Melissa Cookston announced today (3.14.19) her restaurant “Memphis BBQ Co.” will open at The Lake District (TLD) in Lakeland next year.
The 5,500-square foot restaurant is slated to open in the summer of 2020, according to Yehuda Netanel, president of Gilad Development and developer of The Lake District.
The development is planned for I-40 and Canada Road in Lakeland.
Memphis BBQ Co. has two other locations: one in Dunwoody, GA and the flagship property in Horn Lake, just south of Memphis. Additional information about the restaurant can be found at www.MemphisBBQCo.com.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to open a new location at The Lake District in Lakeland, TN and are looking forward to bringing our world championship BBQ and more to the greater Memphis area which will be our first expansion into Tennessee” said Ms. Cookston. She is owner and operator of Memphis BBQ Co., a BBQ Hall of Fame inductee, seven-time world BBQ champion, and the winningest woman in BBQ, according to Mr. Netanel.
Memphis BBQ Co. features World Championship Baby Back Ribs, spare ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, burgers and sandwiches including the famous Donut Bacon Burger. Other entrees include Orange-Chipotle Glazed Salmon, BBQ spaghetti, Voodoo Pasta and BBQ Meatloaf. One of the restaurant’s appetizers, cheese fritters, has been seen on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”. The restaurant will also offer fried green tomatoes, Smokin’ Wings and BBQ nachos.
Ms. Cookston continued, “Expanding into Tennessee has been a goal of ours for some time, but we wanted to make sure our first impression was big, bold and memorable. When we learned about The Lake District, we knew this was it, the vision aligns with our commitment to serving the best BBQ you’ve ever had.”
The Lake District, set for phase one opening in 2020, is a 160-acre mixed-use development including retail, restaurants and two hotels, said Mr. Netanel. “The District will offer curated retail stores, coffee shops, community events and dining all overlooking a beautiful 10-acre lake. Luxury living with a walkable community of upscale apartments and a single-home neighborhood will also be available,” added Mr. Netanel.
“We’re very pleased that Memphis BBQ Co. has chosen The Lake District for their next location. I believe the restaurant will be a great addition to the District,” said Mr. Netanel.
Ms. Cookston also owns the restaurant “Steak by Melissa” in Southaven. She is the author of two cookbooks and has appeared on talk shows as well as The Food Network. She served as a judge on season four of Destination America’s “BBQ Pitmasters” and was named one of America’s most influential BBQ Pitmasters and personalities by Fox News in 2015.
… Photo courtesy of TLD
