Sound Bites

The Belltower Coffee team took over Muddy's Bake Shop operations in early 2026, bringing together two beloved Memphis bakery-cafes. Belltower co-owners Micah Dempsey and Stacey Hinkle joined host Holly Whitfield in May to share Belltower's story, Hinkle's Honeysuckle Bakery origins and their plans for the Muddy's brand.

Harrison Downing and Cole Jeanes talk about the soon-to-open Gussied Up bar in the Edge District. They shared how their restaurant projects combine nostalgic tastes with high-quality, local ingredients. 

Hunting down recipes from Memphis restaurants, choosing delicious dishes to recommend and writing about food are all part of what Jennifer Chandler calls "the best job in the world." She joined Holly Whitfield on Sound Bites to talk about her work for The Daily Memphian, plus chocolate cake, soup dumplings and what she thinks about bad reviews.

There's (at least) one treat that people drive hours for, and even shed tears over, at Jacques Louise Bakery in Memphis. Owner Savannah Kenney talks about the recipe that's been the biggest hit since the gluten-free bakery moved locations this summer. Plus: they discuss cinnamon rolls, fresh baguettes and ginger-spiced pear tea.

Majestic Grille and Cocozza co-owner Deni Reilly returns for part two of an interview with Holly Whitfield. She announces a series of events to celebrate Majestic's anniversary and offers up a mouth-watering list of restaurant recommendations for Memphis and Dublin.

In part one, Majestic Grille co-owner Deni Reilly joins Holly Whitfield to talk about the restaurant's 20 years in business, its new lease and her outlook on Downtown's future. Reilly shared secrets to Cocozza's flavor-packed appetizers and announced new art partnerships. This is part one of a two-part interview.

Memphis Farmers Market board president Inga Theeke joined Holly Whitfield to talk through tasty goods from a few of the market's 90+ vendors. MFM will celebrate 20 years Downtown with a Farm Fest fundraiser on Sept. 27.

Ben Pugh of Meddlesome Brewing has led his beer company through twists and turns in the brewery business, including concerns with data center water use in the Mid-South. He joined Holly Whitfield to talk beer, his Cordova taproom and why he supports the Protect Our Aquifer advocacy group.

JEM Dining co-owner chef Josh Mutchnick and chef Jamaurin "Vino" Wright join Holly Whitfield to talk about the Edge District restaurant's first three years, chefs' notebooks and what they will serve at the Aug. 22 Edgy Tomato Fest. They also make an announcement about a new service at JEM launching this fall.

Edgy Tomato Fest organizers Stacey Greenberg and Anderson Goin joined Holly Whitfield to talk about the food, drinks, art and funky fun at the inaugural event on Aug. 22.

Daniel Blanchard aims to recreate the nostalgic, personal experience of a neighborhood bakery with his Blanchard's Organic Breads cart. He joins Holly Whitfield on Sound Bites to talk about his family's Memphis connection and his passion for the platonic ideal of baked goods.

Allie Mounce and Holly Whitfield continue the conversation. They talk about Pretty Useful Co., the design agency that Allie co-owns, and its work in the local restaurant industry. They also discuss home gardening and why they think it has become so popular. 

Loud Mary's egg stand owner Allie Mounce joins Holly Whitfield to talk micro-homesteading, vegetable gardening and raising chickens. The two discussed their friendship forged through food, sushi dinners and memorable meals.

Rebecca Severs joins Holly Whitfield to talk about running Midtown staple Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, working with her husband and three sons, being the only Italian wine ambassador in town. They also discuss Bari's signature dishes like carbonara, fresh vegetables, seafood and an enormous Italian cheese list.

Cam Smith joins Holly Whitfield to talk about his varied career, from starting his own cobbler business at age 9 to working for James Beard Award-nominated chefs in Nashville and Memphis. Smith developed Cameo's signature smashburger before becoming executive sous chef at Hog & Hominy in late 2024.

Groovy Gratitude owner Alicia Dixon and Shroomlicious owner Daishu McGriff talk about their restaurants and what they've learned hosting food events in Memphis. They also discuss the upcoming Juneteenth  Umami Amora dinner on June 19.

Chef Kelly English sticks around for part two to talk about The Second Line's move to East Memphis, his restaurant recommendations and more.

Chef Kelly English doesn't want to judge your food competition, but he's spent plenty of time working with a cause close to his heart: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. On June 6, he's helping host 26 chefs for Le Bon Appetit, a bi-annual fundraiser that supports the hospital. He joined this week's Sound Bites podcast to talk about the event.

Sophia Surrett joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about her role on the Daily Memphian's staff. She also talks about her experience covering the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest for the first time, her background in journalism and what she has learned about covering her new beat so far. 

Micah Dempsey and Stacey Hinkle join host Holly Whitfield to talk all things Belltower Coffee. They discuss the origin of Honeysuckle Sweets, their favorite menu items and how Muddy's became a part of the Belltower community of businesses.

Michelle and Brandon O'Guin, the judging organizers for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, join host Holly Whitfield to continue the discussion about all things barbecue. They talk about their favorite stories from years past and big judging changes for the 2026 competition. 

Host Holly Whitfield is joined by Michelle and Brandon O'Guin, the judging organizers for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. They talk about where Memphis in May is held, a potential merger with SmokeSlam and the next generation of barbecue pitmasters. 

Edible Memphis's Stacey Greenberg and founder of Memphis's AAPI Heritage Month SunAh Laybourn join Holly Whitfield to talk about the Hungry Tiger Food Club, how it all began and what you can expect from this year's Food Tour.

Allie Trotter joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about Whisks of Doom, a bakery business she started with the help of her dad. Allie shares her experience living in Albuquerque and how she carries those influences into the unique flavors of her pies. 

The Pop Spot co-owner Sylvia Leon joins host Holly Whitfield in the studio to talk about Brookhaven Circle's newest restaurant. They discuss the variety of items on the menu, the eclectic bar menu and the positive feedback Sylvia has received from diners since they opened two months ago.