MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just days after Westy’s put up its Pinch District restaurant for sale, the owner of another popular nearby restaurant says she’s faced challenges for years and feels neglected by city leaders.
Betty Joyce, also known as B.J. Chester-Tamayo, opened Alcenia’s in 1997 and ever since then, she says the city has failed to bring improvements and more businesses to the Pinch District.
Alcenia’s has been a Memphis staple that’s gained national and global recognition for its delicious soul food and southern hospitality. Chester-Tamayo, who is from Mississippi, says it was a dream born from a tragedy.
‘We want to stay’: says owner of popular restaurant Westy’s
“The only way I knew to come back from my child’s death, was I thought about opening a restaurant. But get this, I did not cook growing up. I was the only child. People in Meridian said, ‘You didn’t wash dishes, you ain’t boiled eggs. I don’t know how you’re going to open a restaurant,’” she recalled…