MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A popular restaurant, once only operating as a pop-up, is opening doors at its own brick an mortar store.
Kinfolk opened for business March 27, as a labor of love for owner Cole Jeanes.
“It’s basically like a refined Waffle House," Jeanes said.
To the owner, the Harbor Town restaurant is all about bringing his country experience to the Bluff City. The Memphian tells ABC24 his journey with food started with his mother in the kitchen and precious moments Jeanes shared with his dad before he passed away.
“A lot of experiences, hunting and fishing," said Jeanes. "We’d get these greasy brown bags from chicken and biscuits places, and that’s really where the love came from.”
This love of food only continued to develop with each passing year. Jeanes studied at L'École Culinaire in Memphis before working in kitchens throughout the city, including Hog and Hominy.
“Prior to this, it was a pop-up at Comeback Coffee," Jeanes said. "I love them so much. We could not hold enough biscuits for them to sell. It was just too many. We would sell out.”
As his dream comes together, the chef hopes to honor his family, and those like his dad, who helped Jeanes get to where he is today.
“He was a hustler, long business, taxidermist, fireman, did all that…I think he’d be very excited that I’m being creative,” said Jeanes.
You can go to Kinfolk at 111 Harbor Town Square from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. You can find a link to Kinfolk's website here.