Derrick Craig's Vision for South Memphis

outh Memphis has always been rich in soul. From its deep musical history to its tight-knit neighborhoods, it's a part of the city where stories are told through rhythm, resilience — and food.

And right in the heart of it, on McLemore Avenue, something special is cooking.

Johnnie Mae’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s part of a larger dream — a mission to bring life, light, and legacy back to a neighborhood that raised generations. Founder Derrick Craig, a South Memphis native, grew up walking these streets. He remembers the old days: the buzzing block parties, the smell of home-cooked meals floating through screen doors, the pride people had in their corner of the city.

Now, with Johnnie Mae’s, he’s giving back to the same community that shaped him.

By placing the restaurant on McLemore, Derrick isn’t chasing foot traffic — he’s planting roots. He sees potential in every boarded-up building, every empty lot. His goal? To spark a wave of reinvestment, starting with something that brings people together: food.

Johnnie Mae’s is a place where culture meets cuisine. Where families gather. Where locals can take pride in something built for them. And it’s only the beginning. Derrick envisions more than a restaurant — he sees a revival. A stretch of McLemore lined with Black-owned businesses, vibrant murals, community gardens, and events that uplift the neighborhood.

This is about more than food. It’s about ownership. It’s about reclaiming space. It’s about showing what happens when you mix love, legacy, and a little bit of seasoning.

South Memphis has always had soul. Now, it has a place to taste it — and a leader committed to helping it shine again.

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