Announcing the Winners of the 2024 Annual Pick Awards
We are so excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Annual Pick Awards! The Pick Awards recognize and celebrate the hospitality professionals who deliver authentic Memphis hospitality, are knowledgeable about their city, and show pride in the 901. Each year we recognize a winner and runner-up in each of four different categories: restaurants, attractions, hotels, and tour guides. We also celebrate outstanding service with the Michelle Land Award and Mary Schmitz Leadership Award. Winners and runners-up receive cash awards as well as a custom-made trophy created by the Metal Museum.
Restaurant Winner: Warnett Nixon, Butteriffic Bakery – One guest to Memphis was having a rough day when they walked into Butterific and encountered Warnett: “She asked what brought me to Memphis. I could tell she was genuinely interested.” The guest wrote that Warnett offered a hug, a free cup of coffee, and suggestions for restaurants, parks, and other places to visit. “Warnett made it one of the best trips I have taken in a long time.”
Restaurant Runner-Up: Lorne Greene, Charlie Vergos Rendezvous – At this Memphis landmark, Lorne is a legend! One Memphis resident says, “Lorne goes above and beyond visiting with us and talking about the history of the restaurant.” Another nomination tells us: “You can always count on Lorne for good customer service. He is a great promoter for Downtown Memphis.”
Attractions Winner: Connie Cason, National Civil Rights Museum – Nominations commend Connie as delightful, kind, customer-friendly, and extremely knowledgeable: “Connie gave us information for our current and future trips to the museum, as well as catered to my close friend who is of older age,” says one guest. “It was wonderful to be cared for and welcomed so intentionally.”
Attractions Runner-Up: Tayah Johnson, Memphis Zoo – One of the hardworking employees at Memphis Zoo’s coffee shop, Ancient Grounds, Tayah is appreciated for her smile, kindness, and patience. One nominator writes: “Tayah is always brainstorming new recipes and ways to improve the cafe. She is such a light at Memphis Zoo and is constantly making everyone's day just a little better.”
Hotel Winner: Melvia Hawkins, Holiday Inn University of Memphis – Melvia is known for greeting guests with a smile, handling complaints with grace, and giving great recommendations for Memphis restaurants. “When Melvia connects with people it is always positive and effective,” one Memphian says. “She will take care of everything with a loving smile and keep others smiling!”
Hotel Runner-Up: Stephanie Hisaw, The Guesthouse at Graceland – Guests appreciate Stephanie’s warmth and dedication to both her job and her fellow employees. “Stephanie was truly one of the highlights of my time in Memphis and my time at Elvis Week,” reads one nomination. “She really went above and beyond and made me feel like a valued visitor and a valued person. I came to Memphis because I’m a huge fan of Elvis, but one of my highlights was actually Stephanie.”
Tour Guide Winner: Marius Scott, Blue Suede Brigade – Visitors to Memphis have recognized Marius as an outstanding young man who helps many guests to the downtown area. He was described as happy and joyful, knowledgeable, and “the Memphis go-to guy!” Nominators describe Marius as a great ambassador for Downtown Memphis.
Michelle Land Award: Stacey Voyles, Loflin Yard – Named after the first Pick Awards winner, the Michelle Land Award acknowledges the incredible lengths hospitality professionals will go for those visiting Memphis hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Stacey’s manager says Stacey goes out of her way to help guests. Customers praise her great customer service, friendliness, personal connection with her guests, and of course, her stellar bartending skills.
Mary Schmitz Leadership Award: Robert Shindler, Central Station Hotel – Named in honor of Welcome to Memphis’ founding Executive Director, the Mary Schmitz Leadership Award recognizes exemplary leadership. A member of the hotel’s Pride Committee and Ambassador Program, Robert is praised by colleagues and visitors alike for his exceptional skills, expertise, and attention to detail.
Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up of this year’s awards! Keep an eye out for future blogs highlighting each of our winners. We can’t wait to share their stories with you.
Nominations are currently open for the 2025 Pick Awards. All professionals in the Memphis area hospitality and tourism industry are eligible, and nominations may come from visitors, locals, employers, and fellow employees. Learn more here.
