Still Serving Expands to Spotlight Local Restaurants

It all began with a rejected pitch to a local Memphis organization. The project’s goal was to get Memphians out to support local restaurants. I wanted to do something unconventional and showcase innovation, pivoting and resilience. I wanted each shoot to support the staff working through the pandemic and mostly, I wanted to spotlight the not so usual restaurants that you see on billboards and in commercials.

So, I took the idea to our friends at High Ground News. And the series Still Serving series was born. The series launched in November, shortly before Epicenter Memphis signed on as a financial supporter for the project.

The restaurant and bar industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic. As of writing this piece, they are still struggling with staffing, food inventory and serving the growing needs as people begin to return.

The goal of "Still Serving" was to give Memphis-area restaurants a chance to tell their stories of resilience and remind viewers that these restaurants are still there serving through the chaos and are still in need of their patronage.

So far we’ve told the story of five local restaurants:

"Take a pandemic-safe trip to Venezuela with Sabor Caribe"

"Paletas in the pandemic with La Michoacana"

"Making healthy delicious with Inspire Community Cafe"

"Barbecue and bouncing back with Cozy Corner"

“Fine dining and bold new ideas with Mahogany Memphis”

And thanks to Epicenter and High Ground News, we’ll be continuing the series through the summer and into the fall.

To me, this series gives us an opportunity to go back into some of the “On The Ground” neighborhoods and showcase some of the small neighborhood staples that get missed in the big campaigns around town. It’s been fulfilling to hear the stories, try the food and encourage others to go as well.

You can read all about the partnership here.