The iconic Fondren stop has changed hands — but don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere.
Walker’s Drive-In, a longtime Jackson landmark, is now owned by chef Joseph Cravens. Chef and entrepreneur Derek Emerson had operated the neighborhood favorite since 2001, but the restaurant’s legacy dates back to the 1940s, when it first became known for its burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Cravens had been working as a sous chef at Walker’s for just two months when Emerson offered him the opportunity to take over — an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s kind of surreal that this is happening because Walker’s is such a landmark,” Cravens told What Now Memphis. “I think if you ask someone about Walker’s, they can tell you about the first time they went to Walker’s, they can tell you about the last meal they had at Walker’s and that honestly is one of my favorite things.”
While Cravens plans to preserve the spirit and traditions of Walker’s, he said he plans to introduce some “fun new specials” to the menu while keeping the core offerings the same. As for other changes, he said, “there’s going to be a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”
Menu staples like Redfish Anna and Australian Wagyu hanger steak will remain.
“We’ve got to be real precise because we’re cooking meat in a water bath and then we’re pulling it out mid rare,” he said. “We throw it on a wood-fire grill and then we top it with red wine and mushrooms and then put a big ole pile of frites with it. It’s like a flavor bomb in your mouth.”
Cravens will officially take over in July. Walker’s Drive-In is scheduled to reopen July 10.
“What we love is food, that’s what we do. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world, when everybody sits down at the table for dinner, they can forget about it and there’s nothing but happiness. Food is how we connect,” Cravens said.
