Restaurant owners, operators, and hospitality professionals from across Memphis came together for industry networking at the What Now Accelerate Event on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Hosted at The Arcade Restaurant and moderated by What Now Media Group’s Director of Events, Mariah Medley, the gathering enmeshed business leaders and hospitality partners for an afternoon focused on building connections in the local restaurant community.
The strength of the city’s hospitality industry was highlighted by bringing these established businesses and industry partners together in one setting, creating opportunities for collaboration, relationship-building, and continued momentum in the scene.
Restaurant Business Attendees
The event welcomed a variety of independent restaurants, emerging concepts, and expanding brands, with attendees representing businesses across multiple categories, including full-service dining, fast casual, coffee shops, bakeries, bars, and entertainment-driven concepts.
Jeff Zepatos, Co-Owner of The Arcade Restaurant, represented the host venue during the event. Located on South Main Street in downtown Memphis, The Arcade Restaurant is recognized as one of the city’s longtime dining landmarks and provides a fitting backdrop for hospitality professionals to meet and exchange ideas…