Memphis Welcomes Culinary Innovator Emily Mutchnick

News Summary

Emily Mutchnick has made a significant mark on Memphis’ food scene with her fine dining restaurant, JEM. After a decade in Chicago, she and her husband made the bold move to Memphis, where they focus on creating a cozy dining experience that emphasizes community and exceptional cuisine. Emily’s journey reflects her passion for food and dedication to her staff, while she continues to connect with locals through her delicious offerings and commitment to quality.

Memphis Welcomes the Culinary Talent of Emily Mutchnick

Stepping onto the lively food scene of Memphis, Emily Mutchnick is a name that resonates with flavors and warmth. With a remarkable journey that has woven through various cities, her path to owning a fine dining restaurant is both inspiring and delightful. Born and raised in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Emily had dreams as vibrant as the city itself, all aimed at one ultimate goal: to open her own restaurant.

From Cincinnati to Memphis

After choosing Ohio State University for her studies, Emily’s aspirations began to widen. She embraced a larger community and took the chance to study abroad, gaining invaluable experiences. Upon completing her degree, she took the leap to Chicago, where she embarked on her corporate career. It was there that she met her husband, Chef Joshua Mutchnik. Together, the pair found their culinary passion and spent a decade exploring the world of food and hospitality in the Windy City.

JEM: A Dream Realized

After ten bustling years in Chicago, the couple decided to take a bold step – they moved to Memphis to establish JEM, a fine dining restaurant that has captured the hearts of locals. Even with limited formal experience in the bustling food service industry, Emily had always harbored dreams of restaurant ownership, greatly influenced by her relationship with her chef partner. She learned the ins and outs of the culinary world by working alongside Joshua, discovering both the challenges and the incredibly rewarding aspects of owning a restaurant.

Creating a Cozy Dining Experience

Emily describes owning JEM as a way to witness the direct impact of her efforts, a refreshing change compared to her previous corporate roles. The restaurant focuses on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere paired with expertly curated, delicious food. Emily has a firm belief that great food can coexist with a relaxed environment, allowing for a friendly and light-hearted dining experience that leaves guests smiling.

The Heart of the Operation

Handling a variety of administrative responsibilities, including reservations, menu updates, and finances, Emily plays an indispensable role in the operation of JEM. During service, she doesn’t shy away from the action; Emily actively participates by greeting guests and lending a hand to the front-of-house operations. Her personal goal is simple yet profound: to alleviate stress for her hardworking staff during those busy shifts.

Connecting with the Community

Emily absolutely loves building connections within the Memphis community. The joy of providing satisfaction through food is deep-rooted in her philosophy, and it reflects in both her interactions and the atmosphere of JEM. On the menu, some of her favorite dishes are standout items like Kimchi Arancini, Gnocchi, Short Rib Adobo, and a mouthwatering Chocolate Cake. She takes pride in curating a small menu, ensuring that quality reigns supreme, stating that nothing leaves the kitchen until it has been perfected.

The Balancing Act

Despite the demands of managing a restaurant, Emily maintains a day job working from home, allowing her flexibility to spend more time at JEM later in the week. When the couple is off-duty, they love exploring new eateries around Memphis and are avid supporters of local arts, as subscribers to Orpheum tickets. Additionally, Emily participates in a book club that has not only expanded her social circle but also deepened her appreciation for the city she now calls home.

Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Emily’s advice is clear: be prepared for long working hours, embrace the team spirit by getting involved with the staff, and invest in comfortable shoes! She emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care as crucial components of success in the restaurant business. For Emily, true enjoyment comes from experiences in food, books, travel, and as a little indulgence now and then, reality TV.

A Flavorful Future Ahead

With dreams set firmly on a flavorful future, Emily Mutchnick continues to cultivate joy in the heart of Memphis through JEM. A tapestry woven with passion, community, and warmth, her culinary journey is a celebration of food, relationships, and the beauty of dreaming big. The city’s vibrant dining scene is richer for her presence, and culinary enthusiasts can certainly look forward to what she cooks up next.

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Restaurants 2025
• We Are Memphis: Guide to Dining in Downtown Memphis
• Tasting Table: Best Restaurants in Memphis
• Memphis Flyer: The Belle Meade Social Scene
• Choose 901: Memphis Restaurant Association Food Festival
• Wikipedia: Memphis