MEMPHIS, Tenn. — You don't have to look too far to find a good restaurant in Memphis, and the Food Network is once again taking notice.
In 2024, several Memphis restaurants have been or will be featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Triple D Nation.
On Friday, Feb. 9, you may have seen Chef Betty Joyce “B.J.” Chester-Tamayo serve Guy Fieri a fish sandwich at Alcenia’s on Triple D Nation.
"I have people coming from London saying, 'I saw you on there,'” said Chester-Tamayo.
She takes pride in her restaurant and its customer service.
"You come in a stranger, but when you leave Alcenia's doors, we're all family,” said Chester-Tamayo.
She is no stranger to the spotlight. She has been on Food Network multiple times and said each time she saw an uptick in restaurant customers and online merchandise sales.
"Valentine's Day was one of the busiest that I've had in a long time. We sell products online, so I've had several different orders, some as much as $200. And I know because it happened right after the show,” said Chester-Tamayo.
And she isn’t the only one. Lou Martin, owner of Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken, said his business became a staple in the community after Fieri walked through his doors 15 years ago.
"We were on the brink of not being here. Seriously. Until they called and came out. I was literally in tears because when they called me, I thought it was a prank,” said Martin.
Martin saw an even bigger boost after winning a prize at the 2023 South Beach Wine and Food Festival, a Food Network competition that he's heading back to later this month.
With other local restaurants being featured on Triple D Nation this month, Chester-Tamayo is happy to see more Memphis restaurants getting national exposure.
"When I was first on, they would have maybe four that would come on, and they would spread them out over the year or year and a half. But now, it's just like in Memphis lately, it's been like two or three a month. So, that goes to show you the love they have for Memphis as well,” said Chester-Tamayo.
Martin is set to make his third Food Network appearance on Triple D Nation on Friday, Feb. 16 as a mentor for the owner of StickEm in Midtown. Las Tortugas Deli Mexican will also be featured on Food Network in Feb. 2024.