The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant — Restaurant in Memphis

today, a friend and i visited the four way restaurant, located in the heart of memphis. this iconic establishment, founded in 1946, has woven itself into the fabric of our community.

as i stepped inside, i was greeted by the hostess taylor and the bustling kitchen’s aroma, where the scent of soul food wafted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversations. this place is more than just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary where the spirit of resilience is served alongside soul food staples like collard greens, pinto beans, fried chicken, and the best catfish in memphis!

jerry and his wife, mrs. patrice thompson, now own the four way restaurant. i was fortunate to have a great conversation with jerry, who shared many stories about the restaurant’s history. you see, during the civil rights era, the four way was a beacon of hope and a meeting place for those fighting for justice. i was captivated by the thought of dr. martin luther king jr. himself finding solace and strength in the warmth of the dining room, which was then a billiards room, surrounded by friends and fellow activists. this wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a haven, a place where history was made over shared meals.

when jerry and patrice thompson took over ownership, they knew they weren’t just running a business—they were stewards of a legacy. jerry explained how and why they are dedicated to preserving the rich traditions and recipes that have become synonymous with the four way. they honor the restaurant’s historical significance while adding their own chapter to its storied past.

today, as i looked around, i saw an atmosphere thick with nostalgia. the walls are adorned with precious memorabilia, and the air is filled with the scent of iconic dishes like cornbread and fried catfish. it feels like a warm embrace from the past, a testament to the enduring spirit of community. but i’ll leave details of the four way restaurant’s historic muses and iconic patrons to jerry, since he tells each story with candor, passion, and transparent reverence.

that said, what i can say is that the four way continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community, impacting new generations while staying true to its roots. its essence lies in the love and dedication that have kept its doors open for decades. the true legacy of the four way is built on these values, ensuring it remains a symbol of community and shared meals.

as my friend and i left, and we stood outside chatting with jerry, i realized that the four way is not just a restaurant. it’s a story of resilience, a testament to the power of community, and a legacy that endures, one meal at a time.

thank you, jerry and patrice, for the beautiful stories and a truly humbling experience enjoying the richness of the four way restaurant and, in fact,...

Good afternoon:

My family, and I visited your iconic establishment yesterday (ordered pickup); I must apprise you that we (my family, and I) were so impressed by your thoughtfulness, and customer compassion that I wanted to thank you personally. For I have lived in Memphis all my life, and have dined at establishments throughout Memphis, and surrounding areas; ... my family, and I have never experienced such exemplary service that was exhibited by you, and your staff at the Four Way Grill.

During these unprecedented times of Covid 19; my family and I decided to branch out, order, and pick up Sunday dinner. The family vote was unanimous; Cornbread Dressing was on everyone's mind, and Memphians know that if you desire cornbread dressing; go to the Four Way Grill.

... Arrived at the Four Way Grill to retrieve my order, and after leaving the restaurant in a haste with desires to get our food home; I mistakenly, and unknowingly left part of my order at the Four Way Grill. Unbeknownst to me; I received a text, and shortly thereafter a call letting me know that part of my order was still at the restaurant. Unfortunately, by this time; I was approximately 20 minutes away from the restaurant nearing the Collierville / Olive Branch sector. I was pleasantly surprised when advised by the Four Way Grill staff that someone would travel to meet me, and bring me the remainder of my order. ...Completely flabbergasted to say the least by the staff's extraordinary customer service, and their disposition to travel in the midst of a pandemic to not only fulfill my family desires but to go above and beyond the call for customer service that most consumers only dare to imagine.

Patrice; the young lady that traveled to meet me at a predetermined location; apologized, and delivered the remainder of the food with a smile. Outstanding!

I personally want to thank Patrice, along with the entire staff at Four Way Grill not only for their excellent food but for the Extraordinary, and Stellar customer service my family, and I received today.

May God continue to Bless, and keep...

So I went into establishment today Thursday, July 17th, and noticed that place does not produce itemized bill before asking for payment and when I asked to see a breakdown I noticed a 15% gratuity on my to go order of $7.82 , I immediately asked the cashier to cancel order because I dont like patronizing places that have hidden fees to increase profit without providing exceptional service. The owner eventually intercepted and stalled me out after I asked for order to be canceled just to say keep my money. I felt that ahe would have honored what ahe said at the beginning when she learned that I wanted to cancel order. Instead she stalled and made me wait about 10 minutes until my order was complete and decided she didnt want to give me my money back. I felt helpless and confused on why she treated me this way especially since she claims to be the owner and in business for over 25 years. My dad has been a dentist serving the orange mound community for over 50 years and ive never seen him not refund for services regardless of the reasons for not wanting to patronize him. So Patrice , the owner, to boast on how successful her restaurant has been in the past does not give you the right to not refund a customer because you dont like what or how they expressed themselves. Her loyal patrons said that I should learn how to read because the gratuity is posted. I have yet to see the sign and I also like to review my order and charges before paying for it for this very reason. I do not recommend thus restaurant becauae I dont feel that their ghost fees align with the quantity and quality of the services I received. In a black community I feel that business owners should take pride in making all patrons happy and satisfied. Not everyone will agree with prices food etc and my order could have easily be canceled and my money be returned. Before the money was tendered I requested a refund. I feel that my voice wasn't heard and the treatment given to me to resolve my issue was ignored. I wasn't treated as a person once I discovered what I...