Alcenia's
You come in as a stranger, and leave a member of the world’s largest and greatest Soul Food family!
More Than a Restaurant- A Memphis Legacy
Celebrating community, culture, and comfort through food.
Celebrating community, culture, and comfort through food.
Alcenia’s was birthed through a need for healing after tragedy hit in 1996. When the owner’s only son Will A. (Go-Go) Tamayo, III was killed in a motorcycle accident. BJ’s whole world changed, and she could no longer function. BJ always wanted to manufacture her mother’s preserves, so she took that dream and opened Alcenia’s.
Strange thing is BJ never cooked growing up. However, she knew that her childhood memories and mother’s recipes were two things that always brought feelings of love and peace; and she wanted to share those with the world. Alcenia’s first day of business was November 7, 1997.
Acclaim
The word is out. Alcenia's is BIG deal!
We’ve been featured in countless shows, magazines, books and blogs—nationally, internationally and locally. Here’s a sampling—click to watch the video/read the story.
Other Features + Appearances
Television and Radio
- Who’s Who in America (2018, 2019)
- Harry Smith’s Favorite Five Interviews of 2018
- Hairy Biker United Kingdom TV Show
- Jack Daniel 100 Years TV Show (Italy)
Awards and More
- 2021 Black Kitchen Initiative grant recipient
- 2020 Memphis “MOST” Soul Food
- Tri-State Defender Best in Black Awards-“Soul Food”
- The New York Times (200 destination places to go in the United States and Canada-Alcenia’s Chosen as One of the 200)