Trailblazing Memphis Restaurateur Honored

In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, Desiree Robinson, an 85-year-old culinary matriarch, has been dishing out the city’s finest smoked meats at her iconic Cozy Corner barbecue joint for an impressive 45 years.

Back in 1977, Desiree and her late husband, Raymond Robinson, joined forces to create a culinary legacy. After her husband’s passing in 2001, Desiree took the reins, carrying on the tradition they had built together.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the world of barbecue, Desiree Robinson achieved a historic milestone in 2020 by becoming the first Black woman to be inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. While she humbly acknowledges her late husband’s extraordinary cooking skills, she stands as a testament to their shared passion for creating a welcoming space through exceptional food.

Reflecting on her husband, Desiree recalls, “He never met a person that didn’t fall in love with him. He was the most likable person I have ever met in my life. And, he had the personality. Oh my goodness, everybody loved him. People just liked him and he liked people.”

Desiree emphasizes the importance of hospitality, saying, “I want them to know that they are at home. I want them to know that they are welcomed, and I want them to know that I want them to come back. So they’re going to eat good, and they’re going to be treated right.”

Describing the family-oriented ethos of the business, Desiree shares anecdotes of her children growing up around the restaurant, taking naps in the back, and gradually getting involved in various roles as they matured.

With gratitude, she expresses, “I’m blessed. I’ve got a wonderful family, I really do. Four generations of family. We work together in harmony, and I just thank God for that.”

_{Repurposed article originally published in Blavity}