Best in Memphis Hospitality Recognized
Welcome to Memphis’ Annual Pick Awards Party celebrated the outstanding work of all hospitality professionals and recognized those who delivered the best, most authentic Memphis hospitality in 2023. Congratulations to all of this year’s Pick Award Winners!
Restaurants:
Winner: Brooke Hurdle, Loflin Yard
Runner-up: Wayne Whitten, Hard Rock Cafe (now employed by Lafayette's Music Room)
Attractions
Winner: Jimmy Connor, Memphis Zoo
Runner-up: Tyler Williams, National Civil Rights Museum
Hotels
Winner: Lolita Suggs, Guest House at Graceland
Runner-up: Tina Minor, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Docent
Winner: Shannon Walton Baker, Backbeat Tours
Runner-up: Jackie Murray, A Tour of Possibilities
Michelle Land Award
Will Jasper, Huey's Restaurants
We are excited to announce the establishment of the Mary Schmitz Leadership Award, named after founding Executive Director, Mary Schmitz. Beginning in 2024, workers in leadership positions in hospitality and tourism will be eligible to receive this award for exemplary leadership and support for their teams.
Read below for more details about each nomination:
Hotel Winner, Lolita Suggs, Guest House at Graceland: A tourism professional nominated Lolita after witnessing the way Lolita interacted with guests arriving in Memphis two days before they boarded their Mississippi River Cruise to New Orleans. “Lolita welcomed each guest into the reception area and to Memphis as if she were welcoming them into her home,” the nominator said, noting that Lolita took the time to talk to every person, making them each feel special. “At the end of the shift she mentioned that her father had died just the day before. When asked why in the world she was at work instead of at home, she quickly responded that coming to work and interacting with her guests always made her feel better!” The nominator was blown away and impressed by Lolita’s care and devotion to offering hospitality. “Lolita is a true professional in our industry!”
Hotel Runner-Up, Tina Minor, Holiday Inn Express & Suites: In their nomination, a visitor to Memphis described how Tina Minor cared for his wife, who suffers from an anxiety disorder and was experiencing an anxiety attack during her first trip traveling alone to a new city. “By the time my wife arrived at the hotel she was a nervous wreck,” the nominator wrote. “Tina Minor was the first employee she encountered.” Tina asked the guest how she could help, then unloaded the woman’s luggage and helped her find her medication. Later, she checked on the woman in her room, and even called her as the woman drove home to make sure she was okay. "I believe that Tina Minor is the epitome of guest relations,” the nominator wrote. “My wife said that Tina made her feel safe and understood in a way no one outside her family had made her feel since her diagnosis.”
Attractions Winner, Jimmy Connor, Memphis Zoo: Jimmy has been a dedicated team member at the Memphis Zoo for many years, currently working in the water quality department. His nominator, a coworker, wrote, “Making sure clean, running water is provided across the entirety of the property is integral to our operations at Memphis Zoo.” Most mornings, Jimmy is at the zoo bright and early to make sure the fountains and other sources of water are ready for the long and hot day ahead. He also has to ensure that each individual animal's water needs are fully taken care of. His nominator wrote, “Ever wonder how the cold animals stay so cool in the summer? Part of Jimmy's job is not only cleaning the water, but also making the water cold enough for a polar bear! You may not know that sea lions need about 35,000 parts per million of salt in their water to maintain good eye care, but Jimmy always knows!” With the addition of the zoo’s new Splash Park, Jimmy’s work expands every summer to make sure kids and their families can splash safely. “Jimmy is an integral part of the Memphis Zoo family,” his nominator wrote, “and we cannot fathom where we would be without him.”
Attractions Runner-Up, Tyler Williams, National Civil Rights Museum:
It means a lot when a customer writes a review citing specific employees they interacted with on a visit to Memphis. One customer did just that after taking a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum with Tyler Williams. “We had an excellent visit to the Civil Rights Museum! Our group included multiple family members, which the museum accommodated seamlessly,” the nominator wrote. “Our group tour guide, Tyler Williams, was so great at leading and being thoughtful to wait for the interpreters to sign as well. He provided us with so much extra information about the exhibits and Civil Rights history! I would highly recommend using Tyler if getting a guided tour at the museum! What a great experience!”
Restaurant Winner, Brooke Hurdle, Loflin Yard:
Several people attested to Brooke’s gifts as a bartender and server at Loflin Yard. When one nominator was asked when they witnessed award worthy behavior from Brooke, they answered, “Every day.” In addition to “making a mean cocktail” and providing excellent customer service, Brooke goes the extra mile to make guests feel welcome. One nominator wrote about interacting with Brooke while on a blind date: “She is the main reason we have been back to the bar and the reason we have continued to date. Brooke is a very fun person to be around.” Another wrote about how Brooke met a group of tourists who’d come to Memphis from Germany for Elvis week: “They asked if she would recommend some other local establishments. She instead loaded them all up in her car and took them on a mini city tour of Memphis famous spots.” Brooke is credited with outstanding service and a welcoming spirit: “Brooke makes everyone feel like you are her best friend.”
Restaurant Runner-Up, Wayne Whitten, Hard Rock Cafe: Wayne was part of the opening staff of Hard Rock Cafe Memphis back in November of 1997. He started as a Line Cook, working his way up to Assistant General Manager/Floor Manager. His nominator wrote, “Wayne is the O.G., the only original staff member still employed by Hard Rock Cafe Memphis. He's seen and been through it all and he is the main reason locally that the restaurant has sustained over the years. Sadly, Hard Rock Cafe closed at the end of July. A nod to Wayne is well-deserved.” You can now visit Wayne at his new workplace at Lafayette's Music Room.
Docent Winner, Shannon Walton Baker, Backbeat Tours: Shannon’s nominators consistently described her as knowledgeable, fun, and accommodating. One customer described how Shannon successfully took a group on a tour of Beale Street with a limited amount of time. Another customer review described the way Shannon handled a power outage in downtown Memphis mid-tour: "While on our tour, the power went out in downtown Memphis, and Shannon was able to make adjustments on the fly to accommodate our group. She had the experience and knowledge to route our group to the best location to watch the ducks at the Peabody Hotel. Excellent tour and fabulous tour guide!"
Docent Runner-up, Jackie Murray, A Tour of Possibilities: Nominators and customers cited Jackie’s deep knowledge and love of Memphis and her kindness and enthusiasm. One customer wrote, “We enjoyed Jackie’s tour immensely and would definitely go again. We even learned a bit of history from her that we wouldn't have learned had we not gone on that tour. Jackie loves her hometown of Memphis and had an array of information to share with us. We are nominating Jackie because of her great customer service and willingness to share. She even has a great narrating and singing voice too!”
Michelle Land Award: Will Jasper, Huey's Restaurants: Will Jasper is repeatedly described as friendly, kind, and easygoing. Nominators cited his friendliness, his efficiency, and his calm demeanor. But one nomination stuck out to us: “I was sitting at the bar at Huey’s one night while Will was working. Another patron of the restaurant was eating their food when they began to choke. The patron’s friends immediately began to freak out. Will, without hesitation, jumped into action and began to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the patron. A few moments later, the food was dislodged from the patron’s airway, and he could breathe again. Who knows how the situation would’ve ended up without Will’s quick reaction that night? Without a doubt in my mind, Will saved that man’s life. Anytime you enter Huey’s East Memphis Will’s face is one of the first you see, whether it be behind the bar or at your table, he is the best server/bartender in the entire City of Memphis and exemplifies what it means to be a Memphian.” Another regular customer wrote, “Even as a nurse, I was blown away at how quickly and efficiently he jumped into action, as everyone stared in fear. Jasper’s been an amazing worker for years, but this year he’s a hero.”
The Annual Pick Awards recognize the people who deliver the best, most authentic Memphis hospitality, are knowledgeable about Memphis amenities, and have pride in our city. All professionals in the Memphis area hospitality and tourism industry are eligible, and nominations may come from visitors, locals, employers, and fellow employees. Nominations are currently open for the 2024 Pick Awards. Find out more about nominations here.
