Restaurant owners, operators, and hospitality professionals from across Memphis came together for industry networking at the What Now Accelerate Event on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Hosted at The Arcade Restaurant and moderated by What Now Media Group’s Director of Events, Mariah Medley, the gathering enmeshed business leaders and hospitality partners for an afternoon focused on building connections in the local restaurant community.
The strength of the city’s hospitality industry was highlighted by bringing these established businesses and industry partners together in one setting, creating opportunities for collaboration, relationship-building, and continued momentum in the scene.
Restaurant Business Attendees
The event welcomed a variety of independent restaurants, emerging concepts, and expanding brands, with attendees representing businesses across multiple categories, including full-service dining, fast casual, coffee shops, bakeries, bars, and entertainment-driven concepts.
Jeff Zepatos, Co-Owner of The Arcade Restaurant, represented the host venue during the event. Located on South Main Street in downtown Memphis, The Arcade Restaurant is recognized as one of the city’s longtime dining landmarks and provides a fitting backdrop for hospitality professionals to meet and exchange ideas.
Among the attendees was Asad Almalhi, Owner of Petra Pastry, who made a brief appearance and brought pastries to share with guests. The bakery concept, which is preparing to open a new Memphis location, made a unique contribution to the event and allowed attendees to experience its offerings firsthand.
Several other restaurant operators connected to upcoming projects and growing concepts throughout the area were also involved. Anthony Woods, Owner, and Patricia Woods, VP, attended on behalf of J Tap Kitchen. Peach Cobbler Factory was represented by Managing Partner Tiffany McCrary, Franchisee Otis Jackson, and Owner Janie Jackson. Saffron Coffee Co-Owners Saifodeen Andesh and Ahmed Alshadod joined the event to represent the expanding coffee concept.
Additional restaurant professionals in attendance included Steve Minter, Owner of DOG & BONE; Charmaine Yates, Co-owner of A Forkful Restaurant and Catering; Kiamesha Wilson, Owner of The Scoop by K’s Pints and Scoops; Deidre Ellis, Owner of The Studio Karaoke Restaurant & Bar; and Monica Haywood, Owner of Fab Family Cafe and Kitchen.
The event also featured participation from Jimmy Hoxie, Owner of The Ginger’s Bread & Co.; Toni Williams, Director of Operations, and Ethan Chute, Owner, of Over Keel Wine Bar; Brandon Griffin, Owner of Harold’s Fish and Chicken; Arturo Azcarate, Owner of Curry N Jerk Authentic Caribbean Cuisine; Andrew Mathewes, Co-owner of Stomping Grounds; and Vanessa Holmes, Owner of Scrapped the Plate Bistro.
Hospitality Partner Attendees
Hospitality service providers also attended to connect with restaurant operators and provide resources designed to support business growth. ADT: Security Services was represented by Corey Allen and Sales Manager Stephen Williams, while Than’yi Muir represented Auris HR/Payroll, helping showcase solutions focused on workforce management and payroll support.
Global Payments’ Genius Point of Sale platform was represented by Rachel Hill and Software Relationship Manager Travis Fletcher. The platform provides integrated payment processing and point-of-sale technology designed to help hospitality businesses manage transactions and improve operational workflows.
SpotOn Hospitality Specialist Jerold “Overton” Overton also attended, representing restaurant technology solutions that support operators with point-of-sale systems, payment processing, and business management tools.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news, and provides timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. The platform shares news of thousands of openings across all 33 cities annually.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2026. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
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