Memphis is full of stories about Memphians helping other Memphians. It’s just what Memphians do. 

At this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, Memphis will come out in full force to support the event and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Did you know that around 1,600 people volunteer their time to work the event?

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And did you also know that each of these volunteers is treated to a complimentary breakfast and lunch each day?

All these meals are thanks to the generosity of Memphis restaurants.

Walker Taylor, the owner of The Commissary barbecue restaurants in Germantown and Collierville, has been feeding more than 1,000 volunteers lunch on the Wednesday of the tournament for over 20 years. 

Walker Taylor (not pitcured), the owner of The Commissary barbecue restaurants in Germantown and Collierville, has been feeding more than 1,000 volunteers lunch on the Wednesday of the FedEx St. Jude Championship for more than 20 years. (Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian)

“I started back when (longtime TPC Southwind tournament director) Phil Cannon was running the tournament — maybe 1999 or 2000,” Taylor said. “He called me and asked if I would do it, and I said yes.”

Taylor’s motivation is St. Jude:

“It’s one way I can say thanks and help the kids at St. Jude.”

Jack Sammons, the general chairman of the tournament, said he’s grateful for Taylor’s generosity. 

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“Walker Taylor personifies that true Memphis spirit of ‘can do,’” Sammons said. “He really cares about this community.” 

While The Commissary may have been donating the longest, other Memphis restaurants have also stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) to help.

Eight other restaurants, including Tops Bar-B-Q as well as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-Fil-A, Domino’s, Jason’s Deli, McAlister’s and Sonic will be donating meals for volunteers this year. 

Birdies, barbecue and Pronto Pups

Birdies & Bubbles has become a fan favorite food destination at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The food stand and bar was created by chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman for the annual golf tournament. (Courtesy Enjoy AM Restaurant Group)

But what about the fans? 

Local chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman will once again be hosting their popular Birdies & Bubbles pop-up. Located in the shade of the No. 16 fairway, offerings include “the Birdie,” a fried chicken sandwich with spicy honey, summer slaw and lemon mayonnaise; Hog & Hominy’s signature John T. Burger and Shishito Peppers with Alabama white sauce.

The “Birdie” is the signature fried chicken sandwich that chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman created for the FedEx St. Jude Championship. (Courtesy Enjoy AM Restaurant Group)

The Commissary is the featured Memphis barbecue restaurant in The Pit, located near the TPC Southwind Silos, with barbecue nachos, pulled pork sandwiches and barbecue chicken sandwiches are all on the menu.

Another Memphis-based concessionaire, Pronto Pups, will have stands at both the 14th hole and the 18th fairway.

If going in the morning, stop by the driving range to grab a cup of coffee from Cxffeeblack for a caffeine jolt before you start watching the action.

The week on Memphis’ restaurant scene

In recent years, ingredient costs have been some of the most volatile in history, but chefs can’t change their menu prices daily — or even weekly — to adjust to swing. I asked three veteran restaurateurs to explain how they set menu prices, and how inflation is impacting their businesses.

Jennifer Chandler: Menu margins: How restaurants price your favorite meals

The Bayou Bar & Grill has been run by Bill and Carla Baker for the past 30 years. Now the restaurant has new owners, two of whom are longtime employees.

(From left) Amara Jameson, Tyler Hamilton and Crosby Keltner are the new owners of Bayou Bar & Grill. (Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian)

Sophia Surrett reported on the closing of award-winning food truck New Wing Order, and the plans the owner has for the hot wings brand.

Surrett also reported on the closure of Blind Bear Speakeasy, the opening of Memphis Toast and where the Midtown location of Baskin-Robbins is moving.

The Edge District restaurant JEM Dining offers “new American fare with global influences” and lots of thoughtful touches to add to customers’ enjoyment. I shared my favorite dishes from a recent meal in my weekly “What to Order” column.

Joshua Carlucci talked about the Tuesday Taco specials at Louis Connelly’s Bar for Fun Times & Friendship on South Cleveland Street.

The Street Tacos at Louis Connelly’s Bar for Fun Times & Friendship are served with your choice of beef, chicken, pork or veggies, cilantro, pico de gallo and — for a little extra — a side of queso. (Courtesy of Louis Connelly)

And love watermelons and tomatoes? Especially this time of year? Seasons 52 shared the recipe for its summer seasonal Watermelon and Tomato Salad.

Thanks for joining me for this week’s Table Talk. Be sure to look for this column weekly for all the latest food news in Memphis.

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