Melissa Cookston intended to simply find a hangout headquarters for the World Junior Barbecue League, but then she stumbled upon 12,000-square-feet of space. She’d always wanted a barbecue supply store.

Instead of 10 best restaurants, here are the 10 best things Jennifer Biggs ate in a year that was a COVID rollercoaster for restaurants.

More restaurants closing for COVID: This time it’s Pantà and The Second Line; both should reopen next week.

Some Memphis restaurants are temporarily shutting down because of staff members who’ve tested positive for coronavirus, and at least one is going to takeout only for now.

A weekend event to break the Guinness World Record succeeds, even if the rain and cold called it off earlier than planned.

Still shopping? No shame. We’re here to help you find something local that your favorite foodie will be happy to find under the tree.

A group of five friends starts cooking barbecue for 48 hours starting Friday morning; they plan to break the Guinness World Record, and you’re invited.

The eighth restaurant owned by a Daniele brother of Milano’s Pizza has opened, this one on Germantown Parkway in Cordova. 

When they closed McEwen’s for COVID, Bert Smythe and John Littlefield figured they’d be down for about 14 days. Soon, 641 days later, the beloved Downtown restaurant is reopening.

Like Santa’s list, the annual baking checklist has to be checked twice and the result is usually the same: Scratch. Too much trouble, not enough time. But this year, a few new things make the cut.

“Memphis Cuisine” is a 30-year-old book that continues to provide gifts of restaurant recipes that were popular at the time.

Pho Saigon has been sold, but it’s staying in the family and you can still get a hearty lunch for less than $10; try $7.99.

Kohesian has sold its concept and the restaurant’s last day is Friday. Spence Ray is hopeful about the direction of the development. Maggie Louise Bridal appears set to open in a prominent space on the site.

The popular taco truck opens a fourth Memphis-area location, at a well-trafficked Midtown corner, while its owner plans a sit-down restaurant in Germantown.

Business has been booming for Biscuits & Jams since they opened, and the restaurant could expand to other cities next year. 

The ground floor will also sell and display local Memphis artwork.

Charles Cavallo, who also owns The Cupboard restaurant, plans to fully renovate the ground-floor commercial space, which was once a jewelry store.

With a few hundred guests, Jim’s Place celebrated 100 years. And the memories? Untold thousands.

Wolf River Brisket has opened in Crosstown Concourse, bringing smoked brisket, chicken and salmon to the restaurant space where Next Door American Eatery was until COVID started.

Pancho’s has served the Memphis community for over 60 years and is known for its varieties of queso dips that have been available in 1,200 stores. 

Let someone else do the cooking for Thanksgiving, and help support local businesses, too. But jump on it because most deadlines are looming.

Reny Alfonso, the chef at Chez Philippe from 2005 to 2010, has returned to Memphis and will open Bog & Barley at Regalia with DJ Naylor.

Make your Thanksgiving meal easier — and maybe better — by breaking down the turkey before you cook it; email your favorite holiday recipes so we can share.

The pitmaster brings her “winningest” touch to retail; she’s opening The BBQ Allstars barbecue supply store plus more in Southaven later this month.