Jimmy Gentry began bussing tables at Country Squire in Germantown as a teenager, learning early that success in restaurants depends as much on discipline and awareness as creativity. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

The James Beard nomination rounds out a period of accolades for The Lobbyist that includes a Michelin recommendation nod and a “best dishes” inclusion from The New York Times. View this article on our website Support quality, local journalism and access exclusive content by becoming a subscriber at dailymemphian.com. .....