The Lobbyist

The story

The Lobbyist in Memphis: Fusion Dining in a Historic Hotel Chisca Setting

A Story in Every Dish

The Lobbyist occupies the ground floor of the historic Hotel Chisca, a downtown Memphis landmark that opened in 1913. The hotel once hosted Elvis Presley’s first radio broadcast and live performance, and its grand halls have echoed with the sounds of legends. Today, the restaurant pays homage to that era with vintage accents, plush furnishings, and gleaming golden details, creating a space that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Owner and Chef Jimmy Gentry leads the kitchen with a philosophy that food is a narrative. The menu is a culinary exploration of America’s cultural tapestry, weaving global influences together with the freshest local ingredients from nearby farms. The result is a rotating seasonal menu that celebrates local farming and adventurous flavor—a fusion approach that earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026.

Reviving Elegance, One Cocktail at a Time

The cocktail program at The Lobbyist is equally intentional. Inspired by the grand hotel bars of the past, the drinks reimagine classic recipes with a contemporary twist. High-quality ingredients and a nod to the cocktails that shaped modern bars make the bar a destination in its own right. The team, led by Bar Manager Austin Weisenborn, focuses on precision and creativity.

The restaurant has been recognized as Best New Restaurant 2023 by Memphis Magazine and Top 20 Restaurants to Open Since 2020 by the Commercial Appeal. With its fusion cuisine, storied setting, and dedication to joyful hospitality, The Lobbyist has quickly become a fixture in Memphis’s dining scene.