Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind as I write this column.

As of Friday, April 11, I am stepping away from my position as The Daily Memphian’s food and restaurant writer. 

Being a full-time food and restaurant reporter in Memphis for the past seven years has been a highlight of my career. It has been a true honor to write about and share the stories of the talented people working in the food industry here in my hometown.

Jennifer Chandler: What to Order: Chicken roti wrap at Julles Posh Food

Last year offered me many unexpected health setbacks, but it also brought me many gifts. One of those gifts was being able to join the team at The Daily Memphian.

I forged through the past few months thanks to the support of an amazing team of editors and writers at this publication, but I have come to the realization that I need to step away from a position I love so much to focus on my own health and my family.

So, this is not a “goodbye” but a “see you later.”

A friend last week gave me the best advice when she said, “You are not ‘temporarily’ retiring; you are taking a sabbatical.”

I don’t know what my future career holds, but I am excited to take a step back, get back to cooking (the love that kickstarted my writing career) and to go out to eat again without any agenda.

Jennifer Chandler (left) makes a lagerita beer cocktail with Grind City Brewing Co. owner Hopper Seely on Aug. 12, 2024. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

I am confident that the next few months will enable me to continue to heal as well as spark new creativity about what is next.

When I first started freelance reporting decades ago, I thought the biggest joy of this job would be the opportunity to enjoy all the amazing eats available across town, but I was wrong.

The true joy and the biggest reward have been the people I’ve met.

Each part of the Memphis restaurant community — from the chefs to the line cooks to the servers to the hosts to the food artisans to the farmers to the valet drivers — epitomizes the true sense of “Southern hospitality.”

If I could leave each of you fellow food lovers with one request, it’s to please remember that with every restaurant meal, someone is working very hard to create an enjoyable experience for you.

Jennifer Chandler: Bittersweet bakers: 17 Berkshire closing, Jacques Louise opening in Midtown

The restaurant industry is a hard one, and it’s getting harder by the day. The people who are part of it do it for one reason: a passion and love for creating a joyful experience for their guests. 

For me, seeing their dedication to their craft has made each and every meal even more special.

So, so long for now, but I hope to see you back at the table soon. I’m already looking forward to more fun conversations over some mighty fine food. 

This Week on Memphis’ restaurant scene

Though recently named a semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards’ outstanding U.S. bakery category, 17 Berkshire announced it will close on April 12. But another business — gluten-free bakery Jacques Louise — will soon take over the Midtown space at 2084 Trimble Place. 

In her weekly Food Files column, Sophia Surrett reported on two openings in Germantown: Kat’s Sourdough and Juice Bar at 9379 Poplar Ave. and the new Half Shell at 9091 Forest Hill-Irene Road in the former Let It Fly Sports Bar space.

Memphis doesn’t have a Michelin star restaurant, but it soon could. The world-famous dining guide just announced a new regional guide is in the works for the American South.

Leann Edwards wrote a guest column on the untapped potential of food donations. “On one side, businesses have food to spare. On the other, thousands of families are struggling to put meals on the table. The good news? There’s a way to bridge this gap,” she said.

Alex Boggs joined Holly Whitfield to talk about Huey’s upcoming 55th anniversary celebration, the return of a beloved sandwich and the Sweet Cheeks barbecue team on this week’s “Sound Bites.”

The Daily Memphian’s Jennifer Chandler, left, King Jemison, middle, and Samuel Hardiman taste test new burgers at Tops Bar-B-Q on Poplar on Aug. 21, 2024. (Brad Vest/The Daily Memphian file)

I got to revisit an old favorite for this week’s What to Order column. After a five-year hiatus, Julles Posh Food Co. has started serving lunch again. The menu is small but offers a handful of tasty items, and it’s a nice complement to Julles’ menu of prepared foods to take home. 

Lastly, Joshua Carlucci’s $10 Deal this past week was the kefta pita at ZamZamz Mediterranean Grill. He describes the pita as “a burger meets a kebab meets a wrap, but it’s better than any of those.” 

Editor’s note: The Table Talk newsletter will be on hiatus after this week but should return with a new food writer soon. Thanks for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. 

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