a young boy’s dream to join the ranks of American abstract sculptors, but Jim’s mother and father immediately enrolled him in a sculpting course at the Memphis College of Art. When other boys received baseball mitts, Jim’s parents gave him an acetylene torch for Christmas. He and his neighborhood friends made mobiles under Jim’s supervision. “I just liked making stuff,” Jim explained.
The summer between his sophomore and junior years in college, he attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. In 1970, armed with his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth, a major in English, and minor in art, Jim rented an abandoned sawmill in Bradford, New Hampshire, where he bent and shaped inner tubes over steel frames creating hanging, cruciform sculptures.
He took slides of his work to New York and began cold-calling art dealers. Some liked what they saw, some didn’t, but one asked if he could keep the slides for a while. When Jim came to retrieve them, the dealer’s secretary said, “I don’t have them. I gave them to Mr. Hutchinson.” Jim knew Max Hutchinson was an art dealer who had made his name selling a Jackson Pollock. He went to Hutchinson’s office where the receptionist asked, “Oh, are you the inner-tube guy?”
“Yeah,” Jim replied.
“Mr. Hutchinson wants to talk to you,” and she ushered Jim into Hutchinson’s office. He liked Jim’s art and included one of his sculptures in a group show with other artists in Hutchinson’s gallery in New York. He took Jim under his wing, encouraging him: “Keep in touch and let me know if you’ve got anything else you’d like me to see.” Now, Jim had a well-known New York gallery interested in his work.
Later, Jim moved his studio from New Hampshire to Burlington, Vermont. He noticed huge stone tailings littering
l–r: Lowes Grid (2011), Two Pitchers (2011), and Lateral Follower (2012), Memphis Botanic Garden
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE ROBERTS
the median of the newly built interstate on his way to Burlington. The jagged pieces of granite gave him the idea of working with granite and steel. He learned from a local quarry that he could get all the stone he wanted for $5 a ton.
Jim would climb hills and dislodge a slab of granite with crowbars, sending it crashing to the bottom. He loaded it onto a surplus army truck and hauled it to his studio where he banded it with steel.
His sculptures were studies in contrast. Steel was forced to yield to rough granite, while flexible rubber fleshed out the rigid steel — juxtapositions of opposites. Granite and rubber, blending into steel, created a symbiotic unity between dissimilar materials. In the mid-seventies, this could be a commentary on pluralism and diversity, a vision that speaks just as powerfully today.
Jim never had any detailed design for any of his pieces. He’d just start with a basic concept, and the sculptures would take on a life of their own, building themselves. “I just kept working with them, making changes that the sculptures demanded,” he said, “until I thought I had something that looked cool.”
He showed slides of his granite and steel works to Hutchinson in New York. The gallery owner looked up at him, smiled, and said, “Go across the street and see where you’re going to have your first solo show.”
In 1979, he was commissioned to produce a monumental granite and steel sculpture for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Other creations were displayed in Albany, Houston, Tulsa, New Orleans, Colorado, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and as far away as Korea. They’ve been featured in art magazines highlighting their massive scale and modernist sensibilities, aligning his work with those twentieth-century American abstract sculptors he admired so much in Paris at 16.
Not too shabby for a tall, skinny kid from Memphis who made mobiles in his garage on East Cherry Circle.
In 2000, Jim came home to Memphis and married Nancy Cheairs, a nationally celebrated artist known for her richly hued glazed paintings that straddle the line between abstraction and symbolism. They have since divorced.
In Memphis, he taught kids how “to make stuff” at Bridges and later at Memphis University School, and, of course, he kept sculpting, but this time there was no granite and steel. That had become a cliché he’d tired of. Plus, there wasn’t a large supply of granite around Memphis. He wanted to try something new and different, something creative that hadn’t ever been done before. So, he started fooling around with cement.
displayed all 13 of Jim’s columns in 2012. “It may be fair to say that Jim Buchman forges seeming opposites into reconciled wholes,” wrote Kevin Sharp, the gallery director, when the pieces were unveiled. “His large columnar structures seem austere and self-contained, but they also possess a raw power and an energetic surface quality that command attention.”
The Dixon bought one for permanent display. Across the street, Memphis Botanic Garden purchased three, where they stand like sentries over the gardens.
Jim gave the remaining nine to the Overton Park Shell in 2024. They were installed in 2025 on the west side of the Shell. They’ve called it The Jim Buchman Sculpture Walk. “God, I hate that name,” Jim told me. “It makes me feel like I’m dead!”
“Buchman’s large columnar structures seem austere and self-contained, but they also possess a raw power and an energetic surface quality that command attention.”
— KEVIN SHARP
Jim’s sculptures were huge, weighing several tons each. He had to disassemble them and truck them in from his studio, lowering them with cranes to the basement exhibition space. They had to block traffic in Soho to finish the job, and every one of those colossal sculptures sold.
During the show, Robert Hughes, noted critic for Time, wrote a review praising his work. The article led to even greater demand for Jim’s sculptures and more reviews — in New York magazine, Art International, Art in America, and others.
In 1977, he was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, and in 1980 he received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. His success led to more shows in New York and commissions from Lebanon Valley College and the Federal Building in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Jim built a contraption from sprockets, roller chains, and drill bits that spun wet cement into sevenfoot columns of static motion.
“Man, those things were fun to make!” he explained. “Cement flew everywhere. I’d get it all over me. I looked more like the sculpture than the sculptor!” The result was remarkable. The columns are decorated with filigree so fine you fear it will fall at your feet if you touch it. There are open wounds in the cement that make you want to render first aid. The cement curves like cresting waves, frozen in time.
“They are all female forms,” he said, and I suppose some of those curves might be womanly, but it was all an obscure abstraction for me. But that’s what abstract art is. Sometimes even the sculptor cannot control the interpretation. All art is what happens to you when you gaze upon it.
And gaze the public did when the Dixon Gallery & Gardens
The next time anyone visits the Shell, they should stop and see The (Very Much Alive) Jim Buchman Sculpture Walk and then stroll about 100 yards to the south, next to the older section of Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, to see one of his small granite and steel pieces called Foil. Jim now lives in his studio on Flicker Street, which looks like the setting of an episode of Hoarders. He has cleared a path through what appears to be debris, but to him it’s treasure, carefully catalogued, in a Buchman Decimal System known only to him.
“What’s your next project?” I recently asked him.
“Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “I might go back to wood.”He had worked with wood before, turning and carving it with band and reciprocating saws. “I might do the same thing but change the cutting blade to a router and see what happens, but no more cement, right now. I want to try something new.”
That’s what great artists do, don’t they? They move on to something new, something different, something no one’s done before.
Jim and I are still very dissimilar. He’s Ivy League; I’m SEC. He’s tall and thin; I’m short and stout. Much like his sculptures, we’re a study in contrast, a juxtaposition of opposites. Oh, he’ll probably even grumble about this article. It will sound like a memorial, as if he’s dead. But he’s still very much alive, “making stuff,” changing the landscape of Memphis with his art.
Artist Jim Buchman with First Black (2011), one of several sculptures he placed at the Overton Park Shell.
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TOP DOCTORS 2026
Of all the thousands of choices we make in a day or a month, few are more vital than the choice of a medical professional. Finding a good doctor when you need one most can make all the difference in the world for us and our families. But where to begin?
Each year, we offer a peer-reviewed list of the most respected local doctors in dozens of specialties. Whether you’re searching for a new general practitioner or need to address a more specialized concern, you’ll find the names you need on the following pages. An asterisk after a doctor’s name indicates they are affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).
ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
NORA DAHER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
UTMP Weight Management and Wellness Center 57 Germantown Court, Suite 204, Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 758-7840
BARIATRIC / OBESITY SURGERY
CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
ERIC E. JOHNSON, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS,
M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
ARRHYTHMIAS, PACEMAKERS / DEFIBRILLATORS
JEFFREY E. KERLAN, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, DEFIBRILLATORS
DAVID ZHI-QIANG LAN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
ARRHYTHMIAS
YEHOSHUA C. LEVINE, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 478-0650
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST SOUTH HOSPITAL Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 965, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 435-8550 CARDIAC IMAGING
RITIN BOMB, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL RK Heart & Vascular Care 995 South Yates Road, Suite 2, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 979-4140
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000 TRANSPLANT MEDICINE - HEART
MEMPHIS TOP DOCTORS 2026
DR. CHAD CAMPION
H e didn’t realize it at the time, but a lacrosse injury would put Dr. Chad Campbell on his career path as a spine surgeon with Campbell Clinic. “I was on my high school team and injured my arm,” he says. “Whenever I tackled somebody, it would get dislocated. My father — a general surgeon himself — introduced me to an orthopaedic specialist. He got my arm working again, and I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
After graduating from the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, Campbell earned his M.D. from New Jersey Medical School. During his fellowship, he trained with orthopaedic specialists at the Norton-Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, and came to Memphis for his residency at Campbell Clinic. He’s been part of the spine care team here since 2021.
“I was drawn to the spine because obviously it’s very complex and requires a lot of thinking about where the problem is, and how to repair it,” he says. “So from an intellectual standpoint, it was appealing to me.”
He mentions another benefit of his specialty. “When you address that problem correctly, the patient gets significantly better,” he says. “So it’s also nice to get that immediate gratification.”
At the same time, Campion explains that
surgery is often the last option he recommends. “The human body is an amazing machine,” he says, “and it naturally tries to heal itself. We can offer medications, injections, physical therapy prior to surgery, so the body can get through the pain and recover on its own.”
Campion is pleased with the advances in endoscopic surgery. In the past, traditional spine procedures required long incisions, and a lengthy (and often painful) recovery period. Endoscopic surgery, however, involves making a small, one-centimeter incision in the back. The scope itself is a hollow tube, fitted with a camera and light. Campion doesn’t cut into muscles or drill away bone to reach the damaged area; instead, working through the scope, he removes bulging portions of the disk that are causing the problem.
“It’s a much less destructive approach,” he says, “and we don’t have to worry so much about back pain caused by the actual surgery itself.”
Other benefits of endoscopic surgery include decreased blood loss, less damage to nearby muscle or bone, and a significantly reduced risk of infection. Because of the smaller incision, the recovery period is short — a matter of weeks, instead of several months for traditional surgery.
“Patients generally don’t need pain medications afterwards,” he says, “and it’s safer for them to resume normal lifestyles, even sports, without worrying about causing further damage to their spine.”
Because the surgeon is working through such a narrow opening, it’s not suitable for procedures involving fractures or total disk replacement. “But it’s very good at addressing specific pathologies,” he says, “such as a disk pushing on a specific nerve, causing pain, weakness, or numbness in a certain area, such as the leg or arm.”
Since the procedure is simpler, doctors can perform it with the patient under milder sedation, instead of the full anesthesia which often carries risks. “We can do spine surgery on people who would normally have to avoid it because they’ve had problems with anesthesia,” he says. “If they were experiencing severe pain before, it’s great to see them wake up and immediately feel better.” — Michael Finger
STEVEN S. GUBIN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
JASON I. INFELD, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN, NON-INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY
DANIEL E. OTTEN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
ISAAC RHEA, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST SOUTH HOSPITAL Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 965, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 435-8550
CARDIO-ONCOLOGY, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, HEART FAILURE
HOLGER P. SALAZAR, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
BASHAR A. SHALA, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Memphis Cardiovascular Center 6799 Great Oaks Road, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38138 (901) 751-0405
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 6027 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 112, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 271-1000
Cancer care isn’t just about treatment.
At Regional One Health, we understand that elevating oncology service in our community also involves prevention and managing risk. Our academic oncologists and genetic counseling specialists harness the power of DNA to develop optimal prevention, surveillance, and treatment plans.
By focusing on each person’s unique needs and goals, we’re helping build healthier futures for our patients and their families.
DR. AMELIA BAILEY
G rowing up in Madison, Mississippi, Amelia Bailey knew she wanted to be a doctor at the quite impressionable age of five. An aunt and uncle were doctors, and Bailey found herself drawn to the world of white robes and stethoscopes, patients to be examined and, hopefully, healed. “I dressed up as a doctor for career day, and that’s just always what I wanted to do,” says Bailey, today the director of fertility preservation at Fertility Associates of Memphis. “I’ve always loved science; exploring and wanting to learn more about the world. And I’ve always enjoyed taking care of people.”
As for which field of medicine to pursue, Bailey gravitated to REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility), where she enters the lives of her patients at their lowest but then often witnesses the happiest of outcomes. She relishes the memory — from her third year of medical school, on her REI rotation — of meeting the two-year-old child of a woman who wanted to introduce her daughter to “the person [Bailey’s attending physician] who
helped us get her. I felt like I found my calling,” adds Bailey, “and I haven’t wavered since. It’s an honor and gift to do what I do every day.”
Bailey balances extreme lows (a woman’s inability to become pregnant) with extreme highs (the arrival of a healthy baby), and it’s the navigating from one to the other that delivers immeasurable reward. “It’s my job to take sad tears and turn them into happy tears,” she says. “There are so many things we can do to help that the majority of our patients end up with the happy tears.”
A current challenge in fertility science should not surprise: the internet. Anxiety levels — high to begin with for a couple pursuing parenthood — compound and multiply when “research” is pursued online. “Patients are reading stories about bad outcomes,” explains Bailey, “or they’re reading stories about women who have succeeded, and it’s encouraging until it spirals into anxiety: ‘What if that’s never me?’ I’ve found very little benefit for my patients who go onto blogs or social media for medical advice. There are great books. And absolutely find a support group, but don’t seek medical knowledge from the group.”
Bailey notes that her field changes frequently, new technology and new studies impacting what fertility specialists are doing with their workday. “There’s a different way to approach IVF with something called stacked cycles,” she explains. “We do back-to-back [egg] retrievals and two-thirds of women do significantly better on their second retrieval than they do on their first. This is phenomenal, because the only women we’re stacking are those who had low success rates to begin with.”
Smiles, joy, and yes, babies remind Bailey of a well-chosen career path. “I get to see patients come back for baby number two or baby number three,” she says, “and they are often completely different people. They are calmer. They know the path, and they know they can survive it. It changes people beautifully.” — Frank Murtaugh
MEMPHIS TOP DOCTORS 2026
EI K. SWE, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE
Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO Stern Cardiovascular 7362 Southcrest Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 271-1000
NEERAJA YEDLAPATI, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
UT Le Bonheur Pediatric Specialists Neurology Clinic 848 Adams Avenue, Suite L400 Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 287-7337
EPILEPSY / SEIZURE DISORDERS
A s a teenager, Dr. Kyle Smith used his hands to play drums at open mikes.
He now uses those hands to perform surgeries involving the spinal cord and column as well as the brain at Semmes Murphey Clinic.
Growing up in Nebraska, Smith played piano as well as drums. “Some friends and I put together a band and would just more or less do jam sessions,” he says. “I didn’t go too far with that once college hit. We only played a couple of shows, mainly in Nebraska. We’d just kind of go into a local bar and play.”
He also helped his dad, an electrician, on carpentry projects.
Smith showed an interest in science and biology in high school, but he says he didn’t have one of those “ah hah moments” when he decided he was going to become a doctor.
But he finally realized, “This is pretty cool. This is probably something for me. I get to do something with my hands and help people. And also there’s the biology and ‘how things work’ in regards to humans and not machines.”
As for becoming a neurosurgeon, he says, “I feel like my path has been a series of experiences that lead me here.”
Smith graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He did his residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Studying the brain and spine was fascinating. “I just kind of fell in love with how things work,” he says, “and how the human brain actually allows you to do what you do.”
Smith remembers that he wasn’t nervous when he performed his first operation. “I knew I was well prepared from my residency,” he says, “where they treated us well and allowed us to become independent.”
He knows you need advanced medical knowledge, especially learning the human anatomy,“ to be able to operate safely and efficiently.” But he says “being good with your hands” is also a positive trait. And he attributes that to helping his dad with carpentry projects.
Smith also knew something else: “God has your back and gave you the power to do this.”
He and his wife, Becky, moved to Memphis in 2019. What makes him happiest about his job are the “people who are doing great who have way less pain or have their life back together. It’s a huge win and something that makes you very happy.”
Smith also likes to receive word-of-mouth referrals from previous patients. One couple he operated on four years ago still sends patients his way, he says. “I just saw a former patient a couple of weeks ago. They come in occasionally to check in. And they remember things about my family and ask about Ava, my child. You can tell they care about you as a person, too, and think very highly of you.”
Smith finds that former patients who still care is a heartwarming experience. “They schedule a visit,” he says, “and come in and talk even if nothing is wrong.” — Michael Donahue
MEMPHIS TOP DOCTORS 2026
CLINICAL GENETICS
CHESTER W. BROWN, MD / PHD * LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, S T. JUDE
COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY, MOHS SURGERY
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC
31 Recognized Physicians. One Team Committed to Expert Care.
At Campbell Clinic, we’re proud to celebrate 31 of our doctors recognized for their excellence across a wide range of specialties—from joint replacement to pediatric orthopaedics, spine to sports medicine. Alongside a full care team of dedicated experts, they represent our unwavering commitment to exceptional care across the Mid-South.
Whether you need routine care or a complex surgical procedure, our team provides the expertise and experience you need to get back to what you love.
Congratulations to our award-winning specialists!
Foot and Ankle
Clayton C. Bettin, M.D.
Benjamin J. Grear, M.D.
G. Andrew Murphy, M.D.
David R. Richardson, M.D.
Carson M. Rider, M.D.
Hand and Wrist
James H. Calandruccio, M.D.
Norfleet B. Thompson, M.D.
William J. Weller, M.D.
Primary Care Sports Medicine
Matthew J. Gilbert, M.D.
John C. Hyden, M.D.
Henry L. Sherman, M.D.
Orthopaedic Trauma
Christopher T. Cosgrove, M.D.
Matthew I. Rudloff, M.D.
John C Weinlein, M.D.
Pediatric Orthopaedics
Derek M. Kelly, M.D.
Jeffrey R. Sawyer, M.D.
Benjamin W. Sheffer, M.D.
David D. Spence, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Douglas T. Cannon, M.D.
Ashley Lewis Park, M.D., FACP
Carlos E. Rivera, M.D.
Shoulder/ Elbow Surgery
Tyler J. Brolin, M.D.
Quin Throckmorton, M.D.
Spine Surgery
Chad E. Campion, M.D.
Kirk M. Thompson, M.D.
Sports Medicine
Frederick M. Azar, M.D.
Barry B. Phillips, M.D.
Total Joint Replacement
James L. Guyton, M.D.
Robert K. Heck, M.D.
William M. Mihalko, M.D., Ph.D.
John R. Crockarell, Jr., M.D.
DR. CANDACE HINOTE
What Dr. Candace Hinote loves the most about being an OBGYN is the sense of connection she gets with her community.
“I think it’s unique from other professions,” she says. “I see such a variety of patients that my experience with the community is just different. I take care of teachers and nurses, some of the ladies that staff our jails, the third-shift workers at FedEx. I see people from all walks of life whose lives look so different than my life looks.
“It’s almost like I’m getting to see all the fibers that make the fabric of our community,” she continues, “so it gives me such a different perspective on who we are in Memphis and how unique our population is, and really how beautiful that is.”
Hinote was born in Memphis, but grew up in Florida. She is the first in her family to become a doctor, but says experiences in her early life influenced her choice of career. “I have a very strong drive to help people,” she
says. “My mom has one of those kindergarten pictures of me, where you had to dress up for the thing you were going to be when you grow up, and I’m dressed up as a doctor.”
Her little brother has Down Syndrome, “and I think I grew up watching out for him and feeling like I needed to take care of him,” she says. “He just made me part of who I am.”
Knowing she wanted to enter the healthcare field while she attended Rhodes College, Hinote initially earned a master’s degree in epidemiology from New York Medical College. But the prospect of spending a career in a laboratory instead of treating patients pushed her into obstetrics and gynecology. After earning her M.D. from St. George’s University School of Medicine, she and her husband, Drew, moved to Memphis for her residency at The Med (now Regional One). She didn’t expect to stay here long, but “I cannot believe how quickly we formed our community here,” she says, “from the little neighborhood we lived in when we first moved to Memphis to obviously the residents. The medical community in general is very strong here because of UT.”
While practicing in an area notorious for infant and maternal mortality is always a challenge (“You don’t need to practice in Memphis if you’re uncomfortable with high-risk patients,” Hinote says), one aspect of the job never gets old: delivering babies. She estimates she’s attended to more than 2,000 births.
Hinote admits it can be grueling work that doesn’t respect holidays or schedules. “Babies aren’t like, ‘I’ll be born between 9 and 5!’” She notes that as OBGYN specialists grow older, sometimes they drop the obstetrics part, because of the challenging lifestyle.
“I just don’t think I can do that,” she says. “I don’t know what to tell you, but this feeling I get when I say, ‘And here is your child!’ — who I have helped bring into the world — it’s the best.” — Chris McCoy
MEMPHIS TOP DOCTORS 2026
EMILY T. OVERHOLSER, MD
Memphis Dermatology Clinic
1455 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 726-6655
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
SCOTT L. BAUM, MD * West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
LUNG CANCER, LUNG DISEASE, CANCER IMAGING, BODY IMAGING, CT BODY SCAN
STEPHEN H. BOWIE, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Mid-South Imaging
7600 Wolf River Blvd., Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
SPORTS MEDICINE RADIOLOGY, INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY, SPINAL IMAGING & INTERVENTION
JIMMY R. CARROLL JR., MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - TIPTON MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
ABDOMINAL IMAGING, BODY IMAGING, MRI
BRIAN R. DECOSTA, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
DANIEL T. EASTLACK, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
ABDOMINAL IMAGING, PELVIC IMAGING
J. ANDREW ELLZEY, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
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JEFFREY GREEN, MD
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH
West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
SHANNON M. GULLA, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS,
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN
MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
CARDIOTHORACIC RADIOLOGY, MAMMOGRAPHY
CRAIG L. LIPMAN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
NUCLEAR MEDICINE, CARDIAC IMAGING
JAMES E. MACHIN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS MidSouth Imaging
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-1000
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Gastro One
1324 Wolf Park Drive, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 755-9110
Exceptional care for every stage of life.
Across specialties and across the Mid-South, our care teams are recognized among the best.
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare brings together leading physicians, advanced technology and a connected system of care designed to meet patients wherever they are in life.
From primary care to highly specialized services - including heart, cancer, transplant and pediatrics - our healthcare system is designed to deliver seamless, coordinated care close to home.
Congratulations to each of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare specialists who have been recognized as a Top Doctor and thank you to all of our medical professionals who are dedicated to improving every life we touch.
• 100+ years of caring for the Mid-South
• 5 adult hospitals and 1 nationally recognized children’s hospital providing comprehensive care
• 65 physician practice locations offering primary and specialty care close to home
• 4 urgent care centers for adults and 1 for children for same-day needs
• 2,500+ physicians delivering compassionate, expert care
KENNETH I. FIELDS, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE
Gastrointestinal Specialists Foundation 80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-3900
ENDOSCOPY, GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD), COLON CANCER SCREENING, GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
CHRISTOPHER M. GRIFFITH, MD
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Gastro One 7668 Airways Boulevard, Building B, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 766-9490
SATHEESH P. NAIR, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
James D. Eason Transplant Institute 1265 Union Avenue, Floor 4 Shorb, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 478-9183
TRANSPLANT MEDICINE - LIVER RAJESH RAMACHANDRAN, MD
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Gastro One
8000 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-3630
CANCER PREVENTION, ENDOSCOPY, ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND, ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP)
BRYAN F. THOMPSON, MD
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Gastro One
8000 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 747-3630
ROBERT S. WOOTEN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Gastro One 1324 Wolf Park Drive, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 755-9110
CELIAC DISEASE, CROHN'S DISEASE
ZIAD H. YOUNES, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Gastro One 8000 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 684-5500
ROBERT BURNS, MD * Oak Street Health 2714 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 150, Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 725-0872
DEMENTIA
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
MARK REED, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
OVARIAN CANCER, ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, CERVICAL CANCER
LINDA M. SMILEY, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center - East Campus
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
CERVICAL CANCER, UTERINE CANCER, OVARIAN CANCER
TODD D. TILLMANNS, MD *
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
VULVAR CANCER, OVARIAN CANCER, UTERINE CANCER, CANCER PREVENTION, CERVICAL CANCER
MEMPHIS
MICHAEL A. ULM, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH,
S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY, OVARIAN CANCER, UTERINE CANCER, CERVICAL CANCER, VULVAR & VAGINAL CANCER HAND SURGERY
JAMES H. CALANDRUCCIO, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
1400 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 759-3111
HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY SURGERY
R. JEFFREY COLE, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL OrthoSouth
6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 641-3000
NORFLEET B. THOMPSON, MD * METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 759-3111
HAND & WRIST SURGERY, ELBOW SURGERY HEMATOLOGY
MARQUITA N. NELSON, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH Regional One Health
Sickle Cell Center, 880 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 545-8535
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
SANDEEP K. RAJAN, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Baptist Cancer Center
80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 330, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 752-6131
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA, BENIGN HEMATOLOGY
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
W. CLAY JACKSON, MD
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
METHODIST NORTH HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
PAIN - CHRONIC, END-OF-LIFE CARE, CANCER PALLIATIVE CARE
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Methodist University Hospital 1265 Union Avenue , Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 758-7888
SHIRIN MAZUMDER, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Methodist Medical Group 1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 370, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 758-7888 HIV
STEPHEN C. THRELKELD, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Threlkeld Infectious Disease
6029 Walnut Grove, Suite C002, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 685-3490
WOUND CARE
MICHAEL G. THRELKELD, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Threlkeld Infectious Disease
6029 Walnut Grove, Suite C002, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 685-3490
WOUND CARE
INTERNAL MEDICINE
TERRI D. ALFORD, MD
Mid-South Internal Medicine
7550 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 767-5000
PRIMARY CARE
JOAN MICHELLE ALLMON, MD Aim Allmon Internal Medicine
526 Halle Park Drive, Collierville, TN 38017 (901) 910-3246
PRIMARY CARE, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, WOMEN'S HEALTH
ANITA L. ARNOLD, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center 1727 Kirby Parkway, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 685-5520
GERIATRIC REHABILITATION
JOHN M. CASSIDY, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Baptist Medical Group - The Light Clinic
7715 Wolf River, Boulevard Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 328-6031
PRIMARY CARE
GEORGE CHU, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Mid-South Internal Medicine
7550 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 767-5000
PRIMARY CARE
STEPHANIE A. CONNELLY, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Methodist Medical Group 1533 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 721-1200
PRIMARY CARE, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
ELLENA HENDERSON, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Methodist Medical Group 1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 245 (901) 516-9800
HOSPITAL MEDICINE
SONAL S. MEHR, MD * Oak Street Health
2714 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 150, Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 699-2118
PRIMARY CARE
CHARLES W. MUNN, MD
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Methodist Medical Group 6570 Summer Oaks Cove, Bartlett, TN 38134 (901) 373-7100
PRIMARY CARE
H. HOWARD NEASE, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Baptist Medical Group 7205 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 684-1322
PRIMARY CARE, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION
SHELLEY R. OST, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
UT Internal Medicine - BMG
8040 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 227-7900
PRIMARY CARE
NATASCHA S. THOMPSON, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, TH E UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER
UT Internal Medicine - BMG
8040 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 227-7900
PRIMARY CARE
STEVEN I. WENER, MD
BAPTIST MEDICAL GROUP
8040 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 726-0200
PRIMARY CARE
CATHERINE R. WOMACK, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS UT Internal Medicine - BMG
8040 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 227-7900
PRIMARY CARE, WOMEN'S HEALTH, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, OBESITY
AMY R. WOODS, MD
Family Medical Clinic of North Mississippi 3451 Goodman Road, Suite 115, Southaven, MS 38672 (662) 890-5555
INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
OLUWASEUN A. AKINSEYE, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST SOUTH HOSPITAL
Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 965, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 435-8550
PRANAB DAS, MD *
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Saint Francis Cardiology Associates 6005 Park Avenue, Suite 500B, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 683-6925
CLARO F. DIAZ, MD *
METHODIST NORTH HOSPITAL
Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 3950 New Covington Pike, Suite 220, Memphis, TN 38128 (901) 763-0200
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST SOUTH HOSPITAL Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 965, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 435-8550
STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE
MUHAMMAD JANJUA, MD
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Saint Francis Cardiology Associates 2996 Kate Bond Road, Suite 305, Bartlett, TN 38133 (901) 300-2971
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST SOUTH HOSPITAL Sutherland Cardiology Clinic 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 965, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 435-8550
BASIL M. PAULUS, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Stern Cardiovascular 8060 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 271-1000
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH, L E BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Regional Medical Center 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 545-7100
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
RAMAKRISHNA BATTINI, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
SELECT SPECIALTY HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, R EGIONAL ONE HEALTH,
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL West Cancer Center 1588 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 300-1562
BONE MARROW FAILURE DISORDERS, HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES
ALEKSANDAR JANKOV, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Baptist Cancer Center 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 301, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 752-6131
ROBERT A. JOHNSON, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, METHODIST NORTH HOSPITAL, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
LT. COL. LUKE WEATHERS, JR. VA MEDICAL CENTER, TH E UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER Memphis VA Medical Center 116 North Pauline Street, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 523-8990
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Baptist Cancer Center 80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 330, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 752-6131
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER, LUNG CANCER, GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER
ARNEL M. PALLERA, MD * SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES, BENIGN HEMATOLOGY, LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA JASON PORTER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, R EGIONAL ONE HEALTH West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
LUNG CANCER, BENIGN HEMATOLOGY
DAVID C. PORTNOY, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M AGNOLIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
SKIN CANCER, SARCOMA, BENIGN HEMATOLOGY
THOMAS W. RATLIFF, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER, BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT, HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES, CANCER DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
Acne, Warts, Rashes & Moles
7499 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138
901-755-6465 | langsdonclinic.com
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MEMPHIS MAGAZINE TOP DOCTOR 2026 - Phillip R. Langsdon, M.D.
Top Doctor, Memphis Magazine – Nineteen Consecutive Years
Phillip R. Langsdon, M.D., is a nationally acclaimed facial plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He is recognized for his advanced expertise in deep-plane facelifts and rhinoplasty. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in facial plastic surgery, known for delivering natural, refined results through innovative techniques.
Roberto D. Lachica, M.D., is an accomplished and respected plastic surgeon with 28 years of experience. He specializes in breast and abdomen procedures such as breast lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, liposuction, and surgery after weight loss. He is recognized for his personalized approach and attention to detail and provides naturallooking results that enhance patient confidence.
Sarah E. Langsdon, M.D., earned her M.D. from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed a six-year integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Missouri. Dr. Langsdon specializes in facial plastic surgery, with a focus on deep-plane facelifts, and is known for her detail-oriented, personalized approach that delivers natural-looking results.
MEMPHIS MAGAZINE TOP DOCTOR 2026
Congrats to Phillip R. Langsdon, M.D. for receiving Top Doctor this year!
Top Doctor, Memphis Magazine – Nineteen Consecutive Years
JARVIS D. REED, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS,
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE,
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO,
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
West Cancer Center
1588 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 683-0055
SYLVIA S. RICHEY, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
West Cancer Center - East Campus
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
BREAST CANCER
BRADLEY G. SOMER, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO
West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER, PROSTATE CANCER, GENITOURINARY CANCER, BREAST CANCER, CLINICAL TRIALS
KURT W. TAUER, MD *
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
LUNG CANCER, BREAST CANCER, PROSTATE CANCER, COLON CANCER, MELANOMA G. GARY TIAN, MD / PHD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
DANIEL A. VAENA, MD
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center
7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
GENITOURINARY CANCER, CANCER DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT, METASTATIC CANCER, KIDNEY CANCER GREGORY VIDAL, MD / PHD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
BREAST CANCER, BREAST CANCER - NOVEL THERAPIES, DRUG DEVELOPMENT
ALBERT EARLE WEEKS, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO UT Methodist Physicians LLC 7655 Poplar Avenue, Suite 340, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 334-0301
HEMATOLOGY
SARADASRI K. WELLIKOFF, MD REGIONAL ONE HEALTH West Cancer Center - Midtown Campus 1588 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 300-1562
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, REGIONAL ONE HEALTH West Cancer Center 7668 Airways Boulevard, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 683-0055
BENIGN HEMATOLOGY, HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES, GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER, PROSTATE CANCER, LYMPHOMA, ESOPHAGEAL CANCER, COLON & RECTAL CANCER, ANAL CANCER NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE
SANDEEP CHILAKALA, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, REGIONAL ONE HEALTH, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY CLINICAL HEALTH
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH, LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Regional One Health Newborn Center, 853 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 201, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 448-5950
NEONATAL CARE, INFECTIONS - NEONATAL, PREMATURITY / LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS, NEONATAL NUTRITION, HOSPITAL MEDICINE MARK F. WEEMS, MD * LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, REGIONAL ONE HEALTH University Clinical Health
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN Women's Physicians Group
681 South White Station Road, Suite 111, Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 276-3222
KENYETTA D. BRUMMITT, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO Baptist Medical Group - Desoto Women's Consultants 401 Southcrest Circle, Suite 104, Southaven, MS 38671 (662) 349-1112
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN MidSouth OB/GYN Memphis 6215 Humphreys Boulevard, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 747-1234
OBSTETRICS, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
COREY SHANE MCGLOTHAN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
OBGYN Centers of Memphis 1264 Wesley Drive, Suite 402, Memphis, TN 38116 (901) 396-5577
JESSICA RUFFIN, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Bluff City OBGYN Associates 6215 Humphreys Boulevard, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 512-6086
CLAUDETTE J. SHEPHARD, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH, L E BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Regional One Health Outpatient Center, 880 Madison Avenue, Suite 3E01, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 515-3800
ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY
ANDREW J. STAHLER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO Desoto Women’s Consultants 401 Southcrest Circle, Suite 104, Southaven, MS 38671 (662) 349-1112
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO Baptist Medical Group - Desoto Women's Consultants 401 Southcrest Circle, Suite 104, Southaven, MS 38671 (662) 349-1112
MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY OPHTHALMOLOGY
JORGE I. CALZADA, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO Deep Blue Retina 7900 Airways Boulevard, Building A, Suite 1, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 522-6520
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1458 West Poplar Avenue, Suite 100, Collierville, TN 38017 (901) 759-3100
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE OrthoSouth 1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 699-4537
SPORTS MEDICINE, HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY
SURGERY, HAND & WRIST INJURIES, ELBOW INJURIES
CLAIBORNE A. CHRISTIAN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO OrthoSouth 7580 Clarington Cove, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 699-4537
SPORTS MEDICINE, KNEE & SHOULDER SURGERY
CHRISTOPHER T. COSGROVE, MD *
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 759-3111 TRAUMA
JOHN R. CROCKARELL JR., MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1458 West Poplar Avenue, Suite 100, Collierville, TN 38017 (901) 759-3111
HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT
APURVA DALAL, MD *
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT Tri-State Orthopaedics & Robotic Surgery 7656 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 333-2525
ROBOTIC-ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT
DAVID A. DENEKA, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL OrthoSouth
6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 641-3000
SPORTS MEDICINE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - KNEE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - SHOULDER, ADOLESCENT SPORTS MEDICINE
JEFFREY A. DLABACH, MD
OrthoOne Sports Medicine
99 Market Center Drive, Collierville, TN 38017 (901) 861-9610
SPORTS MEDICINE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
CHRISTIAN S. FAHEY, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE OrthoSouth
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 641-3000
HAND & WRIST SURGERY, ELBOW SURGERY
CHRISTOPHER A. FERGUSON, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO OrthoSouth
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 699-4537
SPORTS MEDICINE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - KNEE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - SHOULDER, JOINT REPLACEMENT, FRACTURES
TYLER W. FRASER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- COLLIERVILLE OrthoSouth 1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 699-4537
FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY
THOMAS V. GIEL III, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OrthoSouth 6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 641-3000
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 759-3100
MUSCULOSKELETAL CANCER, JOINT REPLACEMENT
WILLIAM A. HESTER III, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL RESTORATIVE CARE HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO OrthoSouth 6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 699-4436
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 759-3111
TRAUMA
OWEN B. TABOR JR., MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS OrthoSouth 1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 641-3000
HIP AND PELVIS RECONSTRUCTION, HIP REPLACEMENT, JOINT REPLACEMENT, KNEE
REPLACEMENT, ROBOTIC-ASSISTED KNEE REPLACEMENT, SPORTS MEDICINE
KIRK M. THOMPSON, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
7887 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 759-3111
SPINAL SURGERY, SPINAL DISORDERS, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SURGERY
THOMAS W. THROCKMORTON, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
1400 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 759-3100
SHOULDER & ELBOW SURGERY
STEPHEN M. WAGGONER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS OrthoSouth
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 641-3000
HIP AND PELVIS RECONSTRUCTION, HIP REPLACEMENT, JOINT REPLACEMENT, KNEE INJURIES, KNEE REPLACEMENT, ROBOTICASSISTED KNEE REPLACEMENT, SPINAL SURGERY
JOHN C. WEINLEIN IV, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 759-3100 TRAUMA
KENNETH S. WEISS, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL OrthoSouth
6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (910) 641-3000
SPORTS INJURIES, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - SHOULDER, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - KNEE, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
ANDREW J. WODOWSKI, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS OrthoSouth 6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 641-3000 HIP REPLACEMENT, JOINT REPLACEMENT, KNEE PAIN, KNEE REPLACEMENT, ROBOTIC-ASSISTED KNEE REPLACEMENT
F. GREGORY WOLF, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN OrthoSouth 1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 641-3000
SPORTS MEDICINE, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - SHOULDER, ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - KNEE, ELBOW INJURIES, HAND & WRIST INJURIES, ANKLE SURGERY OTOLARYNGOLOGY
NEAL S. BECKFORD, MD * THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Baptist Medical Group
Otolaryngology Specialists, 7675 Wolf River Circle, Suite 202, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 737-3021
VOCAL CORD DISORDERS, LARYNGEAL & VOICE DISORDERS
BRUCE L. FETTERMAN, MD
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Mid-South Ear, Nose & Throat
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 220, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 755-5300 NEUROTOLOGY
PEEL LAW FIRM
David
B. Peel, Injury Attorney
Q & A with the Attorney:
Q. What kinds of cases do you handle?
A. Injury & Death matters: from multi-million-dollar settlements in truck accidents to the $30,000 car crash.
Q. Why do you keep your injury law firm small, despite all your success?
A. My clients value genuine, personal attention —they’re never just a case number.
Q. You do history videos on social media, you’ve authored books and written countless articles and often speak at churches and to community groups — but no lawyer commercials on TV?
A. I prefer educators over slick TV salesmen. I think a lot of people share that preference.
Q. Your Goldendoodle is “CrashtheLawDog?”
A. As our official therapy dog, he’s helped ease the stress of tough cases for clients, and he is with us during depositions and mediations.
Q. You just moved to the new office on the historic Arlington Depot Square. Tell me about it.
A. It was a true labor of love as Oldenway Manor has a lot of my personal touches and has been said to be like a museum unto itself. Three generations of Peels once sharecropped fields nearby. It’s been a dream come true, but it wouldn’t be possible without decades of loyal clients, great staff who are really friends, and my supportive family — especially my bride.
Q. You have enjoyed the highest possible attorney ratings and professional rankings from both your peers and your clients for many years now — how do you feel about that?
A. Personal referrals are still the best compliment we are paid, and we never charge for consultations. In fact, we’re only paid if we win.
M. BOYD GILLESPIE, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Methodist Medical Group - Otolaryngology
1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 260, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 272-6051
HEAD & NECK CANCER, SLEEP DISORDERS, AIRWAY DISORDERS, THYROID DISORDERS, SALIVARY GLAND SURGERY
JOHN P. GLEYSTEEN, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Methodist Medical Group 1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 260, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 272-6051
HEAD & NECK CANCER & SURGERY
DEAN A. KLUG, MD
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Mid-South Ear, Nose & Throat
7600 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 220, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 755-5300
SINUS DISORDERS
VICTORIA L. LIM, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE Shea Clinic
OTOLOGY & NEURO-OTOLOGY, OTOSCLEROSIS / STAPEDECTOMY, VERTIGO / BALANCE DISORDERS, EAR INFECTIONS, HEARING LOSS / TINNITUS, MENIERE'S DISEASE, COCHLEAR IMPLANTS, ACOUSTIC NEUROMA / SCHWANNOMA ANTHONY M. SHEYN, MD *
ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, L E BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center - East 100 North Humphreys Boulevard, Floor 2, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 287-7337
PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD & NECK CANCER, THYROID DISORDERS COURTNEY B. SHIRES, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS West Cancer Center - East Campus 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 683-0055
HEAD & NECK CANCER
C. BURTON WOOD, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Methodist Medical Group - Otolaryngology 1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 260, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 272-6051
HEAD & NECK CANCER & SURGERY, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY, CANCER RECONSTRUCTION
ROBERT YAWN, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Methodist Medical Group 1325 Eastmoreland Avenue, Suite 260, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 272-6051
HEARING LOSS, OTOLOGY & NEURO-OTOLOGY PAIN MEDICINE
WINFRED B. ABRAMS JR., MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO OrthoSouth 6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 641-3000
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT, PAIN - SPINE
ALAN J. KRAUS, MD
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Memphis Interventional Pain Group
2028 West Poplar Avenue, Suite 102, Collierville, TN 38017 (901) 754-3365
FETAL ULTRASOUND/OBSTETRICAL IMAGING, ULTRASOUND, CT BODY SCAN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
KATHLEEN COLLINS, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center 51 North Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38105 (866) 870-5570
TERRI H. FINKEL, MD / PHD * LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, S T. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital - Department of Pediatric Rheumatology 51 North Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38103 (866) 870-5570
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Rheumatology + Dermatology Associates, P.C. 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 753-0168
JUVENILE ARTHRITIS, JUVENILE ARTHRITIS PEDIATRIC SURGERY
ANDREW M. DAVIDOFF, MD *
ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, L E BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Department of Surgery, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 595-3728
NEUROBLASTOMA, SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
JAMES W. EUBANKS III, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center 51 North Dunlap Street, Floor 2, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 287-7337
Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center 51 North Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38105 (866) 870-5570
SARA M. FEDERICO, MD * ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 595-2220
JANET D. GEIGER, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS River City Pediatrics 1717 West Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-1280 PRIMARY CARE
TIMOTHY G. GILLESPIE, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN Memphis Children’s Clinic 1129 Hale Road, Memphis, TN 38116 (901) 396-0390 PRIMARY CARE
CHARLES C. HANSON, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN Laurelwood Pediatrics 5050 Sanderlin Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 683-9371
PRIMARY CARE, NEWBORN CARE
JOYCE HOFFMAN, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL All Better Pediatrics 1102 Brookfield Road, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 761-1880
PRIMARY CARE, BREASTFEEDING, ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
SCOTT M. KLOEK, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN Memphis Children’s Clinic 6615 Kirby Center Cove, Memphis, TN 38115 (901) 795-9193
PRIMARY CARE
DAWN H. SCOTT, MD
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Le Bonheur Pediatric Downtown 51 North Dunlap Street, Suite 310, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 523-2945
PRIMARY CARE
STEPHEN P. STANCIL, MD
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Memphis Children’s Clinic 3155 Kirby Whitten Road, Bartlett, TN 38134 (901) 379-0092
PRIMARY CARE
ELLEN J. STECKER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS River City Pediatrics 1717 West Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-1280 PRIMARY CARE
DANIEL R. WELLS, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL UT Le Bonheur Pediatric Specialists 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (866) 870-5570 HOSPITAL MEDICINE
JEFFREY C. WINER, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (866) 870-5570 HOSPITAL MEDICINE
JASON YAUN, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center 51 North Dunlap Street, Suite 350, Memphis, TN 38105 (866) 870-5570 PRIMARY CARE
PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
DOUGLAS T. CANNON, MD *
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 7545 Airways Boulevard, Southaven, MS 38671 (901) 759-3100 PAIN MEDICINE
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics 1400 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 759-3100 PAIN - SPINE
MEMPHIS TOP DOCTORS 2026
JONATHAN M. STUART, DO *
OrthoSouth
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 641-3000
ORTHOBIOLOGIC INJECTIONS, INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT PLASTIC SURGERY
PETER A. ALDEA, MD
Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis 6401 Poplar Avenue, Suite 360, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 752-1412
BREAST COSMETIC SURGERY, TUMMY TUCK / ABDOMINOPLASTY, LIPOSUCTION & BODY CONTOURING
SONIA M. ALVAREZ, MD *
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN University Plastic Surgeons 1068 Cresthaven Road, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 866-8525
PEDIATRIC & ADULT PLASTIC SURGERY, COSMETIC SURGERY, BREAST COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
DEVRA BECKER, MD *
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER University Plastic Surgeons 1068 Cresthaven Road, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 866-8525
RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY, FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY, COSMETIC SURGERY - BREAST
CAREY CAMPBELL, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis
80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-9030
FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY, BREAST COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
ROBERT G. CHANDLER, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis
80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-9030
COSMETIC SURGERY - FACE, BREAST COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
PATRICIA L. EBY, MD
Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis 6401 Poplar Avenue, Suite 360, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 752-1412
COSMETIC SURGERY, FACIAL REJUVENATION
MELISSA A. KATH, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis 80 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 761-9030
BREAST REDUCTION, BREAST RECONSTRUCTION, BREAST AUGMENTATION, ABDOMINOPLASTY
NICHOLAS R. LEONARDI, DO *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, WEST CANCER CENTER
Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 922-6798
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL Wallace Plastic Surgery Group 6215 Humphreys Boulevard, Suite 201, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 779-6538
MICHAEL RACK, MD PARKWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM, LAKESIDE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM Vogelfanger and Struble Clinic 6005 Park Avenue, Suite 630B, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-1136 SLEEP DISORDERS PULMONARY DISEASE
877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 545-7100
SURGICAL CRITICAL CARE, TRAUMA
DINA M. FILIBERTO, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH
Regional One Health - Elvis Presley Trauma Center
877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 545-7100
SURGICAL CRITICAL CARE, TRAUMA
HUGH FRANCIS III, MD *
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Memphis Surgery Associates 6005 Park Avenue, Suite 300B, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 726-1056
NOSRATOLLAH NEZAKATGOO, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
James D. Eason Transplant Institute 1265 Union Avenue, Floor 4 Shorb, Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 478-9183
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Baptist Medical Group
7205 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 227-8950
BREAST CANCER & SURGERY, BREAST SURGERY
GUY R. VOELLER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Baptist Medical Group - Minimally Invasive Surgery 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 106, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 866-8530
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY, HERNIA, GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY, ADRENAL SURGERY
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
RICHARD E. FINE, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN,
M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, WEST CANCER CENTER
Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 692-9600
BREAST CANCER & SURGERY
MARTIN FLEMING, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH,
M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Regional One Health - Department of Surgical Oncology
880 Madison Avenue, Suite B401, Floor 4, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 515-4673
BREAST CANCER & SURGERY, SARCOMA - SOFT TISSUE
RICHARD GILMORE, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, W EST CANCER CENTER
Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 692-9600
BREAST CANCER & SURGERY
ASHLEY A. HENDRIX, MD *
REGIONAL ONE HEALTH,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Regional One Health Outpatient Center 880 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 515-4673
BREAST CANCER & SURGERY
DAVID SHIBATA, MD *
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Regional One Health - Department of Surgical Oncology
880 Madison Avenue, Suite B401, Floor 4, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 515-4673
COLON & RECTAL CANCER, MINIMALLY INVASIVE
SURGERY, LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
KELI M. TURNER, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN
Baptist Medical Group
Oncology Surgical Specialists, 6027 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 401, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 226-2960
SKIN CANCER, SARCOMA-SOFT TISSUE, GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER, BREAST CANCER
THORACIC & CARDIAC SURGERY
HARVEY E. GARRETT JR., MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Baptist Medical Group - Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic 6025 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 301, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 226-0456
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL Women's Health Specialists 7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 682-9222
UROGYNECOLOGY, PELVIC RECONSTRUCTION, PELVIC ORGAN
PROLAPSE REPAIR, INCONTINENCE - URINARY
VAL Y. VOGT, MD
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE,
B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN
The Conrad Pearson Clinic 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-3400
UROLOGY - FEMALE
UROLOGY
JOHN R. ADAMS, MD THE CONRAD PEARSON CLINIC 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-3400
general urology, urologic cancer, kidney stone surgery
RAVI D. CHAUHAN, MD
METHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
The Conrad Pearson Clinic 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-3400
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT The Urology Group, P.C. 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 767-8158
FEMALE INCONTINENCE, VOIDING DYSFUNCTIONFEMALE, PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE REPAIR
ROBERT A. DONATO, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS Southeast Urology Network 995 South Yates Road, Suite 1, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 527-7100
PROSTATE SURGERY
PAUL R. EBER, MD
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL
The Conrad Pearson Clinic 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-3400
UROLOGIC CANCER, ROBOTIC SURGERY, PROSTATE CANCER
JOSEPH M. GLEASON, MD
LE BONHEUR CHILDEN'S HOSPITAL
The Conrad Pearson Clinic 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-2400
PEDIATRIC UROLOGY, ROBOTIC SURGERY, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
MICHAEL A. GRANIERI, MD
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - COLLIERVILLE
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
The Conrad Pearson Clinic 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 102, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 252-3400
INFERTILITY - MALE, ERECTILE DISFUNCTION, ANDROLOGY / MALE SEXUAL HEALTH, INCONTINENCE, PENILE PROSTHESES, MICROSURGERY, VASECTOMY REVERSAL, PEYRONIE'S DISEASE
MARK D. GREENBERGER, MD *
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO
The Urology Group, P.C.
7550 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 767-8158
CHRISTOPHER K. LEDBETTER, MD * REGIONAL ONE HEALTH
Regional One Health East Campus - Urology Services
METHODIST LE BONHEUR GERMANTOWN HOSPITAL, M ETHODIST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS, B APTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DESOTO, F ORREST CITY MEDICAL CENTER, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - BARTLETT, S AINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL - MEMPHIS
Vascular and Vein Institute of the South 1355 West Brierbrook Road, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 390-2930
AS SOON AS YOU WALK IN THE DOOR, you will see a different type of dental care. Dr Alexandra Garrett and Dr. Erin Freeman at Germantown Cosmetic and Family Dentistry have offered the highest quality comprehensive dental services to the Germantown/Memphis area for more than 20 years. Drs. Garrett and Freeman and team focus on cosmetic and family dentistry with the goal of elevating one’s image in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Their team offers kind, compassionate care to each patient, coupled with state-of-the-art 3D equipment, with same-day Crowns, Invisalign, Dental Implants, and all digital x-rays. A professional favorite is when they create a patient’s smile to help transform the way they feel. Other services include treating the entire family from toddlers to grandparents, as well as facial aesthetics, such as Botox and Juvederm, to complement your beautiful smile with a fresher, more youthful overall appearance. Their goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy while helping you feel and look your best. Visit their website, www.GtownSmiles.com, to learn more about their dental experience.
Alexandra Garrett DDS and Erin Freeman DMD
VASCULAR & VEIN INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH (VVIS)
Left to right:Dr. Daniel M. Alterman, Dr. Anton Dias Perera, Dr. Prateek K. Gupta, and Dr. Michael Corey
VASCULAR & VEIN INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH (VVIS) is the Mid-South’s largest group of board-certified vascular surgeons, providing comprehensive artery and vein care for patients across the region.
With 13 clinic locations, multiple outpatient interventional suites, and two ambulatory surgery centers, VVIS specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect circulation throughout the body. From the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the legs, brain, and major organs to the veins that return blood back to the heart, healthy circulation plays a vital role in how people move, heal, and live each day.
Comprehensive Vascular Care
The VVIS team treats a wide range of vascular conditions, including peripheral artery disease, leg pain with walking, non-healing wounds, varicose veins, venous disease, carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and dialysis access needs.
Many patients first come to VVIS because something no longer feels normal, whether it is cramping in the legs, heaviness, swelling, visible veins, a wound that will not heal, or pain that limits daily activity. Others are referred after a screening, diagnosis, or concern that requires specialized vascular expertise.
At the center of the practice’s work is a focus on restoring blood flow, relieving pain, preventing amputation, and helping patients protect their long-term health. For patients with blocked arteries or advanced peripheral artery disease, timely vascular care can be critical. What may begin as leg pain or difficulty walking can sometimes progress to wounds, infection, or serious limb-threatening disease. VVIS surgeons are trained to evaluate the full picture and determine the best path forward, whether that means medical management, minimally invasive treatment, open surgery, or a combination of care.
Advanced Treatment Options
Much of the care provided at VVIS can be performed using minimally invasive
endovascular techniques. Through advanced imaging, surgeons can often treat complex circulation problems from inside the blood vessels using small instruments and tiny access points rather than large incisions. For many patients, that means less discomfort, faster recovery, and no time spent in the hospital.
VVIS also offers advanced embolization procedures that treat certain conditions without traditional surgery. These include uterine fibroid embolization for women with symptomatic fibroids and genicular artery embolization for patients with chronic knee pain. Using image-guided techniques, physicians can target specific blood vessels through a tiny entry point, helping reduce symptoms and improve quality of life with less downtime than many surgical options. What makes VVIS different is the depth of expertise available across the practice. The team is equipped to care for common vein concerns, chronic pain conditions, and complex vascular disease, including cases where patients have been told there are limited or no options. By combining advanced technology with decades of surgical experience, VVIS provides care designed to help patients move better, heal better, and feel confident that their circulation is in expert hands.
Leadership & Care Team
The practice is led by a highly experienced team of board-certified vascular surgeons, advanced practice providers, and healthcare administrators dedicated to delivering comprehensive vascular care across the Mid-South.
Physician leadership includes Anton Dias Perera, MD, FACS, FSVS, Founder, President & CEO; Prateek K. Gupta, MD, FACS, Founder & Chief Operating Officer; Daniel M. Alterman, MD, FACS, Partner & Medical Director; and Michael Corey, MD, FACS. The clinical team also includes advanced practice providers Shelby McDonald, DNP, FNP-C; Samantha Hamblin, MSN, AGNP-C; Sitra Yonis, DNP, FNP-C; Samantha Clark, FNP-C; Dana Williams, MSN, FNP-C; Amy Crowe,
NP; and Danielle Collins, NP.
VVIS’s advanced practice providers are specialty trained in vascular care and work closely with the vascular surgeons to support patient evaluation, education, treatment, post-procedure follow-up, wound management, and continuity of care. Together, the team helps ensure every patient receives comprehensive, individualized treatment at every stage of their vascular journey.
Supporting the clinical team is a large administrative and operational staff that helps coordinate care across VVIS’s many locations, outpatient interventional suites, and ambulatory surgery centers throughout the Mid-South. Administrative leadership includes Stacy Black, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, and Abby McDonald, Vice President of Operations, who help oversee the continued growth and operational excellence of the organization.
Serving the Mid-South VVIS’s primary hub locations are based throughout the Memphis area, allowing the practice to coordinate patient care, physician services, and operations across the MidSouth. The practice includes one clinic location in Midtown, as well as a second Memphis location that houses a dedicated surgery center and administrative suite. VVIS also operates a large Germantown campus that includes a clinic, outpatient interventional suite, and administrative offices, helping support the continued growth and coordination of care across the organization.
In addition to its Memphis-area locations, VVIS serves patients across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas through a growing network of clinics and outpatient facilities designed to make specialized vascular care more accessible throughout the region. By expanding care closer to where patients live and work, the practice is able to improve continuity of care, reduce travel burdens, and help patients receive timely evaluation and treatment without having to leave their communities.
KIDNEY CARE CONSULTANTS, PC is a comprehensive medical practice specializing in the treatment of kidney disease, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our board-certified nephrologists include Dr. Omar Hamze, Dr. Rehan Shafique, Dr. Minesh Pathak, Dr. Mark Nader, and Dr. Vijay Gorantla. Our team also includes nurse practitioners Karen Reames, Kristi Ford, Owairna Morris, and Tameka Mason.
We treat patients with both acute and chronic kidney disease, with an emphasis on early intervention to help slow disease progression and improve long-term outcomes. Our services include care for end-stage kidney disease, in-center hemodialysis, home dialysis, and transplant nephrology, including dedicated support for post-transplant patients. Our physicians and staff are committed to delivering exceptional medical care with compassion and respect.
With five convenient office locations, we are one of the region’s leading choices for kidney care in Shelby and Lauderdale counties. We serve patients at Methodist North, Methodist University, Methodist Germantown, Baptist Memorial Hospital (East), and St. Francis Bartlett Hospital.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 901-382-5256 or visit kidneycarememphis.com.
MIDSOUTH OB/GYN PROVIDES comprehensive gynecological and obstetrical care for women of all ages. Some of our services include yearly wellness exams, fertility management, weight loss solutions, contraceptive counseling, management of uterine fibroids, office procedures, and a myriad of options for managing the symptoms of menopause.
Our physicians also perform minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and robotic surgery. We deliver our obstetrical patients at Baptist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Germantown Hospital.
The physicians of MidSouth OB/GYN have received award recognition from Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women for their leadership roles. They have also been recognized for excellence in clinical teaching from the University of Tennessee and are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
At MidSouth we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to women’s health; we treat each patient with personalized plans, courtesy, and compassion. We look forward to helping you maximize your health.
MIDSOUTH OB-GYN
Front row: Candace D. Hinote, MD, Judi L. Carney, MD, Faith Price, MD, Robin M. Taylor, MD, and Dominique Butawan-Ali, MD
Back row: Paul D. Neblett, MD, Rob Heusner, MD and Mary Katherine Johnson, MD
LEADING THE FUTURE OF COMPASSIONATE CARDIOVASCULAR CARE
With more than two decades of experience in cardiovascular medicine, Dr. Ritin Bomb has established himself as one of the region’s most trusted and respected cardiologists. As the founder of RK Heart & Vascular Care PLLC, Dr. Bomb is recognized not only for his clinical excellence but also for his deeply compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and physician-vascular interpretation, Dr. Bomb provides comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of cardiac and vascular care. His practice combines advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and cutting-edge cardiovascular technologies to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients.
Dr. Bomb has been voted one of the best cardiologists in Memphis for four consecutive years, a reflection of both his medical expertise and the strong relationships he builds with his patients. Known for taking the time to truly listen, he believes every patient deserves individualized attention, thoughtful guidance, and a clear understanding of their health journey.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bomb has remained committed to innovation and excellence in modern cardiology. From preventive heart health and complex cardiovascular disease management to advanced imaging and vascular care, his mission is to provide world-class care with empathy, precision, and integrity.
Patients and colleagues alike admire Dr. Bomb for his calm demeanor, meticulous diagnostic skills, and unwavering dedication to improving lives. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: exceptional healthcare begins with trust, compassion, and treating every patient like family.
At RK Heart & Vascular Care, Dr. Bomb continues to redefine what personalized cardiovascular care should look like — blending clinical excellence with genuine human connection.
PRADEEP ADATROW DDS, MSD
A TRUSTED NAME IN DENTAL IMPLANTS. Restoring smiles with dental implants is one of Dr. Pradeep Adatrow’s greatest passions. As a board-certified dual specialist with more than 25 years of experience, including 14 years in academic dentistry, Dr. Adatrow brings a rare level of expertise to implant care in the Mid-South. At Advanced Dental Implant & TMJ Center, patients receive advanced solutions for missing teeth, including single implants, snap-on dentures, and full-arch implant treatment. The practice combines leading technology, careful planning, and a compassionate team approach to help patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout treatment.
Recognized by his peers as a Top Dentist from 2020–2026 and selected as Memphis Magazine’s Face of Dental Implants from 2019–2026, Dr. Adatrow has earned a reputation for excellence in implant dentistry. Patients continue to trust him for his experience, precision, and commitment to creating healthy, beautiful, long-lasting smiles.
ADVANCED DENTAL IMPLANT AND TMJ CENTER
7135 Getwell Road, Suite 100 Southaven, MS 38672
662.655.4868 • advanceddentaltmj.com
PASSIONATE ABOUT PEOPLE, PARTICULAR ABOUT TEETH — Established and run by local dentists, Bellano Dental has multiple locations in East Memphis, Bartlett, and Germantown offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Helping patients experience healthier lives and greater confidence through oral health, they also offer veneers, dental implants, clear aligners, and advanced in-office whitening in addition to routine care. The Bellano Dental Savings Plan is available for patients without dental insurance, helping them plan for and prioritize their oral health throughout the year. Visit Dr. Wade Clayton, Dr. Drew Mefford, Dr. Terry Turner, Dr. Beth Kakales, Dr. Dana Henry, Dr. Lance Ashlock, Dr. Katie Bell, Dr. Pat Barnes, and Dr. Gina Harris to experience respectful, empathetic, and informative care at every location, thanks to one united team.
MEMPHIS DERMATOLOGY CLINIC, P.A.
Front row, left to right: Frances K. Lawhead, MD, FAAD, Alex Chantara, MD, FAAD, Buckley Parker, PA-C, Amy Amonette Huber, MD, FAAD, and Mary E. Stephens, FNP-BC
Back row, left to right: Rachel Doerr, FNP-C, DCNP, Leslie Graham, DNP, AGNP-C, Robin Friedman Musicante, MD, FAAD, Emily Overholser, MD, FAAD, F. Gwen Beard, MD, FAAD, and Courtney Woodmansee, MD, FAAD
MEMPHIS DERMATOLOGY CLINIC has been serving the Mid-South for more than 50 years. We provide complete dermatologic care ranging from diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, to Mohs Micrographic surgery, to cosmetic procedures. MDC offers two convenient locations for our patients. In addition to our Midtown clinics on Union Avenue, we have a location in East Memphis at 795 Ridge Lake Blvd. Healthy skin improves your overall health and mindset. Over the last 50 plus years, our legacy and our goal has been to provide exceptional care to all patients. For state-of-the-art skincare, cosmetic, and skin cancer treatments, please call 901.726.6655 for an appointment, or visit MemphisDermatology.com for more information.
MIDTOWN:
1451 & 1455 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
EAST MEMPHIS:
795 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120
901.726.6655 | MemphisDermatology.com
MILES C. MOORE, DDS
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES is what Dr. Miles Moore does best. Dr. Moore, along with the rest of his team at Memphis Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, specializes in the latest dental technologies, while offering an office environment that is both calming and friendly. Not only does Dr. Moore approach each patient with compassion and respect, but he is also committed to finding the best solutions for every dental problem.
Whether you are seeking a complete smile makeover, “invisible” braces, or teeth whitening, Dr. Moore can transform your smile with an array of cosmetic dentistry options. If you are looking for ways to make your or a family member’s smile healthier, the office treats patients of all ages with general dentistry services.
Memphis Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s convenient location and dedication to serving patients has made it a Memphis favorite for years. After one appointment, you’ll see what a difference Dr. Moore makes!
MEMPHIS CENTER FOR FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
725 W. Brookhaven Circle Memphis, TN 38117 901.761.2210
BeautifulSmiles.org
MINESH PATHAK, MD
KIDNEY DISEASE is an often unrecognized, silent disease caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes. The diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related diseases requires an in-depth evaluation of various risk factors. Obesity, vascular abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, and kidney stones have been linked to renal failure. Dr. Pathak is a board-certified Nephrologist and member of The American Society of Nephrology and The National Kidney Foundation. He provides compassionate care with the highest-quality treatment of kidney disease. His goal is to provide early, preventive education along with diagnosis and relevant treatments of specific conditions to lessen the risk of progression to kidney failure and to improve a patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Pathak takes great interest in understanding the needs of his patients and providing them with quality care with the least invasive treatment.
KIDNEY CARE CONSULTANTS
SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC
A LEADER IN BRAIN CARE. Semmes Murphey has stood as a symbol of excellence in medicine and medical innovation for over 100 years. Home to 16 Castle Connolly Top Doctors and ranked #1 in Tennessee for neurological surgery, Semmes Murphey is trusted by hospitals throughout the region for their patients’ brain surgery needs. Whether at your local hospital or at a Semmes Murphey clinic location, this team of neurosurgeons is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for brain tumors, trauma, malformations, aneurysms, epilepsy, and more. Beyond clinical care, their physicians shape the future of brain surgery. They teach and train tomorrow’s neurosurgeons at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and advance the field of brain care through research and clinical trials with the Semmes Murphey Foundation.
BRAIN CARE 6325 Humphreys Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120
901.522.7700 • semmes-murphey.com
SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC
A LEADER IN SPINE CARE. Semmes Murphey Clinic has been a leader in spine care for more than 100 years. Their comprehensive approach to back pain, neck pain, nerve conditions, and injuries is called Whole Spine Care™, which offers the widest range of diagnostic and treatment options in the Mid-South.
Their team of neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and interventional pain specialists provides both conservative therapies and advanced procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), which was pioneered at Semmes Murphey. Through research, clinical trials, and leadership in medical societies, they develop techniques and standards used by spine specialists worldwide. That work supports the compassionate, patient-centered care they provide every day to people across the Mid-South.
NEUROSURGERY & SPINE CARE
semmes-murphey.com
SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC
A LEADER IN PHYSICAL THERAPY. More than half of Semmes Murphey’s back pain patients improve without surgery, and the expertise of our physical therapists plays a critical role in that success. Physical therapy is essential during any healing and rehabilitation phase. Early intervention and education about pain and movement can speed up the return to an active lifestyle. With physicians on-site, their physical therapists confidently guide patients recovering from spine and neurological conditions back to optimal health using modern pain and rehabilitation concepts. As an essential part of the Whole Spine Care™ team, they provide exceptional conservative treatment for back, neck, and nerve conditions.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
6325 Humphreys Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120
901.522.7700
semmes-murphey.com
SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC
A LEADER IN STROKE CARE. Every year, more than 795,000 Americans have a stroke. Semmes Murphey Clinic’s neurovascular team, one of the largest and most experienced in the nation, is here to fight stroke and its devastating effects in the Mid-South and beyond. The physicians are devoted to delivering and researching life-saving interventions for acute stroke and improving care for stroke survivors. Locally and globally, they dedicate themselves to spreading awareness about stroke prevention. Semmes Murphey Clinic’s team also diagnoses and treats various conditions, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, carotid artery stenosis, moyamoya disease, and more.
semmes-murphey.com
VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL PHYSICIANS (VIP) is an outpatient clinic offering convenience and choice to physicians and to patients who refer themselves. VIP consists of seven board-certified interventional radiologists. They treat a wide range of health issues, such as vein insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, uterine fibroids, enlarged prostate, and cancer treatments. VIP is the only clinic of its kind in the Memphis area to perform highly specialized procedures in an out-patient environment. VIP is honored to be a preferred choice for both referring physicians and patients alike. VIP out-patient clinic is located on the 3rd floor of the Briarcrest Professional Building at 6286 Briarcrest Ave., Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38120.
VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL PHYSICIANS
Left to right: Henry Dalsania, MD, John Braun, MD, Will Woodruff, MD, David B Cohen, MD, and Aron Chary, MD
Not Pictured: Daniel Becker, MD, Emilio Cazano, MD, Joel Perchik, MD, and Furqan Syed, MD
OUR NEWEST SERVICES: Tristate Infusion LLC dba Vital Care
Outpatient Infusion Clinic and CanDun Research Institute
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), Am. Gastroenterology Assoc. (AGA), National Medical Assoc., Am. Medical Assoc., Am. College of Gastroenterology, Christian Medical & Dental Assoc., Am. College of Physicians
BOARD CERTIFICATION: Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine
FELLOWSHIPS: American College of Physicians (FACP) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UTHSC Memphis. Also serves as the Medical Director of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine for MLH Memphis. Her area of focus is HIV disease in underserved populations.
youtube.com/@themedicalclass.901
ORTHOSOUTH
WINFRED B. ABRAMS, JR., MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Non-operative spine and interventional procedures, Neuromodulation.
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine
FELLOWSHIP: Pain Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Hershey S. Milton Medical Center, PennState Health — Hershey, PA
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder, Elbow
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1400 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN 38138 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
MARCUS D. BIGGERS II, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports-related injuries, total joint replacement, robotics-assisted knee replacement, shoulder replacement
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Specializes in disorders of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, as well as all sports-related injuries. He also has expertise in shoulder and knee replacement surgery.
5150 Airline Road, Ste 400, Arlington, TN 38002
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
TYLER J. BROLIN, MD Orthopedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (ESSSE/SECEC), Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons (ACESS), American Orthopaedic Association, President of Tennessee Orthopaedic Society LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1900 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 1400 S. Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
DAVID G. BROWN, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports medicine, optimizing sports performance, knee and shoulder injuries
MEMBERSHIPS: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America,Memphis Medical Society, Tennessee Medical Association
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine, Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Jackson, MS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Current head team physician for the NBA G League Memphis Hustle and Harding Academy; also serves as an assistant team physician for the Memphis Grizzlies
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN 38138
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
JAMES H. CALANDRUCCIO, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Orthopaedic hand and wrist surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Society for Surgery of the hand LICENSURES: TN
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
DOUGLAS T. CANNON, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Non-Operative Back & Neck Pain Management, and Orthobiologic Medicine
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation LICENSURES: TN and MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS 38671
2608 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Oxford, MS 38655
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
TYLER A. CANNON, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Repair of fractures, nerves, tendons; nerve decompression; tendinitis; and other injuries
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand
MEMBERSHIPS: American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
FELLOWSHIP: Hand and Microsurgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dr. Cannon also serves as volunteer faculty with UTHSC, team doctor for MUS, and enjoys working with patients at Church Health Center.
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133 1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119 901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
RAUL CARDENAS, MD, FAANS, MBA Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Minimally invasive techniques for complex spine issues, motion preservation surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Neurologic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), North American Spine Society (NASS)
FELLOWSHIP: Minimally-Invasive / Complex Spine Surgery at University of Tennessee / Semmes-Murphey Clinic — Memphis, TN
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Neurosurgeon trained in minimally invasive techniques for complex degenerative, oncologic and traumatic spine pathologies, and a focus on comprehensive spine care
2100 Exeter Road, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
CLAIBORNE A. “CHIP” CHRISTIAN, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports medicine, knee and shoulder surgery, work-related injuries
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Surgery, University of Florida — Gainesville, FL
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dr. Christian also serves as team doctor for Northpoint Christian, Hernando High School, and Olive Branch High School.
7580 Clarington Cove, Southaven, MS 38671 901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
R. JEFFREY COLE, MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hand and wrist, elbow; mini-open techniques, acute injuries, wrist fractures, thumb arthritis, carpal tunnel
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), Tennessee Orthopaedic Society
FELLOWSHIP: Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity at Washington University, Barnes — Jewish Hospital — St. Louis, MO
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
Also covering Arlington | Southaven | Hernando 901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
CHRISTOPHER T. COSGROVE, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Peri-articular fractures, post-traumatic reconstruction, non-union/malunion repairs
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Association, Orthopaedic Trauma Association LICENSURES: TN and MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
JOHN R. CROCKARELL, JR., MD, MBA Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Total Joint Replacement, Hip and Knee Replacement
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Chief of Staff for Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138 1900 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
DAVID A. DENEKA, MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Knee and shoulder injuries, knee and shoulder arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine, American Sports Medicine Institute — Birmingham, AL
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Associate Team Physician for the Memphis Grizzlies and Assistant Clinical Professor at UTHSC
BOARD CERTIFICATION: Am. Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Am. Society for Surgery of the Hand, MS State Medical Society, Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society
FELLOWSHIP: Hand/Upper Extremity/Microsurgery at Hospital for Special Surgery — New York
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Board-certified orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity care; serves as orthopedic hospitalist with OrthoSouth at Baptist Memorial HospitalMemphis; also treats patients at her own Grenada, MS practice.
6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 965 JK Avent Drive, Suite 101, Grenada, MS 38901 901.641.3000 • www.orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
DAVID J. DOWLING, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Non-operative interventional spine treatment (nerve blocks)
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MEMBERSHIPS: Fellow, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tennessee Medical Association (TMA), Spine Intervention Society
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Board certified interventional spine doctor specializing in non-operative spine care, offering treatments such as nerve blocks for orthopedic spine conditions (disc herniations, arthritis, etc.).
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Board of Independent Medical Examiners, American Academy of Hand Surgery (AAHS) FELLOWSHIP: Philadelphia Hand Center — Philadelphia, PA
4515 Poplar Avenue, Suite 206, Memphis, TN 38117
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN 38138
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
CHRISTOPHER A. FERGUSON, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hip and knee reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy, cementless knee replacement, robotic assisted joint replacement
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Tennessee Orthopaedic Society, Memphis Medical Society, AO Trauma
FELLOWSHIP: AO International Trauma at Kantonsspital Graubünden — Chur, Switzerland
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN 38138
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
DANIEL T. FLETCHER, MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Surgery of the hand, wrist, and elbow; minimally invasive hand surgery; endoscopic carpal tunnel release; percutaneous dupuytren’s release; distal radial fracture (wrist fracture) repair
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), Tennessee Medical Association (TMA)
FELLOWSHIP: Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity, The Hand Center of San Antonio — San Antonio, TX
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
7580 Clarington Cove, Southaven, MS 38671
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
TYLER W. FRASER, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Foot and ankle orthopedic conditions, minimally invasive surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIP: American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
FELLOWSHIP: UC Davis/Reno Orthopedic Clinic, Foot and Ankle Fellowship, 2020-2021
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dr. Fraser has authored a number of research papers on foot and ankle issues including hindfoot and midfoot arthritis, turf toe, toe deformities, and related surgical techniques.
1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ORTHOSOUTH
THOMAS V. GIEL, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports medicine, minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, shoulder reconstruction, total shoulder replacement, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, meniscus transplantation
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Am. Board of Ortho. Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Ortho. Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Ortho. Soc. for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Assoc. of North America, Am. Board of Ortho. Surgeons (ABOS)
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine, MS Sports Medicine & Ortho. Center — Jackson, MS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Team physician for the Memphis Grizzlies since 2023
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
7580 Clarington Cove, Southaven, MS 38671
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
MATTHEW J. GILBERT, MD, CAQSM
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Primary Care Sports Medicine
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine LICENSURES: TN and MS
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society
FELLOWSHIP: Combined Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Spine Fellowship, Duke University — Durham, NC
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Special interest in performing robotic spine surgery
ROBERT K. HECK, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hip and Knee Replacement and Oncology
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association LICENSURES: TN
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
WILLIAM “TREY” HESTER III, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Foot and ankle surgery, ankle replacement
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Foot and Ankle Society, Memphis Medical Society, Tennessee Medical Association, Southern Orthopaedic Association
FELLOWSHIP: Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery, The Rothman Institute — Philadelphia, PA
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
JOHN C. HYDEN, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Primary Care Sports Medicine and Sports Concussion
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Board Certification in Family Medicine, Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine
Special Interests: Sports Medicine, Sports Concussion
MEMBERSHIPS: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians LICENSE: TN
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1400 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN 38138
585 S. Mendenhall Rd., Memphis, TN 38117
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ROBERT P. LONERGAN, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Shoulder Arthroscopy, Shoulder Replacement, Sports Medicine, Hip and Knee Arthroscopy
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Memphis Medical Society, Tennessee Orthopaedic Society
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine at Rose Medical Center — Denver, CO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Board-certified, fellowshiptrained orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in sports medicine, specializing in minimally invasive joint restoration and arthroscopy of the shoulder, hip, and knee
1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133 901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
WILLIAM M. MIHALKO, MD, PHD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Primary and Revision Hip and Knee
Replacement Surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The Knee Society, The Hip Society, Orthopaedic Research Society, International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty LICENSURES: TN
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1900 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
G. ANDREW MURPHY, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Foot and Ankle Surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society LICENSURES: TN and MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138
2608 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 102, Oxford, MS 38655
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
MICHAEL D. NEEL, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Bone and soft tissue tumors, hip and knee arthritis
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Association of Bone & Joint Surgeons, International Society of Limb Salvage Surgeons, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society
FELLOWSHIP: Orthopaedic Oncology, University of Florida — Gainesville, FL
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Chief for the Orthopaedic division at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; expert in managing skeletally immature patients with bone cancer, use of oncologic prosthesis in adults and management of osteonecrosis
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
ASHLEY L. PARK, M.D., FACP Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Non-Operative Back & Neck Pain Management, and Orthobiologic Medicine
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Internal Medicine, Fellowship in Nonoperative Spine/Pain Medicine, Subspecialty in Pain Medicine through the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation LICENSURES: TN and MS
BARRY B. PHILLIPS, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Society of North America
LICENSURES: TN, MS, MO
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
CHRISTOPHER M. POKABLA, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports medicine, arthroscopic shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Am. Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), Arthroscopy Assoc. of North America (AANA), TN Medical Association (TMA), Memphis Medical Society
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, MS Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center — Jackson, MS; Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine — New Orleans, LA
4515 Poplar Avenue, Suite 206, Memphis, TN 38117
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN 38138
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
DAVID R. RICHARDSON, MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries, Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery, Foot & Ankle Trauma, Ankle Replacement, Foot and Ankle Deformity
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), American Medical Association (AMA)
LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS 38671
2608 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 102, Oxford, MS 38655 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
CARSON M. RIDER, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Foot and Ankle Sports Injury, Total Ankle Replacement, & Reconstructive Surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, Fellowship Trained in Foot and Ankle Surgery.
MEMBERSHIPS: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
LICENSURES: TN and MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1900 W. Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS 38671
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
CARLOS E. RIVERA, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Non-Operative Back & Neck Pain Management, and Orthobiologic Medicine
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation LICENSE: TN
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1900 W. Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
MATTHEW I. RUDLOFF, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Trauma Surgery, non-union/malunion repairs
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Trauma Association LICENSES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
HENRY L. SHERMAN, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Primary Care Sports Medicine and Sports Concussion
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Family Medicine, Fellowship Trained Primary Care Sports Medicine LICENSURES: TN and MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS 38671 2608 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Oxford, MS 38655 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
JONATHAN M. STUART, DO, FAAPMR Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Orthobiologic medicine, interventional pain management, electrodiagnostics (nerve studies)
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MEMBERSHIPS: Fellow, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dr. Stuart is a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and current team physician for Millington Central High School
ORTHOSOUTH
OWEN B. TABOR, JR., MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Robotics-assisted knee replacement, partial knee replacement, joint replacement (hip and knee)
BOARD CERTIFICATION: Am. Board of Ortho. Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Academy of Ortho. Surgeons (AAOS), TN
Ortho. Society, Memphis Ortho. Society, Southern Ortho. Association
FELLOWSHIP: Carolinas Medical Center-Charlotte, NC, Winkler Orthopaedic Research Fellow
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon focusing on hip and knee replacements, with deep expertise in partial knee arthroplasty and a commitment to advancing joint replacement techniques
1244 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
NORFLEET B. THOMPSON, MD
Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hand, wrist, elbow fracture surgery, peripheral nerve injuries, tendon repairs/reconstructions, and soft tissue coverage of the hand
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS: American Society for Surgery of the Hand Subspecialty Certification in Surgery of the Hand
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand LICENSES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS 38654 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
THOMAS (QUIN) THROCKMORTON, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (ESSSE/SECEC), Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons (ACESS), American Orthopaedic Association, Editor in Chief OrthoInfo.org, 20th Century Orthopaedic Association, ASES Foundation Board of Directors, Neer Circle LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
7887 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, TN 38138 901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
2100 Exeter Road, #200, Germantown, TN 38138
3045 Kate Bond Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
901.641.3000 | orthosouth.org
STEPHEN M. WAGGONER, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Spinal disorders, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, adult reconstruction, total joint replacement
BOARD CERTIFICATION: Am. Board of Ortho. Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: Am. Academy of Ortho. Surgeons (AAOS), North Am. Spine Society (NASS), TN Ortho. Assoc., TN Medical Assoc.
FELLOWSHIP: Spine Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center — Charlotte, NC
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Specializing in spinal disorders and joint replacement. Residency at Emory University, fellowship training at Carolinas Medical Center; pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery in Memphis
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Trauma Association LICENSURES: TN, MS
CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38104
901.759.3111 • www.campbellclinic.com
ORTHOSOUTH
KENNETH S. WEISS, MD Orthopaedics
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Joint replacement, with a focus in the arthroscopic treatment of shoulder and knee
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Arthroscopy Association of North America
FELLOWSHIP: Sports Medicine, Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center — Jackson, MS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Team doctor for Lausanne
Collegiate School sports teams, volunteer with Church Health Center, and associate master instructor at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Chicago
6286 Briarcrest Ave, #200, Memphis, TN 38120
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CAMPBELL CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS
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“We Are Grieving. We Also Are Grateful.”
As Memphis Theological Seminary prepares to close its doors, a meditation on the school that celebrated unity in diversity.
BY DAVID WATERS
The ornate, limestone mansion has stood like a rock on the corner of East Parkway and Union since 1912. It was built for a cotton magnate named Joseph Newberger, a Jewish man who was president of his synagogue but also a member of the local Catholic Club.
Half a century later, it was sold to a small, mostly rural Christian denomination that transformed the big house into a small seminary.
Since 1964, the expansive front porch and marble fountain outside, and the waltzing marble staircase and angelic plaster moldings inside, have welcomed dozens of professors and thousands of students.
Now, after more than six decades of worship, study, and service, Memphis eological Seminary is closing.
irty-six members of the 62nd and fi nal graduating class received their master’s or doctoral degrees last month. e Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s one-and-only seminary will cease operations July 31st. Its spirit will live on.
Its pastors have shared the Good News and cared for all God’s children in hundreds of pulpits, pews, and other sacred spaces inside and outside the church.
Its chaplains have comforted the sick, visited the imprisoned, and counseled wounded hearts, bodies, and souls in hospitals, prisons, and every branch of the Armed Forces.
Its ministers have formed dozens of nonprofits that fed the hungry, housed the homeless, welcomed strangers, and cared for children and adults, and especially “the least of these.”
ose ministries include Manna House and Room in the Inn, Jacob’s Well and Grace Place, HER Faith Ministries and the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, the Memphis School of Servant Leadership, Knowledge Quest, and Crosstown Arts.
Its faculty members have taught generations of families to seek and find and follow their own paths to God — and their individual and collective callings from God.
Families like the Foresters. Byron Forester fi rst enrolled at MTS in 1977. He didn’t stay long. “ e old founders were still teaching then,” Forester recalls. “It was kind of dull. It felt very disconnected from the real world.”
Forester re-enrolled in 2001. He stayed and graduated with a master’s degree in 2007. “ ere was a much livelier vibe when I came back,” he says. “ e faculty really stretched us to get out
from behind the walls of the seminary and into the streets where real theology was taking place.”
Rev. Forester’s daughter, Eleanor, graduated from MTS in 2024. She plans to become a chaplain. Her father and both of her grandfathers became Cumberland Presbyterian ministers. Forester’s ancestors include omas H. Campbell, one of the seven MTS founders.
“MTS served its purpose,” says Forester, now a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). “God called it into being, but callings can change.”
“We are grieving. We also are grateful for how we have been able to serve a richly diverse community of God’s children here in the Mid-South and beyond. This mission has always been larger than any one institution, and it will continue to live on through the transformative leadership of generations of M TS alums serving around the globe.”
— REV. DR. JODY HILL AN MTS GRADUATE AND THE SEMINARY’S NINTH AND FINAL PRESIDENT
Seven white, male professors moved their tiny seminary from Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee, to Memphis in 1964 with “hopes of becoming an interracial, interdenominational, and international” seminary.
eirs was a bold vision from a small, mostly white, mostly small-town denomination founded on the nineteenth-century frontier, in part to ordain men without educational backgrounds.
eirs was an extraordinary vision in a Delta city where white men were blocking Black worshippers from church sanctuaries, and in a deeply patriarchal time when most denominations were blocking women from church pulpits.
And theirs was a biblical vision of “unity in diversity,” held by men who had read Jesus’ prayer for the unity of all believers and the Apostle Paul’s lesson that all believers are “many parts of the same Body of Christ” and that “each has his own special gift from God.”
And it worked.
Among the 57 students who registered for the 1964-1965 school year, 32 were Cumberland Presbyterians, six were Black, and all were male.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Memphis Theological Seminary
Among the 171 students who registered for the 20252026 school year, 23 are Cumberland Presbyterians, 126 are Black, and 89 are female. e seminary’s founding faculty taught courses in Old and New Testament, church doctrine, history and missions, preaching and pastoral counseling. By the 2000s, the same courses were being taught by a multidenominational, multicultural, multinational faculty who also were teaching courses in feminist, womanist, African-American, and Hispanic theology, Judaism, Islam and other faiths, C.S. Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., health and food and the environment.
“That’s what saddens me most about the closure. No other seminary had such diversity, especially in the South but maybe anywhere. That diversity was the actual charism of the place, its spiritual gift to the students and faculty, the community, the broader society.”
— DR. PETER GATHJE
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN, AND PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS
The word “seminary” comes from the Latin word seminarium , which means “seed plot” or “plant nursery.” A seminary became a place where seeds of religious faith and knowledge are planted, nurtured and cultivated.
Over the past six decades, Memphis eological Seminary became a place where a wide variety of spiritual seeds were sown in students from all walks of life and ways of understanding God.
Students who were Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or unaffiliated. Students who were evangelical, mainline, Pentecostal, or undecided.
Students who were baptized as infants, teenagers or adults, with water they were sprinkled with or dunked in.
Students who practiced two ordinances or seven sacraments, who shared communion, the Eucharist, or the Lord’s supper.
Students who held different beliefs about sin and salvation, the divinity of Jesus, the authority of scripture, and the role of the church.
Students who held different views on whether the Bible prohibits abortion, homosexuality, the death penalty, and women in ministry.
By the early 1970s, a majority of MTS students were United Methodist, not Cumberland Presbyterian. Eventually, the student body represented more than 30 denominations.
e more diverse the student body and faculty became, the more the seminary grew.
Annual enrollment exploded from 57 students in
1964 to more than 350 in 2005, with students representing dozens of states and more than a dozen countries.
e full-time faculty expanded from the original seven to 18 with more than 30 adjuncts and visiting faculty from across the country and around the world.
Annual revenue ballooned from $100,000 to nearly $5 million and the endowment to nearly $15 million.
“I don’t think the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination knew what to do with all that diversity. I believe they were committed to the gospel vision of unity in diversity but were sort of stunned when it actually happened. The closing of the seminary is a great loss to theological education and to the community in general.
M TS was a hidden treasure, even if Memphis didn’t know it.”
— DR. VALERIE BRIDGEMAN FORMER ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HEBREW BIBLE / HOMILETICS & LITURGICS
The seminary outgrew the mansion.
In the 1970s, MTS leaders began holding classes and worship services across the street in roomy Lindenwood Christian Church. By the 1990s, MTS students were filling Lindenwood’s parking lot.
e seminary was spreading out. It bought six duplexes and 12 apartments just east of the mansion to provide student housing. e three-car garage behind the house was turned into a student center with more office space. A four-story addition on the back of the house made room for the seminary’s burgeoning library, which grew from 3,600 to 80,000 titles.
In 1986, MTS officials bought the big house next door and turned it into Cumberland Hall. In 2006, they bought the big house next door to that and turned it into Hilliard Hall.
e flourishing seminary attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in theology. Carl F.H. Henry, James Cone, Walter Brueggemann, and Renita Weems were among the celebrated scholars who came to talk and to listen.
In 1997, MTS invited a Presbyterian minister named Fred Rogers to deliver that year’s commencement address. Mr. Rogers — as he was known on his beloved children’s TV show — had kind words for the seminary.
“For many years, this school has been helping people to become advocates for the most essential good news in all of history,” he said. “ e news that, in the mind and the heart of the eternal, we human beings have value. at we are partners with God in forgiveness, and the space between any two of us is holy ground.”
MTS faculty and students found and nourished that holy ground. In classroom lectures and discussions. In large worship services and small groups. During shared meals and shared moments in the student center, hallways, and the parking lot.
Faculty set the tone and modeled the mission.
Dr. Colvin Baird was one of the seven founding professors. Rev. Dr. Henry Logan Starks was MTS’s first Black graduate and a legendary professor of church history. In 1968, they both marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on behalf of striking sanitation workers and joined dozens of leaders who demanded justice after King was assassinated.
Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, a black woman, taught womanist and feminist theology and led liturgical dances. Dr. W.E. “Knick” Knickerbocker, a white man, taught church history and came to MTS in 1973 because of its “commitment to Orthodox Christianity.” In 2005, at Knickerbocker’s retirement ceremony, Bridgeman wrote and recited a “A Prayer and Anointing” for the professor and his wife, and washed their feet.
Dr. Paul Brown was a learned, longtime professor of homiletics and worship. Ed Shannon was a learned, longtime campus caretaker and security guard. eir lively, impromptu theological debates were as illuminating as they were entertaining. In 2003, the student center was named Brown-Shannon Hall in their honor.
“You’d have this amazing collection of students — a nondenominational AfricanAmerican lesbian, a white Episcopal gay man, a white male evangelical, and a black Pentecostal, and so on. You wouldn’t have agreement, but you’d have these tender, openhearted conversations across the differences with people who knew and loved each other. Where else would that happen in Memphis?”
—REV. DR. LEE RAMSEY RETIRED PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND HOMILETICS
inary had become too liberal, too unorthodox, and too far removed from its nineteenth-century Cumberland Presbyterian roots. Others thought it wasn’t moving fast enough into the twenty-first century.
The generous seminary opened its heart, mind, and soul to all.
Dr. Mary Lin Hudson, the seminary’s first female professor, encouraged thousands of women to follow their calling. She taught preaching and worship. “If what we do isn’t worshiping God, then why are we here?” she told students. ey worshipped more.
Dr. Mitzi Minor, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister who was raised Southern Baptist, taught the New Testament. “Regular churchgoers are the worst readers of the Bible,” she told students. ey read harder.
Dr. Steve Parrish, who always wore sandals, blue jeans and a ponytail, and played blues guitar, taught the Old Testament. “Don’t just read the Psalms as words on a page. Listen to them as poems and hymns,” he told students. ey listened harder.
Faculty and students didn’t always find unity in diversity at the seminary.
Over the years, there were concerns and disagreements about the need for inclusive language, the role of women in ministry, the appropriateness of classes in Judaism and Islam, and whether and when education becomes indoctrination.
Some students, faculty, and trustees thought the sem-
Dr. Stan Wood, who led the doctoral program, and who served for years as general secretary and stated clerk of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, a historically black denomination, taught church history and worship. “Sermons are meant to be heard, not read,” he told them in his deep, baritone voice. ey heard his conviction.
Dr. Barbara Holmes, who grew up in the Pentecostal church, was ordained in two mainline denominations, and later became president of United eological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She taught Christian ethics and African American studies. “You are always seen, deeply known, and eternally loved by God,” she told them. ey felt her joy.
“It could get messy sometimes with that beautiful mix of people, but it was a remarkable place to explore together what it means to have a call from God and to answer that call. We worked at having conversations, not arguments. Praying together, reading scripture together, we usually found out we had a lot more in common than we realized.”
— REV. DR. MITZI MINOR PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT
In 2014, the seminary’s leaders launched a $25 million capital campaign. ey wanted to build a new chapel, add more student housing, and fund several endowed faculty positions.
By then, enrollment had been declining for years. Larger forces were at work. U.S. birthrates were fall-
Memphis Theological Seminary
ing. So were the number of people attending churches and, consequently, the number of churches and pastor positions.
Mainline churches, in particular, were getting older, grayer — and either bluer or redder as debates over abortion, immigration and LGBTQ issues turned heated, partisan, and divisive.
Entire denominations split up. Younger generations left church or never joined. Nearly half of those born after 1996 do not identify with a religious tradition. Only a quarter of them attend a religious service once a week or more.
Over the past 50 years, the number of active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church fell by two-thirds, from about 90,000 to about 30,000. Fewer Cumberland Presbyterian students enrolled in MTS.
Meanwhile, other seminaries were pulling students away with online degree programs, free tuition, or special scholarships for students from their own denominations.
e Memphis seminary tried everything to accommodate changing lifestyles, interests, demographics, and technologies. Traditional on-campus class schedules were adjusted to online and hybrid models. Faculty received training in online pedagogy.
e seminary focused more attention on core populations, launching e Methodist House of Studies, e Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies, e House of Black Church Studies, and Women in Ministry.
Faculty and staff won millions of dollars in grants to start other innovative new programs: Sustaining Pastoral Excellence, Pastoral Wholeness and Chaplaincy Studies, and Faith and Imagination.
“We chose to maintain a progressive theology because we valued diversity. The denomination wasn’t entirely comfortable with that, and, at times, resisted. But you have to be flexible when you’re trying to help students understand and appreciate other traditions.”
— DR. MARY LIN HUDSON RETIRED PROFESSOR OF HOMILETICS AND LITURGICS
The founders’ hopes of becoming an ecumenical and interracial seminary came true. As faculty, curricula, and academic leadership became more diverse, so did the student body.
Holmes was the first African-American woman to become vice president of academic affairs and dean at a U.S. seminary. She was followed by Wood and Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, an MTS grad and general secretary for the CME Church.
e seminary’s doctoral program has been led by Wood, Dr. Christopher Davis, and Dr. Christy W. Woodbury-Moore. Dr. Farris Blount, who taught theology at MTS, has been hired to lead the DMin program at the Perkins School of eology in Dallas. Wood, Holmes, and Bridgeman created the MTS Institute for eology and the Arts. Notable graduates include Rev. Kirk Whalum, a Grammy Award-winning musician who calls himself “a minister who holds a saxophone.” Whalum’s master’s thesis became a series of recordings called “ e Gospel According to Jazz.”
Dozens of other high-profi le Memphis-area ministers have been drawn to the seminary. e alumni roll includes the Reverend Doctors Lee R. Brown, Earle Fisher, Cozette Garrett, LaSimba Gray, Andre Johnson, James Netters, Roz Nichols, Keith Norman, Gina Stewart, Kenneth Whalum Jr., and Dorothy Sanders Wells.
Davis, senior pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in South Memphis since 2000 and an MTS graduate, returned to the seminary to lead its doctoral studies program. He added new intensive tracks in such topics as Womanist Preaching that attracted high-profi le visiting professors and dozens of new students.
Under his guidance, annual enrollment in the DMin program grew from about two dozen to more than 100. By 2020, the seminary had more students seeking doctoral degrees than master’s degrees.
Davis left MTS in 2023 to become interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College. He was appointed permanent president in 2024. Gathje and Fisher joined him. Together they are launching a new bachelor’s degree program in religion.
“M TS was a force for social justice and liberation, but it failed the final test by not choosing Chris Davis as president. His DM in program and his connections in the Black community kept that seminary afloat for more than a decade, but he’s not white and he’s not Presbyterian, so he wasn’t chosen. And now the seminary is closing. It is a sad thing.”
— REV. DR. EARLE FISHER PROFESSOR
OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATION AND AFRICANA
STUDIES AND DEAN OF CHAPEL AT LEMOYNE-OWEN COLLEGE, MTS GRAD, AND FORMER ADJUNCT FACULTY
The seminary got quiet again in 2020. e pandemic pushed faculty and students off campus and online. Like many institutions, MTS never quite recovered.
In 2022, President Hill told trustees that MTS would need to increase its $15 million endowment to $40 million to remain open in the years ahead. In 2023, Hill told trustees that MTS would need to generate about $1 million annually in new revenue or cost savings to continue its mission.
e board authorized Hill to explore possible mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships that would keep the seminary open and accredited. MTS officials had formal conversations with mainline Protestant seminaries in Atlanta, Dallas, St. Louis, and Tulsa. All hit a snag.
“MTS’s legal status as an entity of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church posed a significant barrier to progress,” Hill told trustees in late 2024.
In the summer of 2025, the denomination’s General Assembly declined to give up its ownership of MTS or control of its endowment.
Last November, the Association of Theological Schools, which accredits graduate theology schools in the U.S., put MTS on probation. “ e school does not have sufficient and stable financial resources to achieve its mission with educational quality and financial sustainability,” ATS reported.
In December, MTS trustees recommended that the seminary be closed July 31st. In late January, the denomination’s General Assembly agreed.
MTS students who didn’t graduate in May will be allowed to continue their studies without cost at Perkins School of eology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
“This whole city has been helped by M TS . The seminary was like this light helping us all understand the true spirit and love of God, keeping at bay
all the
forces of divisiveness and destruction. You don’t miss the water till the well runs dry.”
— REV. DR. ANDRE JOHNSON, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF RELIGION AND PUBLIC THEOLOGY AND AN MTS GRADUATE.
A two-story, red brick wall in front of a Chick-fil-A on Union Avenue is all that remains of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s former national headquarters. e neo-Gothic building, which opened when the denomination moved from Nashville to Memphis in 1951, was razed when the denomination moved to Cordova in 2009.
ere are no plans to raze Joseph Newburger’s home. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is expected to be preserved in its original architectural design, and in the memories of thousands of people who found a home there.
“We didn’t just build a seminary. We built a community,” says Rev. Dr. Barry Anderson, an MTS graduate and Cumberland Presbyterian minister who became director of student services. “We had meals together, faculty and students. We prayed and worshipped together. We had frank and sometimes hard conversations, but with love and respect. We ministered to the community and to each other.”
e education of ministers was one of the reasons the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formed in 1810.
A religious revival led by Presbyterians that blazed along the Kentucky-Tennessee frontier in the early 1800s inspired the formation of dozens of churches and created a shortage of ministers.
To meet the demand, a tiny presbytery in Middle Tennessee began ordaining and licensing men who lacked religious education. Many were suspended by the larger denomination. Some of them organized an independent Cumberland Presbytery.
e new group grew into a separate denomination and began training its own ministers at Cumberland College just east of Nashville, then at Bethel College in rural West Tennessee, and since 1964, at Memphis eological Seminary.
e Joseph Newburger House became Founders Hall. e paneled oak library, pretty sunroom, and parlor became administrative offices; the second-floor bedrooms became classrooms; the dining room became a conference room for faculty and trustees; and the ballroom transformed into a chapel.
MTS’s fi rst graduating class in 1965 included the late Rev. LaRoyce Brown, who became a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. So did his son, Rev. Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, a 1986 graduate who was named MTS president in 2005. So did his grandson, Rev. Paul Earheart-Brown, who graduated from MTS in 2018.
“It’s deeply sad but not surprising that MTS is closing,” says Earhart-Brown, who retired as president in 2018 and became a truck driver. “It’s a free-standing seminary with declining enrollment rooted in a small and shrinking denomination. But it was a wonderful vision. And it’s amazing that it actually happened.”
ALL ROADS LEAD TO GR EENVILLE
The Mississippi port town, a wellspring of musical talent, gave the Magnolia State its song.
BY ALEX GREENE
The history and legacy of Greenville, Mississippi, echoes that of Memphis in many ways, right down to its penchant for producing musicians. Also a river town, Greenville has attracted a wide diversity of souls — key to its creative milieu — since its founding in 1870. At least that’s when the most enduring version of the town was established, after the first Greenville, closer to Natchez, was abandoned earlier in the nineteenth century and the second Greenville was destroyed by Union troops in
the Civil War. For this bustling burg, the third time was the charm. is final version of the town thrived in the cotton economy over which the wealthy white elites presided, and, like Beale Street in Memphis, by the 1940s and ’50s, all that commercial activity made Greenville a hub of Black culture in the Delta. It was uniquely situated in that long stretch of terrain between Vicksburg and Memphis, and the blues clubs lining Greenville’s Nelson Street drew on the musical genius of the surrounding lands.
Even today, the town remains the perfect base from which to explore that regional genius, still springing up in the many smaller towns, plantations, and roadside juke joints that dot the Delta’s landscape. It’s certainly manifest during Greenville’s two great annual festivals. e Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, launched in 1977, is the oldest continuously running blues festival in the world, and hosts some stellar talents. (It’s scheduled for September 19th this year.) Yet other fests are just as well-curated, such as the Sam Chatmon Blues Festival (September 26th) and the Delta Hot Tamale Festival (October 15-17th).
In fact, the Delta is bursting with music festivals, mainly showcasing local talent. Not coincidentally, due to the depth of this regional musical bench, Greenville has always had a direct connection with Memphis, as the musicians here and there will attest.
EDEN BRENT AND BOB DOWELL
Underscoring that point, it was in Memphis that I caught up with Greenville native Eden Brent while she was attending the Blues Music Awards. e pianist is no stranger to the BMAs or the Blues Foundation, having first gained recognition as a winner of its 2006 International Blues Challenge, later winning BMAs for Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year in 2009, not to mention snagging the “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player” honor there last year. And right after we spoke, she garnered another BMA as this year’s Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award).
More importantly, she’s carrying the torch of the older blues pianists she learned from, particularly Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, a Delta native who led bands in Detroit for years before opting for the quieter life back home, tuning pianos. Beginning in the ’70s, one could often hear his blues and boogie-woogie stylings at Delta music festivals. In 1980, he settled in Greenville and soon took Brent under his wing. Her apprenticeship led to an epic musical partnership, celebrated in the 1999 television documentary, Boogaloo & Eden: Sustaining the Sound, culminating in a national tour and an appearance at the Kennedy Center. at run was a great last hurrah before Ames died in 2002 at the age of 83.
Today, Brent is quick to point out the others she learned from back in the day. “ ere were quite a few people,” she says. “ ere was Eugene Powell, whose stage name was Sonny Boy Nelson, and Son omas, and a fellow named Little Bill Wallace, and T Model Ford. So quite a few of the Greenville acts — or from Leland, right there next to Greenville — were people that I knew personally. And I think that helped make me a little bit more of a cosmopolitan person, for somebody who lives in such a small town as this.”
Yet Brent appreciates that Greenville is itself cosmopolitan in its own way: “I proudly say that Greenville is the county seat of Washington County, Mississippi, which was the first county to go wet! Back when the state legislature finally voted in alcohol.” She notes that this was quite in keeping with the idiosyncratic figures her hometown tended to harbor. “ ere’s quite a few funny things about Greenville,” Brent adds. “A lot of colorful characters.”
She made Greenville a bit more cosmopolitan when she married Bob Dowell from London, and he settled into Mississippi life with
her in 2015. As anyone who’s seen him perform with Brent knows, he’s not just any bloke, but an A-list trombone virtuoso, bassist, session man, arranger, and composer who worked in and around London for years. Playing venues from the Royal Albert Hall to Jools Holland’s Later, he chiefly played ska, reggae, salsa, and African music.
But jazz was always his first love. In addition to accompanying his wife on bass, he released his own jazz album in 2017, Mississippi Slide!, using the cream of the Memphis crop: Tony omas on organ, Art Edmaiston on tenor sax, the late Tim Goodwin on bass, and Tom Lonardo on drums.
With songs like “Crawdaddy Blues” and “Southern Skies,” that album is a sure sign that Dowell had no trouble acclimating to Greenville. In fact, the local airwaves may have seeped into his very playing. “On the radio, I can always flick through and find some Southern soul and gospel,” he says. “I love the bass players. I check out the people in church playing their six-string basses. People here have a different groove, a different feel to people back home. So I’d say I kind of pick up things through osmosis.”
SID SELVIDGE
If Greenville has become more worldly or cosmopolitan over the years, that’s quite a change from when one of its most celebrated sons decided to leave for good. For that very reason, the name Sid Selvidge may mean more to Memphians than anyone in his hometown. To hear his son Steve tell it, you might say his late father’s relationship with Greenville was “complicated.”
“ e thing is, my dad’s father passed when my dad was, like, 12 years old,” Selvidge explains. With the family’s plans thrown into chaos, Sid and his brother “both got sent to a military school. at dovetailed, or should I say ‘ducktailed,’ perfectly with the late 1950s sense of rebellion. And my dad, being the younger of Irish twins, had a lot to rebel against.”
Sid Selvidge eventually attended Southwestern (now Rhodes
When Eden Brent married Bob Dowell, he left London to live in her native Greenville.
Sid Selvidge and his son, Steve, photographed before Sid’s passing in 2013. Greenville’s literary tradition profoundly affected Sid’s songwriting.
Maintenance Now Prevents Disaster Later
College) and blossomed musically in Memphis, befriending old-time bluesmen like Furry Lewis and going on to record many albums showcasing the otherworldly resonance of his voice. His son notes that it was another celebrated aspect of Greenville life, its literary tradition, that really made its mark on his father’s trajectory. “He talked quite fondly about his grandfather, who wrote a book,” says Steve.
And Selvidge was not alone. With a host of poets, journalists, historians, and novelists born there or growing up there, including Walker Percy and Shelby Foote, Greenville has long stood out as perhaps the most bookish city in the Delta. And, as Steve Selvidge points out, that’s part of what made his father a little different.
“I think that influenced my dad’s songwriting,” he says, “and it certainly bolstered his academic side. My dad loved academics. He loved school. If there’s a heaven, he’s in the stacks somewhere, with three different papers and a dissertation he’s working on.”
Indeed, Sid Selvidge may be the only Memphis music star to have an advanced degree in cultural anthropology and to have taught classes in the field on a regular basis. For that, we and all his former students have Greenville to thank.
REVEREND ROBERT MORTIMER
At least one younger Greenville native musician, on the other hand, will never leave. “I grew up here, and I’ll be here until I die, I guess,” says Rev. Robert Mortimer, one of the city’s most dynamic performers. He may just be one of those vivid characters that Brent mentioned. For starters, his day job is running the family business, the Mortimer Funeral Home. And while that may give him a certain insight into the human condition as a songwriter, it’s really his onstage presence that sticks with you. With a horn section decked out in choir robes, he delivers a
Reverend Robert Mortimer learned guitar from the bluesmen who frequented Nelson Stree t in his youth.
Find Your Seat
In Greenwood, food is more than a meal. It’s a story, a rhythm and one thing is for sure… you’ll never leave hungry. At Fan & Johnny’s, a James Beard nominated chef turns Southern roots into something unexpected with fresh Gulf seafood layered over creamy grits and finished with bright citrus and a touch of heat. It’s thoughtful, a little bold and deeply connected to place. Simple, elevated and unforgettable, Greenwood invites you to slow down, savor every bite and Find Your Beat from the Heart of the Delta.
heady mix of blues, funk, and blue-eyed soul with some very James Brown-like moves.
But while his manner is carefree, Mortimer is dead serious about carrying on the music he picked up from older Greenville players as a kid. “I’ve been playing music since I was in my teens,” he says. “I used to take guitar lessons from blues musicians, and then I’d sneak backstage and watch them play. Eventually, in my late teens, they started letting me on stage with them. Willie Foster was one guy from back in the day. Walter Horn, aka Mississippi Slim. John Horton. Bill Wallace. And Roosevelt ‘Booba’ Barnes had a club on Nelson Street. All those guys eventually just started letting me get on stage with them.”
Now, he finds that many of those greats have passed away. “Back in the ’90s,” Mortimer says, “there was a huge blues musician base here, with about 20 of them living here in town. And hell, I think all but four of them are dead now, but back then, they were everywhere and they played every night somewhere around town.”
Still, he sees much promise in Greenville. “ e main thing is, we’ve got a lot of good restaurants, like Doe’s Eat Place and Sherman’s,” he says, “and we’ve got a lot of things that we can take advantage of.” Mortimer also points to Greenville’s many festivals, especially the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival. “ at’s an authentic blues festival,” he says. “A lot of underground blues acts come to that. It’s as real as you can get. ere’s nothing corporate about that. It’s just down home in the middle of the cotton fields.” He and his group play it every three years or so, but he’s also used to working the regional circuit.
“I spend most of my time between New Orleans and the Panhandle down there, Austin, and Memphis,” he continues. “I love playing in Memphis. I lived there for a little bit, and I’ve got a lot of friends up there in bands. I record in Memphis a lot, too.”
STEVE AZAR
Even as Mortimer bemoans the dwindling of the ranks of local blues players, Greenville also boasts a bona-fide country star in its midst. In fact, in what was arguably the most moving show of hometown dedication one could imagine, Steve Azar, who had his fi rst hit in the country charts 25 years ago with “I Don’t Have to Be Me (’Til Monday),” left Nashville to return home in 2011. He hasn’t looked back, nor has he felt too constrained by his “country” tag. Azar first learned guitar from bluesman Sonny Boy Nelson, his breakthrough
Doe’s Eat Place is a prime purveyor of that Delta specialty, the tamale, also celebrated every year at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival.
Steve Azar returned to Greenville after finding success in Nashville.
album featured blues guitarist Sonny Landreth, and he’s more recently collaborated with Cedric Burnside on a record cut at the Delta Music Institute at Delta State University in nearby Cleveland, where Azar works with students as an artist-in-residence. is is an artist deeply engaged with his native land, and that was made most clear in 2017, when Azar was named Music and Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi by then-governor Phil Bryant. Soon after, Azar’s song “One Mississippi” was named the official state song of Mississippi, a dramatic sign of progress for many. As an AP headline bluntly put it, “‘One Mississippi’ replaces the state song that had racist roots.”
But it may be on the local level of Greenville that Azar has had the most impact. Eden Brent, with her usual generosity of spirit, enthuses about what Azar has built in their hometown. “He has this engagement with the Viking cruise lines,” she says. “So whenever Viking does the Memphis to New Orleans river cruise, they stop in Greenville, and Steve Azar hosts this performance and lunch. ey bring passengers in, serve them lunch, and there’s a series
WHILE YOU’RE IN GREENVILLE STAY
◗ The Belmont 1857 Bed & Breakfast
◗ Hotel 27
◗ Harlow’s Casino Resort
◗ The Lofts at 517
DINE
◗ Doe’s Eat Place
◗ Downtown Grille
◗ Louie’s Fine Steaks
◗ Sherman’s at South Main
DO
◗ Museum of the Delta
◗ Winterville Mounds
◗ Greenville Cypress Preserve
◗ Highway 61 Blues Museum
◗ Birthplace of Kermit the Frog
of entertainers. en Steve comes on, and they have a series of guest speakers who tell a little bit about the history of Greenville.”
at show, Steve Azar’s Mississippi, can then be augmented with further excursions into the Delta, visiting B.B. King’s Blues Museum in nearby Indianola, learning about Delta agriculture, or seeing the Greenville Cypress Preserve. For Brent, the arrival of the Viking River Tours and their collaboration with Azar has been one of the city’s greatest new opportunities, reveling in the diversity a port town can attract, built on the formidable musical legacy of the city.
“I believe they set an example that a lot of the rest of the citizens like myself have tried to follow: to make Greenville an interesting place, to be open-minded and welcoming,” she says. “I think people have the same thing in Memphis. All along the riverways, you find more open-minded people, because they’re more accustomed to commerce and different things, different people coming in. So that aspect of it has made it exceptional, I think, and far against the grain of the old stereotypes.”
Eden Brent says her time with local maestros helped take her music ar ound the world.
SA LLY JONES HEINZ Feeding the Need
MIFA’S OUTGOING LEADER
LOOKS TO YEARS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PAST AND FUTURE.
BY JON W. SPARKS
In January, Sally Jones Heinz announced that she would retire from her role at the helm of the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) this summer, after 15 years. Last month, MIFA named a new leader, Dorcas Young Griffin. Heinz’s last day is June 30th, and before her departure, we talked with her about what matters most.
DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, FOR MIFA OUR MISSION WAS JUST SO CLEAR: SUPPORT VULNERABLE SENIORS AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS. WE HAD TO KEEP FEEDING THOSE FAMILIES DEPENDING ON US, AND REALLY BE PREPARED TO HELP FAMILIES WHO WERE GOING TO BE FACING CHALLENGES.
SALLY JONES HEINZ
In her 30s, Sally Jones Heinz was making a difference globally.
It wasn’t enough.
She was working in fundraising consulting around the world, but she didn’t feel fulfilled. “What became very clear to me,” she says, “was that I needed to be someplace that was local and had a mission of impacting the local community.”
For her, that meant working at her alma mater, Rhodes College, then at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, at Memphis Heritage as executive director, and eventually for MIFA.
“I have loved all of those places,” she says. “But I do have to say that MIFA is uniquely special. It’s why I have been here for almost 20 years.”
Heinz, the president and CEO of MIFA, announced in January that she’d be retiring in June. Her tenure there has been the fulfillment of what seems like her destiny, from growing up in a civic- and community-minded family to studying education, the arts, historic preservation, and human services.
Her father was Jameson Jones, a dean at Rhodes College and later president of Memphis College of Art. He instilled her love of learning and inspired her with his activism in civil rights. Her mother, Dorothy, was a volunteer at the food pantry at Evergreen Presbyterian Church and tutored elementary students, while teaching her daughter the virtues of loyalty and commitment. Her uncle was the Rev. Paul Tudor Jones, longtime pastor at Idlewild Presbyterian Church and also a civil rights advocate. He was instrumental in the development of what would become MIFA, and no small influence on young Sally.
It’s no wonder that she would see the benefit of people from all walks of life coming together in their determination to lift the city. e programs have defined MIFA as much as those who carry them out. Meals on Wheels feeds 2,000-plus seniors in four counties (Shelby, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Fayette). Rent and mortgage assistance is made available for working families facing challenges.
Other programs reach different needs in different ways. MIPhone Buddy has volunteers making calls to homebound seniors, maybe just a check-in “how ya doing?”, maybe a birthday greeting, or maybe asking about the grandkids. Pet Food Deliveries delivers nutrition to companion animals, and in Long-Term Care Om-
Sally Jones Heinz
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budsman, trained volunteers visit nursing homes and monitor conditions. ere’s also the Claris Companion Tablets — easy-touse tablet computers for seniors that let them stay in touch.
Heinz’s leadership has paved the way for innovations beyond the obvious. But her abilities to raise funds, keep volunteers engaged, and come up with fresh approaches for MIFA were put to the test when the Covid pandemic hit. Of course, it was a challenge for nearly everyone dealing with disruption in their lives, their businesses,
their passions, their routines. But for Heinz, it was crucial that MIFA find ways to survive, since the recipients of its services were being hurt the worst.
At the beginning, nobody knew how severe the pandemic would be, how long it would last, and how communities would react. But, as Heinz notes, the guiding principles of the organization provided a solid starting point.
“For MIFA, our mission was just so clear: support vulnerable seniors and families in crisis. We had to keep feeding these folks depending on us, and really be prepared to help families who are going to be facing challenges,” she says. “So, our VP of meals said, ‘I’m going to go buy frozen food, whatever I can do.’ Our CFO said, ‘I’ll go to Best Buy and get some laptops. We’ve got to get everybody ready to do this.’ And our emergency assistance application was already online. We had to pivot.” ese were immediate and necessary responses, but MIFA had to figure out how to do things differently over time, and in the process, ended up expanding capacity. “We served more meals and we helped
more families because the city gave us one of their emergency grants for $3.5 million,” Heinz says. “We had to get that out the door and we did it. But we also learned new ways of doing things so that we emerged a better organization: more innovative, more flexible and adaptable, and able to do things different ways.”
The Meals on Wheels program, which uses the largest number of volunteers, was affected instantly. “We had delivered hot meals five days a week,” she said. “With the loss of our volunteer army
WE LEARNED NEW WAYS OF DOING THINGS, SO THAT WE EMERGED A NEW ORGANIZATION: MORE INNOVATIVE, MORE FLEXIBLE, AND ADAPTABLE.
SALLY
JONES HEINZ
during Covid, we figured we could deliver hot meals two days a week and take three frozen or shelf-stable meals, or some variation of that. We had to get the same amount of meals to people, but have fewer delivery days and different logistics.”
Heinz figured that when the pandemic was over, people would want to go back to five hot meals a week. “But they were saying, ‘No, we like the three days and then we get this frozen and we can eat it when we want.’ Many have dialysis or doctor’s appointments or whatever, and this arrangement gives them flexibility.” And now, that’s how it’s done.
Another example of how Covid forced a better way of doing things was directly connected to people showing up to get help. They couldn’t do that in the height of the pandemic. “Families used to come to MIFA to apply for assistance. The waiting room would be full and they’d be there with kids and couldn’t get them to school,” Heinz says. “That’s the way it had always been done. But when everyone had to go online, we realized online was really a more dignified and better way. They didn’t have to come and sit and be seen asking for help.”
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A byproduct of that meant the staff of social workers were missing the face-toface encounters. But for the families, the pivot online made service more efficient, impactful, and quicker. Another benefit was that the team was spending more time on the phone than before, and that’s how the MIPhone Buddy came about. ere still were lingering issues that Heinz had to deal with, the most pressing of which was building back the army of volunteers. MIFA was and is a great collaborative, collective way to make a difference, but that was punctured in 2020. “Understandably,” she says, “people had said, ‘I can’t do that right now.’ Plus a lot of volunteers had retired.”
This is where MIFA’s engagement staff comes in. Heinz says that they’re out speaking to congregations, corporations, and clubs, recruiting volunteers. And those folks talk it up and get others involved.
And it’s largely because MIFA, with the leadership of Heinz, has nurtured the community to accept the importance of volunteering for something that makes a palpable difference in building the city.
But if it’s the completion of a chapter, it’s hardly the end of the book. Heinz reflects about the organization’s future: “When I say that I think MIFA is needed now more than ever, I don’t say that with despair,” she says. “Yes, senior hunger is a real challenge in our community and MIFA needs to be there to serve more, and working families have challenges with affordable housing. But MIFA’s interfaith — our vision of bringing people together — is needed now more than ever in our culture where people seem to want to dispute or be at odds.”
MIFA can be that place, she says, “where you may not agree on everything, but you can agree that helping a hungry senior is important.”
From Blue to Brew
Meet the woman pulling the taps at Lucchesi’s Beer Garden.
BY BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN
Isay. “I guess you put away a lot of bad guys.”
“Yeah, well, that’s normally what we deal with — bad guys. When I started in the 1970s, women were not really working anywhere in the department except maybe in the jail and in the courts. ere was just a handful of us. I saw a lot of big changes through the years.”
Lucchesi worked her way up through the ranks to supervisor and then to chief inspector, serving under nine different sheriffs. In 2020, she decided it was time to change things up.
“I remember sitting at work one day,” she says. “And I thought, ‘I’m paying for a retirement that I’m already maxed out in and I still have some compassion in my heart.
’m a cop turned barmaid,” says Nancy Lucchesi, with a laugh. “I actually just volunteer here to help Tony and Basma …” e words are barely out of her mouth when Lucchesi’s young granddaughter, Amira, speaks up to defend her honor: “ at’s not really true. She says she just helps my dad, but actually she does really work here.”
So that’s straightened out.
My interview with Lucchesi is taking place in a booth at her son and daughter-in-law’s establishment, Lucchesi’s Beer Garden, and Amira is a charming part of the package.
“How did you become a cop?” I ask Nancy.
Suddenly, Amira gets distracted, crawls over her grandmother, and heads elsewhere,
bored with the guy asking questions. Lucchesi smiles and continues, unfazed.
“I was born and raised in Memphis,” she says, “and after I graduated from Whitehaven High School, I went to work one summer for the Sheriff ’s Department — and stayed for 47 years. I became a law enforcement officer.”
“ at’s a long time,” I
I’m going to leave while I still love people.’”
Lucchesi’s son, Tony, and his wife, Basma, had just taken over Raffe’s Deli from Basma’s parents and Lucchesi decided she wanted to help them out with their new venture. “I have a nice pension,” she says, “so I just volunteered.” at volunteer job has grown to seven days a week, so Lucchesi has obviously found a new calling.
“I love it here,” she says. “I tend the bar and work as a server. And I’m also the one who likes to clean stuff up. I do it for physical and mental health. I’ve been working since I was 14 and I just couldn’t stay home.”
“I assume you’ve had to learn a lot about beer,” I say.
“My son has taught me everything I know because he is a beer enthusiast. And Basma is the one who keeps everything in check. She grew up in this business. We serve great food: baba ghanouj, hummus, salads, and a lot of wonderful sandwiches. Tony comes up
with the sandwich of the month. is is their place. ey built it from scratch,” she says, proudly.
“So what have you learned about beer?” I ask.
“People will ask you to pick a beer for them and you have to find out what their style is first — sweet, sour, dry, whatever,” she says. “One of my first jobs here was to stock the cooler. Tony alphabetizes everything by style, so that’s how I learned the styles. And I always try to at least sip any beer we serve, so I have an idea of what to recommend to people if they ask for a certain flavor.”
“What’s in style these days?”
“A lot of the younger generations like sweet and sour pastry beers,” says Lucchesi.
“Pastry beer? at’s definitely a new one for me.”
“Why don’t you try one?” she asks, as we head to the bar.
I’m not one to argue with a law enforcement officer, so a moment later a beer with the unlikely name of Piña Pony Club is sitting before me. It’s described on the can as a “fruited sour dragonfruit Mai ai” and it’s from Oozlefinch Beers and Blending of Fort Monroe, Virginia. at’s a lot to take in, and I’m guessing I won’t like it much, because I’m a crabby beer traditionalist and “Oozlefinch” just bugs me.
But it’s not bad at all. It’s a tangy, fizzy concoction and could be a nice light alternative to a cocktail on a hot day. Maybe even with ice? I just had to get over my expectation of what beer is “supposed” to taste like. It was a case of arrested development, I guess. Har. Sorry. Don’t make me pull this story over.
Anyway, go cop a beer from Nancy Lucchesi. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s got you covered.
Lucchesi’s Beer Garden, 84 S. Reese Street
Nancy Lucchesi serves a Piña Pony Club, in a glass or in a can.
Memphis Magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated yearly. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis Magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome: dining@memphismagazine.com.
DOWNTOWN
ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main, 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper, 725-7437. L, D, $-$$
AMELIA GENE’S—Globally inspired fine-dining cuisine at the One Beale project, including Rohan duck, Wagyu filet, and an extensive cheese cart. 255 S. Front, 730-7650. D, $$-$$$ THE ARCADE—Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main, 526-5757. B, L, MRA, $ ARNOLD’S SMOKEHOUSE—A classic smokehouse with vegan and nonvegan options seasoned to perfection. Closed Mon. 2019 E. Person, 922-5950. L, D, SB, $-$$$
AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second, 525-7948. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$ BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe, 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley, 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 779-4125. L, D, $-$$
BISCUITS & JAMS—Offering sweet and savory brunch with a Cajun flare. Specialties include smoked sausage or spicy fried chicken on biscuits, lemon blueberry waffles, and rum custard French toast. No walk-ins on weekends. 24 N. B.B. King Blvd., 672-7905. B, L, WB, $-$$
BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison, 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee, 310-4341. B, L, $
CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody, 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$$
CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina, 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$
CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main, 254-8600. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Nordic influences, presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal tasting menus from chef Keith Clinton. Afternoon tea served Thu.-Sun., noon-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union, 529-4188. D, MRA, $$$$
CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale, 444-3232. B, L, D, $-$$$
COCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq., 609-1111. D, $-$$
COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway, 527-9158. L, D, $
CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union, 467-0308. B, L, D, $-$$
DOCKS OFF FIFTH—Fine dining and special plates, including mango habanero-glazed salmon, seafood linguini, glazed lamb “lollipops,“ lobster rolls, plus wings and sliders. 310 Beale, 423-3765264. D, $$$
ESCO RESTAURANT AND TAPAS—Shareable dishes, turkey ribs, and seafood mac’n’cheese at this 2 Chainz franchise. 156 Lt. George W. Lee, 808-3726. L, D, $$-$$$
FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Elevated down-home farmhouse food, using locally sourced ingredients, served in an atmoshere of classic Southern charm. 383 S. Main, 623-7883. L, D, $$$-$$$$.
FERRARO’S CHEESY CORNER & PIZZERIA—Plenty of pizzas, along with a whole new cheese-inspired menu (fancy grilled cheeses and build-your-own mac and cheese bowls). 111 Jackson, 522-2033. L, D, $
FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$
FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles. 61 S. Second, 441-6686. L, D, wheelchair accessible, $-$$
FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Steaks and seafood, with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main, 521-8005. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Fish and grits, steak and eggs, and other upscale takes on Southern brunch classics. 492 S. Main, 249-7450. B, L, $$
THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105, 410-8169. B, L, D, $-$$
GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main, 561-306-4711. L, D, $-$$
THE GOURMET GALLERY—A variety of elevated comfort dishes, like fried ribs and waffles, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon, and more. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main, 848-4691. L, D, $-$$$
GROOVY GRATITUDE—Offers a vibrant selection of cold-pressed juices, handcrafted smoothies, and healthy eats like paninis and acai bowls. Closed Sun. 605 N. Second, 417-8007. B, L, WB, $
GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front, 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown), 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall, 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN, 901-294-2028. L, D, MRA, $
HIVE BAGEL & DELI Bagels, bagels, and more bagels at this new downtown deli offering baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Closed Mon./Tue. 276 S. Front, 509-2946. B, L, $
B — breakfast
L — lunch
D — dinner
SB —Sunday brunch
HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison, 333-1229. D, $ HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main, 701-7577. B, L, $
WB —weekend brunch
MRA — member, Memphis Restaurant Association
$ — under $15 per person without drinks or desserts
$$ — under $25
$$$ — $26-$50
$$$$ — over $50
ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale, 578-3031. D, MRA, $$-$$$
JEM DINING—Chef Josh Mutchnick offers a dining experience that’s memorable, refined, unpretentious, and welcoming with dishes from around the world. Closed Sun./Mon./Tue. 644 Madison, 2861635. D, $$-$$$
(This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)
DINING SYMBOLS
Huey’s
KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union, 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$
KOOKY CANUCK—Home of the four-pound Kookamonga Burger (no charge to anyone who can eat it in less than 60 minutes), plus other (smaller) burgers, sandwiches, wings, soups, and salads. 57 S. Second, 901-578-9800. L,D, MRA, $-$$
LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd, 334-9411. L, D, $-$$
THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101, 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$
LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina, 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$
THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr, 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, $-$$$
LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include citrus glaze salmon and Cajun stuffed chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon), 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), $-$$$
MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Closed Sun. 45 S. Main, 526-0037; 820 S. Cooper, 443-4356. MRA, $
MAHOGANY RIVER TERRACE—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 280 Island Drive, 249-9774. L, D, SB, $-$$$
THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main, 522-8555. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe, 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford), 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), MRA, $$-$$$
MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 88 Union, 527-5337; 5960 Getwell (Southaven), 662-8902467. D, SB, $$-$$$
MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams, 524-1886. D, MRA, $
MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up smoked wings, burgers, and beer, among other solid bar-food options 855 Kentucky, 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $
PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second, 523-2746. L (Fri.Sat.), D, $-$$
ROCK’N DOUGH—A blend of Italian and American foods like artisan pizza, salads, pasta, burgers, and house-brewed beers. 704 Madison, 587-6256. L, D, $-$$
SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison, 949-8100. L, D, $
SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main, 672-7902. L, D, WB, $-$$
SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 435-6915. L, D, $
SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main, 249-2194. L, D, $
SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main, 526-0388; 5040 Sanderlin (East Memphis), 818-0821; 1329 W. Poplar, 286-1360. L, D, WB, $-$$
SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster. B, L, D, $
SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$
SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson, 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 844-6117. B, L, MRA, $
TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3366. D, MRA, $$
TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103, 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, WB, $$-$$$
TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catfish, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square, 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, $$-$$$ WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$
WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main, 543-3278. L, D, $
WINGMAN—Downtown lounge and hookah bar offering wings galore with ten signature sauces, and plenty of other goodies. 143 Madison, 907-0586. D, WB, $-$$
MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER)
ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 137, 425-2597; 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy., 754-5355 (Cordova). L, D, $-$$
ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar, 321-0082. L, D, $-$$
ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, 507-8030. D, $ ASHTAR GARDEN—Southern twists on classic brunch dishes, and plenty of cocktails. Closed Mon.-Wed. 898 S. Cooper, 443-1514. L, D, $-$$
BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison, 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$
BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texas-style barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper, 310-4141. B, L, $-$$
BAO TOAN—Traditional Vietnamese restaurant offering small bites and home-style plates, plus creative versions of street-food favorites. 1350 Concourse Avenue. 695-1265. L, D, WB. Closed Tues. $-$$
BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper, 272-0830. D, MRA, $
BAR KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new Cooper-Young neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 S. Cooper, 654-3851. D, $
BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison, 272-1277. L, D, MRA, $-$$
BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 S. Cooper, 722-2244. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper, 722-2193. B, L, D, $
BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison, 278-8626. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison, 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), MRA, $-$$
BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad, 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall, 207-1546. L, D, $-$$
BRIZA—Featuring specialties from the chef Moisés Hernandez’s native El Salvador, around the theme “Land–Sushi–Sea.” 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 181, 585-0553. L, D, MRA, $$-$$$
CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliflower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper, 722-2700. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean, 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square, 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, MRA, $
CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union, Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$
CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper, 274-5151. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central, 272-9377; 4375 Summer, 767-4672; 147 E. Butler, 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar, 417-7962. L, D, MRA, $-$$
COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick-serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper, 538-7309. B, L, D, $-$$
COOPER’S—“A charming experience for all ages,“ with po-boys, wraps, wings, fettucini. 959 S. Cooper, 343-0103. L, D, MRA, $-$$
THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad, 730-0719. L, D, $
THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison, 272-0928. L, D, $
ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park, 410-8200. D, $-$$
EVERGREEN GRILL—Serving classic American cuisine like patty melts, burgers, phillies, and more to bring you the comforting taste of home. Closed Mon./Tue. 212 N. Evergreen, 779-7065. L, D, X,$$-$$$ FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 175, 800-1851. L, D, $
FAWN—Seasonal, tapas-style dishes (don’t miss the sourdough bread and butter) in a chic setting. Closed Mon. 937 S. Cooper, 310-4890. D, SB, $$
FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open-faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. Inside Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar, 654-5926. L, $
FINO’S FROM THE HILL—Italian deli offers old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. Germantown location paired with Happy Glaze Donuts. 1853 Madison, 272-FINO; 7781 Farmington (Germantown), B, L, D, $
FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666, 61 S. Second St., Suite 160 (downtown). D, $-$$
FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn, 207-6193. L, D, $ -$$
FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison, 244-6196. L, D, $-$$
GLOBAL CAFÉ—This international food hall hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 157. L, D, MRA, $ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison, 728-5111. L, D, $-$$
GOOD GROCERIES MARKET & CAFÉ—Providing fresh, healthy, cruelty-free meals, Good Groceries offers a classic American menu with a twist: instead of pork, they use duck for their BBQ. They also sell quesadillas, mac-and-cheese, sandwiches, and more. Closed Sun. 585 S. Cooper, 325-1269. B, L, D, $
GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar, 244-7904. L, D, $-$$
GUAC FRESH MEX—Authentic Mexican cuisine and four types of guacamole. Closed Sun. 782 Washington, 587-4100. L, D, $
HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 S. Cooper, 424-5900. L, D, $
HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison, 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 754-3885; 77 S. Second (downtown), 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 8544455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven), 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester, 624-8911; 4872 Poplar, 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown), 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 873-5025. L, D, MRA, $
IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young, 654-3455. L, D, WB, $
INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, $-$$
INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110, 509-8640. B, L, D, $
JACK BROWN’S BEER AND BURGER JOINT—Another spot to satisfy your burger craving, this time with 100% American Wagyu beef. 2197 Central, 512-6957. L, D, $-$$$
THE JUICE JOINT—Locally owned purveyor of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai bowls, and snacks. 1350 Concourse Ave., 572-1127; 3139 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 207-2535. B, L, $-$$
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison, 2075097. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
LOS COMALES—Authentic Mexican cuisine, daily specials, and strong margaritas. 1322 Madison, 440-8393; 345 Madison Ave. (downtown), 590-4524; 2860 S. Perkins (East Memphis), 369-0528. L, D, $-$$
LOUIS CONNELLY’S BAR FOR FUN TIMES & FRIENDSHIP—An upgraded dive bar with a neighborhood feel and a rockin’ SMASH burger. Closed Sun. and Mon. 322 S. Cleveland, 433-9582. L, D, $-$$
MADISON TAVERN—Indoor and outdoor seating available, plus a full menu with a range of comfort foods and drinks on tap. 2126 Madison, 417-8029. L, D, $-$$$
MARY’S B.O.T.E.—This bar of tropical escapism offers over 30 specialty drinks, pizzas, bar snacks, and a cozy interior that transports customers to the beach. 21+ only. Closed Mon. 588 S. Cooper. D, $ MEMPHIS JAMAICAN KITCHEN—Authentic Jamaican specialties, including jerk chicken and oxtails. 1354 Madison, L, D, $$
MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison, 726-5343; 5061 Park, 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown), 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville), 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven), 662-5361364. L, D, $-$$
MEMPHIS TOAST—Provides authentic Memphian breakfast cuisine and features themed rooms to honor iconic Memphis figures. Specialties include French toast, shrimp and grits, and their little Lucille breakfast burrito. 954 Jackson, 417-7817. B, L, WB, $-$$
MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young, 236-7136. Closed Mon.-Tue. D, $-$$
MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison, 726-1873. L, D, MRA, $-$$
PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbe-
cue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar, 272-1523. L, D, $-$$
PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Chinese restaurant serving chicken, fish, tofu, and more, smothered in spicy sauces. 2110 Madison, 207-6680. L, D, MRA, $-$$$
SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison, 922-5202. L, D, $$
THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe, 590-2829. L, D, WB, $-$$
SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere, 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 309-8800; 4724 Poplar, 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett), 377-2727; 6696 Poplar, 747-0001. L, D, $-$$$
SEN TRANG—Serving a wide variety of Chinese and Vietnamese soups, stir-fries, and noodles. 1615 Madison, 276-0006. L, D, $-$$
SLICE MIDTOWN—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes (formerly known as Little Italy). 1495 Union 725-0280; L, D, $-$$
SMOKY CITY BBQ—Serving authentic Memphis barbeque, including burgers, ribs, wings, and daily specials. Closed Sun. 1023 Jackson, 4253115. L, D, $-$$$
SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper, 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown), 755-6988; 4720 Poplar, 590-0323. L, D, MRA, $-$$
STICKEM—Brick-and-mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison, 474-7214. Closed Sunday. L, D, $
TEKILA MEXICAN CUISINE—Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Specialties include chicken mole, enchiladas verde, and the trio special. 1433 Union, 510-5734. L, D, WB, $-$$$
TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison, 410-8866. D, $-$$
TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union, Suite 109, 800-2936. L, D, $-$$
TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park, 474-7693; 265 S. Front, 949-7693. Closed Mon.-Wed. D, $-$$
TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland, L, D, $-$$
ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison, 726-5004. L, D, $ SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)
BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley, 509-3024. L, D, $-$$
CACHE 42 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS—Elevated fine dining (think golden rack of lamb or lobster queso) and cocktail lounge at MoneyBagg Yo’s restaurant; menu by chef Daris Leatherwood. Brunch and lunch options. 4202 Hacks Cross, Suite 121. 494-5458. D, $-$$
COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E., 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett), 383-1122. L, D, $-$$
CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross, 207-6051. L, D, $
DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley, 443-3000. B, D, $-$$$
DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross, Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$
FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS
”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks, 314-0735. L, D, $
THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Mon. 998 Mississippi, 507-1519. L, D, $
HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando, 917-982-1829. L, D, $
INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third, 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline (Southaven), 662-393-5699. L, D, $-$$
JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington, 265-8761. L, D, $
LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza, 360-1963. L, $-$$
MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley, 332-4159. D, MRA, $-$$
UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch, 332-2367. L, D, MRA, $ SUMMER / BERCLAIR / RALEIGH / BARTLETT
901 HOT POT & KOREAN BBQ—All-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ, from short ribs to garlic shrimp. 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy., 512-4963. L, D, $$-$$$
BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage, 672-7905. B, L, $
BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer, 324-7494. B, L, $ CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer, 672-7905. L, D, $ CHEF FLAVAS AND BARTLETT BREAKFAST FACTORY ”Flavaful” sandwiches, soups, pastas, and more from the makers of the popular local spinach artichoke dip. Traditional breakfast options served by Bartlett Breakfast Factory. Closed Sun./Mon. 6301 Stage, 779-2200. B, L, D, $-$$
DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more. 5266 Summer, Suite 65, 766-0831. L, D, $-$$
ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza, and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer, 761-9898. B, L, D, $
EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage, 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay, 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway, 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown), 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline, 662-342-4544. L, D, M RA, $
HABANA CLUB RESTAURANT, BAR & GRILLE—Offering authentic Cuban fare. 6110 Macon, 480-8173. L, D, $-$$
LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer, 685-6857; 5848 Winchester, 365-4992. L, D, $
LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer, 682-1151. D, $
MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins, 7619321. L, D, $-$$
NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer, 454-0320. D, $$
NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay, Suite 3, 373-4411. L, D, $-$$
PANCAKE SHOP—Classic breakfast items plus meat-and-three lunches, sandwiches, soups, salads. Open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday. 4838 Summer, 767-0206. B, L, $
ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten, 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$
PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer, 323-4819. L, D, $-$$
QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer, 207-4174. L, D, $
SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun./Mon. 5689 Stage, 377-2484. D, $-$$
TACO PRIME—Modern taqueria where bold Mexican dishes meet Southern hospitality. 8222 U.S. 64, 585-0858. Closed Sunday. L,D, $-$$
TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer, 685-0097. B, L, D, $
UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)
A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center, 452-4477. L, D, $-$$$
BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker, 324-0144. B, $
CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 120, 249-3533. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown), 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64, 380-7877; 3448 Poplar (Poplar Plaza), 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova), 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-5770. L, D, MRA, $-$$
PLANT BASED HEAT All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked BBQ jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St.; 363 S. Front St. (downtown). L, D, $
EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR / I-240)
ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins, 818-2273. L, D, $$-$$$
AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove, 433-9345. L, D, $-$$
AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 761-4000. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103, 236-7784. L, D, $-$$
ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, 347-3569. D, MRA, $$-$$$
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park, 729-7020; 65 S. Highland, 623-7122. B, L, WB, $
BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle, 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville), 854-8748. L, D, $-$$
BELLE MEADE SOCIAL—Upscale Americana cuisine including lamb lollipops, spicy tuna stack, and steak & noodle salad. 518 Perkins Extd., 480-7054. L, D, $-$$$
BELMONT GRILL—Burgers, steak sandwiches, and other classic American fare at one of Memphis’ longstanding bars. 4970 Poplar, 767-0305. L, D, $-$$
BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd., 767-8980. L, D, $$-$$$
BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar, 881-3346. B, L, $-$$
BOG & BARLEY—An all-Irish fine dining experience by the owners of Celtic Crossing, and a full bar with plenty of beer and 25-year-old Macallan. 6150 Poplar, Suite 124, 805-2262. L, D, WB, $-$$
BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 755-7413. D, $-$$$
CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar, 683-9291. L, D, $$$-$$$$
CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar, 725-8557; 1707 Madison, 421-6949. L, D, $-$$
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL—Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads, and bowls made to order while customers watch. 5865 Poplar, 416-1944; 2046 Union, 729-2640; 4726 Summer, 590-1839; 2110 West St., 256-6202; 695 N. Germantown Parkway (Germantown), 416-1944. L, D, $-$$
CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. 5101 Sanderlin, 205-2500. D, MRA, $-$$$
CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin, 729-7687; 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 2, 236-7223 (Germantown). B, L, D, $
COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from the Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, China, Philippines, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101, 266-9000 (Shelby Farms Park). D, $$-$$$
CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar, 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville), 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., (Olive Branch), 662-893-3663. L, D, MRA, $-$$
THE CRAZY COOP—Plenty of hot wings and sauces, plus sandwiches and other dinner plates. 1315 Ridgeway, 748-5325; 7199 Stage (Bartlett), 433-9212. L, D, $-$$
DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood, 761-3711; 3964 Goodman (Southaven), 662-890-7611. L, D, $
ERLING JENSEN—For decades, Chef Erling has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, biggame entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates, 763-3700. D, MRA, $$-$$$
ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small-plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin, 587-9464. L, D, $-$$$
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar, 761-6200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE
Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall, 762-8200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-andsour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince, 753-9898. L, D, $-$$
FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W. Brookhaven Circle, 758-6500. L, D, $
FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sun. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden, 766-9900. L, $
HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and a ”voodoo menu.” 688 S. Mendenhall, 682-3966; 9091 Poplar (Germantown), 590-4304. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. 679 S. Mendenhall, 499-5436. D, SB, $-$$$
HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace, 452-3339. L, D, $-$$
HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Circle, 207-7396. L, D, SB, MRA. $-$$$
LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar, 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), MRA, $
LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sun. 4002 Park, 458-9264; 5689 Quince, 800-2873. L, D, $
LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (inside Novel), 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, $-$$
THE LIQUOR STORE—All-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. 669 S. Mendenhall, B, L, D, $-$$
LITTLE ITALY EAST—New York-style pizzas galore and homemade pasta. Closed Sun. 6300 Poplar, Suite 113. 729-7432. L, $-$$
MAGNOLIA & MAY—Southern-inspired, family-owned, casual dining restaurant serving up a variety of sandwiches, chef-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails. Popular items include shrimp and grits and the double cheeseburger. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah, 676-8100. L, D, WB, MRA. $$-$$$
MANDE DIBI WEST AFRICAN BBQ GRILL—Pairs traditional West African BBQ with Memphis BBQ for a menu that offers a wide variety of flavors, including daily specials and vegan-friendly options. 6825 Winchester, 672-8995. L, D, $-$$$
MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 E. Brookhaven Circle, 682-1660. D, $-$$
MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince, 753-8755. L, D, $-$$
MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/ fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station, 683-8889. L, D, MRA, $
MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Pan-Asian fare includes sushi and Sichuan dishes. 4598 Spottwood, 347-3965. L, D, $-$$
NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale, 373-4411. L, D, $
NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122, 683-0441. D, MRA, $$-$$$
ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd., 249-4227. L, D, $
ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar, 618-2955. L, D, $
OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sun. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar, 761-0990. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on
croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens), 761-5250. L, $
PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park, 682-2852. L, D, MRA, $
PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park, 458-0694. D, $-$$$
PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 818-3889. L, D, $-$$
PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar, 458-1644. L, D, $
PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway, 379-8294; 2035 Union, 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville), 221-8109. L, D, MRA, $
RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar, 207-1960. L, D, $-$$
RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar, 767-3456. L, D, $-$$
RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more Cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar, 512-5923. L, D, $-$$$
RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 4550 Poplar, 590-2828. L, D, $$-$$$
RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar, 6839305. L, D, $$$
RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—This Memphis institution serves family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, Suite 122, 850-0191. D, $-$$$
ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station, 454-3352. L, D, $-$$
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar, 761-0055. D, $$$-$$$$
SALSA COCINA MEXICANA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129, 683-6325. L, D, $-$$
SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar, 682-9952. L, D, $$-$$$
STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar, 509-2367; 3660 S. Houston Levee Road, Suite 104 (Collierville), 286-4335; 7704 Poplar (Germantown), 800-1951; 2902 May, (Southaven). B, L, WB, $
SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar, 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown), 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, $
THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince, 685-7094. B, L, D, $
TJ MULLIGAN’S—Cold drinks, comfort food, and plenty of live entertainment. 1817 Kirby Pkwy. (East Memphis), 755-2481; 8070 Trinity, Suite 1 (Cordova), 756-4480; 2821 N. Houston Levee, (Lakeland), 377-9997. L, D, $-$$
TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket,
and burgers. 1286 Union.,725-7527; 4183 Summer, 324-4325; 5391 Winchester.,794-7936; 3970 Rhodes, 323-9865; 6130 Macon, 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, $ TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall, 343-8880. B, L, D, VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext., 767-6872. L, D, SB, WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE
Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall, 763-0676. L, D, WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105, 421-6399. L, D, $-$$
THE WING GURU—A staple of the Memphis wing scene, featuring everything from classic buffalo to exquisite lemon pepper. 5699 Mt. Moriah, 509-2405; 875 W. Poplar, Suite 6 (Collierville), 221-7488; 8253 Highway 51 North, Suite 103 (Millington), 8720849; 4130 Elvis Presley (Whitehaven), 791-4726; 5224 Airline, Suite 107 (Arlington), 209-0349. L, D, WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM
beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, vegetable plates, and homemade desserts are specialties. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine, 327-5681. L, $ CORDOVA
THE BLUE ROOM RESTAURANT
traditional Southern recipes, located in the U of M Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute. Closed Mon. 1245 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 101, 249-7512. D, SB, $$-$$$
BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy., 755-4114. L, D, $-$$
THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown, 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, $$-$$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 104, 753-5488. L, D, $-$$
JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy., 388-0998. L, D, $-$$
EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102, 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111, 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin, 779-4971. L, D, $
PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Sichuan cuisine, from crispy duck to peony fried chicken. Be prepared for spice! 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy., 787-8886. L, D, $-$$
SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy., 384-4122. L, D, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy., 443-5222. L, D, $-$$$
VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional pasta dishes and family concoctions to hand-tossed brick oven NY pizza. 714 N. Germantown Pkwy., 753-3894. L, D, MRA, $$$
GERMANTOWN
BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herb-crusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17, 552-3041. D, $-$$$ FIRST WATCH—Fresh, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch creations. 7810 Poplar, 665-5590. B, WB, L, $-$$
GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$
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LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd., 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, $-$$
LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike, 791-2328. D, $-$$$
LOCAL LIME—Tacos and margaritas in a casual environment, plus other goodies like the Mexican caramel apple crisp skillet. Closed Mon. 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 1, 224-2204. L, D, $-$$$
MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown), 907-0243. L, D, $-$$
MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117, 755-1471. L, D, $$-$$$
MR. P’S WINGS—Casual eatery featuring hot wings, burgers, fried fish, and other American food. 2075 Exeter, Suite 35, 587-6777. L, D, $$
NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, Suite 12, 755-1117. L, D, $ RIO LOBO CANTINA—Mexican and Latin-American cuisine. 3165 Forest Hill Irene Rd., 310-3432. L,D, $-$$
ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 6, 779-2008. L, D, SB, MRA, $$
ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops, 756-9697. L, D, $-$$
SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West, 758-8181; 4840 Poplar (Memphis), 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia (Collierville), 316-5638. L, D, $-$$
SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5555. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in handcut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar, Suite 101, 207-1100. L, D, $$-$$$$
SUFI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & BAR—Offers authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, from hummus shawarma to traditional moussaka. Closed Mon. 7609 Poplar Pike, 779-2200. L, D, $-$$$ TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar, Suite 26, 612-2713; 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. (Memphis), 290-1091; 7974 U.S. 64 (Bartlett), 203-0083. L, D, $
THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar, Suite 11. B, L, $-$$
UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 310-4855. L, D, $-$$
WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West, 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), $ ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 779-2796. L, D, $-$$$
COLLIERVILLE
BELLY ACRES—Upscale burger restaurant, featuring creative combos such as the Cowboy (fried onion strings, pickled jalapeños, and BBQ saucer, or the Hot Pow with pepper jack and spinach. 3660 S. Houston Levee, 209-0168; 6130 Poplar (Memphis), 707-7638. L, D, $-$$
CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett, 861-1999. L, D, $-$$
CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a woodfired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1, 457-7457. L, D, $
COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee, 979-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$
DAVID GRISANTI’S ON MAIN—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional Grisanti family recipes. Closed Sun./Mon. 148 N. Main, 861-1777. L, D, $-$$$
DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center, 850-7750. L, D, $-$$ EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River Pkwy., 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd., 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 755-1447; 1492 Union, 274-4264; 11615 Airline (Arlington), 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross, (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 8723220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 417-6026. L, D, $
EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 384-0540. L, D, $-$$
CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY / 662-357-1225
FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711
IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE
LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE
SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL’S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Lane, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, Ext. 8213
TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711
FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing, 850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 379-1300. L, D, $-$$$
JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee, 861-5000. L, D, MRA, $-$$$
MAEVE’S TAVERN—An Irish-themed eatery with elevated tavern classics, from signature burgers to hearty entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients. 78 N. Main on the Town Square, 403-5100. L, D, SB, $-$$$
MAROON BREW CO.—Family-friendly restaurant serving up gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, chicken, and shareables, all made to pair with beers brewed on-site. Closed Mon. 642 W. Poplar, 799-0354. L, D, $-$$
MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee, 8505288; 2149 Young, 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood, 609-8680. L, D, $-$$
NASHOBA—Offers live music, sports games, and pub classics. Specialties are hot honey flatbread pizza, brisket fried rice, and the Nashoba burger. 4600 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 111, 630-4683. L, D, $-$$
OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee, 861-4309; 3402 Poplar (Memphis), 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch), 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 425-4901. L, D, $-$$$
RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry, 286-4575. L, D, SB, $-$$
STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing; 854-3399; 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown Memphis), 207-7638 L, D, $-$$
WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River, Suite 101, 316-5590; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165, 791-4389. L, D, $-$$
ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main, 457-7526. L, D, $
KITCHEN TABLE—“Crafted comfort food that makes you feel right at home.” Steaks, seafood, catfish, chicken, chops, soups, salad, even hand-spun cotton candy. 12062 Forrest (Arlington), 317-6402. L,D, SB. $-$$
VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional family dishes and pasta concoctions to hand-tossed brick-oven NY pizza. 9861 W. Lake District Dr., (Lakeland), 466-8288. L,D, MRA, $$$
OUT-OF-TOWN
BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN).,901-294-3400. L, D, $-$$
CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sun. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS), 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, $$-$$$
COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main, (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, $-$$$
ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell (Southaven, MS), 662-4704497. L, D, $-$$
HARRY’S ITALIAN—Authentic Italian dishes using traditional recipes made from scratch, plus steaks and other entrees. 8472 U.S. Highway 51, (Millington, TN), 872-0056. L, D, $-$$$
MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN), 209-8525. L, D, $
MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS), 628-3556. B, L, D, $-$$$
MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS), 662-536-3762. L, D, $-$$
SAINT LEO—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS), 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$
SIMON’S—A unique dining experience situated on Court Square in a charming small town, offering Angus steaks, catfish, BBQ brisket. Closed Mon./Tue. 201 N. Main (Bolivar, TN), 731-403-3474. L, D, $$-$$$
SNACKBAR—An intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS), 662-236-6363. D, $-$$$
TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell, (Southaven, MS), 662-510-5734. B, L, D, $-$$
WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX. Cajun classics: fried alligator, pepperjack boudin, shrimp, gumbo, along with unique specialties. 2715 Snowden Lane (Southaven, MS), 662-870-8379. L, D, $$
WILSON CAFE—An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR), 870655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$
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WDisappearing Past
My parents were devoted to Memphis Theological Seminary. Now, that legacy is being lost.
BY JON W. SPARKS
hen I wrote my Dad’s obituary, I mentioned his achievements and the institutions he supported, the ones that gave his life meaning. ey not only shaped who John William Sparks was, but his endeavors shaped their own existence.
He met my mother, Jacqueline Hays, at Bethel College in the 1930s. John was studying the ministry and Jackie was manifesting her love for reading and literature. ey married and Mom stepped away from college to raise our family and be a good preacher’s wife, always hoping she would return to finish her degree.
Dad was ordained as a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, embracing the denomination’s moderate approach, born of a frontier evangelism that favored acceptance rather than rigidity. When World War II came about, he joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps to provide whatever support he could to the GIs regardless of their respective faiths. He made that a career, serving for 23 years.
As a chaplain, he was designated by the Army as a Protestant, but worked with Roman Catholic and Jewish chaplains for service members of any or no beliefs, whether by carrying out duties of faith or through counseling. He forever carried that ecumenical approach after retirement to then serve with his denomination as a senior leader.
He led churches and worked in administration, with a significant part of his career devoted to supporting the Memphis eological Seminary, long a part of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His devotion to MTS was realized by his service on the board as well as teaching, and Mom served as the seminary’s librarian.
I know Dad would be distressed at the changes wrought by the new Secretary of Defense, who has been reshaping the Chaplain Corps. Pete Hegseth is minimizing minority faiths and encouraging his favored flavor of Christian nationalism. Chaplains have traditionally supported a pluralistic, multi-faith support system, which was splendidly articulated in mid-2025 in the Army Spiritual Fitness Guide. Hegseth scrapped that last December, saying it promoted “secular humanism.”
e guide, by the way, was championed by Major General William Green Jr., the Army Chief of Chaplains. Widely admired, Green was one of several Black officers to have their careers recently, and abruptly, ended by Hegseth. Oh, and he was removed during Holy Week.
Dad did not become a chaplain to flog for a narrow-minded, bigoted club of philistines. Sometimes he had to deal with superior officers who were of that ilk, and he resisted. The current Defense Department (they prefer War, of course) would not have kept him around for long.
Mother was his partner from the very beginning, essential to those communities of the military, the church, and the seminary, making sure their lessons were forwarded to their children. My parents lived to serve, both sacrificed, and both benefited from building a family that reflected those values.
My folks counseled me that change was a certainty in life, which I continue to embrace, not always cheerfully. Let’s change things for the better, I declared in my youthful enthusiasm. I did not, however, realize that change could bring extinctions, regressions, or an abandonment of legacy.
So, Mom and Dad, I’m heartbroken that too many of the communities that you fought for have been eroded or erased.
Meanwhile, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is also stumbling in distressing ways. A few years ago, it fell into that rigidity Dad had always opposed by approving constitutional amendments that would effectively ban ordination of gays. It was a close vote, and the amendments won’t go into effect until three-quarters of the presbyteries approve them. But several have done so, and the movement has already caused free-thinking congregations to leave the Cumberland denomination.
Dad and Mom would be dismayed to see that so much effort continues to be made to slam doors and retreat into exclusivity. ey never entertained the idea that Christianity could be so comfortably un-Christian.
And finally, there is the closing of Memphis eological Seminary. Read David Waters’ story (p. 80) to learn the impact it has made since 1964 as a leader in ecumenism and civil rights. Its demise can be attributed to declining enrollment and an endowment insufficient for survival. A standalone institution without support from a larger academic outfit, it sought a merger but was unable to find one.
As we age, we see more loss and change. For all the good that humanity can do to advance, we also risk our values becoming unrecognizable, as our natural tendency to explore and understand falls to tribalism and prejudice. Measure the lives of your own parents against what they lived for, what they taught, what they honored. See what you can do to restore what was lost and pass along the noblest ideals that they embodied.
John W. Sparks
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