Memphis business owners gathered on February 26 for an engaging Accelerate event hosted by What Now Media Group. The evening was filled with helpful discussions, insight sharing, and collaboration as local entrepreneurs came together to strengthen relationships and grow their businesses.
Held at Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas at 158 Lt. George W. Lee Ave, the event welcomed over a dozen restaurateurs and industry professionals. The night was highlighted by valuable conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing Memphis’ local businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry.
Mariah Medley, Director of Events and Partner Engagement at What Now Media Group, led the event, fostering collaboration and mutual support between business owners and industry-leading experts from What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners. Attendees enjoyed delicious tapas and beverages while learning from one another’s experiences and insights.
Esco Memphis, known for its Spanish-inspired small plates and inviting ambiance, provided the perfect space for this event. Co-owners Mowbray Rowand and Patrick Wallace have created a unique experience that blends local charm with a global culinary flair, making Esco an ideal venue for bringing the community together for an event like this.
Among the local restaurants represented were The Juice Joint, owned by Darious Robertson; Mochiatsu, owned by Richard Pham; Memphis Jamaican Kitchen, co-owned by Ebony Meeks; and JamRack Restaurant and Bar, owned by Damion Lumsden. Each shared strategies for success in Memphis. The Juice Joint offers unique juices, Mochiatsu specializes in Asian-inspired dishes, Memphis Jamaican Kitchen serves authentic Jamaican food, and JamRack features flavorful food with a lively bar.
Choose 901′s Lulu Abdun and Adam Chambers discussed the importance of digital content and community engagement in promoting local businesses. They highlighted how using social media and engaging online content helps restaurants connect with their community, attract customers, and grow their presence in Memphis’ dining scene. Sophia Surrett from The Daily Memphian was another community member in attendance.
The key takeaways from the evening revolved around resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community engagement. Attendees learned that fostering strong networks and building relationships is key to navigating growth and challenges, especially with the help of What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners.
What Now Media Group’s Preferred Partner network was well-represented, with experts like Tabetha Williams from Clover and Joe Nunziata from Our Town America offering insights on optimizing operations, marketing, and payment systems.
As the event wrapped up, attendees appreciated the opportunity to connect, share, and collaborate. This evening laid the groundwork for future partnerships and further growth in Memphis’ restaurant community.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news and providing timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses.
The industry-leading experts in What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners help new businesses open and existing businesses grow.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2025. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
