Former Rizzo’s Chef Michael Patrick is opening a new restaurant later this month.

Magnolia Bend Grille is set to open on Sept. 23 at Bonne Terre in Nesbit, Mississippi. The new restaurant will be located in the space that was most recently BT Prime Steakhouse.

Patrick said the new restaurant won’t be “a Rizzo’s 2.0,” but will offer the elevated Southern fare that he was known for at his Downtown Memphis restaurant.

Recipe Exchange: Rizzo’s Bread Pudding

Bonne Terre co-owner Stafford Houston said he and his wife Christy bought the 28-acre wedding and event venue two years ago, and have been looking for a chef to take over the reins at the restaurant.

Patrick will rent the restaurant space from the Houstons.

“We have redone the whole property, and we felt that the property needed a top-notch chef,” said Stafford Houston. “Someone to bring the quality of food to match the quality of the wedding venue and the inn.”

Rizzo’s was an award-winning South Main Arts District dining destination for seven years before it closed in 2022. The restaurant had been featured by Southern Living magazine and Guy Fieri on Food Network for its creative Southern fare. For the past 2 ½ years, Patrick has been the Executive Chef Partner at The Capital Grille.

Patrick said Magnolia Bend Grille will offer elevated casual dining.

“Expect comfort food, but executed at a chef’s level,” Patrick said.

While the menu will be different from Rizzo’s, expect to find a handful of old favorites offered, including Patrick’s famed Lobster Pronto Pup and his White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding.

“Nawlins Style Shrimp” are on the menu, as is the Rizzo’s burger (a burger topped with white American cheese, arugula, Creole mustard aioli and oven-roasted tomatoes). 

Steaks will also be a featured prominently on the menu.

“My time at Capital Grille helped me understand steaks better,” said Patrick. “There will be a ‘Chef’s Cut’ of steaks on the menu that we will cook to tender, juicy medium-rare.” 

The restaurant will initially open for dinner only, but will open more days a week than BT Prime was. Sunday brunch will also be offered.

“I want this to be a place that people feel comfortable coming in in a golf shirt and khakis. Not pretentious,” he said, adding that he hopes that people will consider Magnolia Bend Grille for everyday dining, not just special nights out.

With that in mind, the bar will feature items like burgers, sliders and a cheese plate for those looking for a quick bite.

Since Bonne Terre is located less than three miles away from Landers Center, he hopes that concert goers will plan to stop by Magnolia Bend Grille prior to a show.

“With the Landers Center down the road, it’s like having the Orpheum down the street from Rizzo’s,” he said.

Patrick said the opportunity was just what he and his wife Angel were looking for – the chance to open their own restaurant again in a community where they live.

The couple moved to Angel’s hometown of Southaven last year. 

Rendezvous spices things up with new sauces, seasonings

“We really want to be part of the community we live in,” said Patrick, who lived in Downtown Memphis when he owned and operated Rizzo’s.

The new restaurant will be a family affair. Angel will be running the 75-seat dining room.

Patrick said that he is excited to be back at the helm of his own restaurant.

“I can’t think of anything better than running a restaurant,” said Patrick. “Being smaller allows us to offer a better dining experience. Come see an old friend.”

The restaurant’s name is a nod to where it’s located. “Nesbit is a bend in a river in Scottish … and magnolias are the state flower of Mississippi.”

Magnolia Bend Grille will honor all outstanding BT Prime gift certificates for the first three months the restaurant is open.

Magnolia Bend Grille will be located at 4715 Church Rd. in Nesbit, Mississippi.