By: Steve Turk

Memphis Garrett, founder of the Garrett Hospitality Group and known for his appearance on the reality show Big Brother, is set to bring a touch of Southern charm to Chicago's dining scene with the opening of his new restaurant, Lady May. This latest venture comes as Garrett Hospitality Group continues to expand its portfolio, which includes popular venues such as No Man’s Land, Ya Mas! Taverna, and Point Break.

In a recent podcast interview with The Hospitality Mentor, Garrett revealed the inspiration behind Lady May: "Chicago is being remodeled right now, and it's a new concept that I came up with. It's called Lady May. The idea there is southern coastal, like the Kentucky Derby meets Charleston, that kind of vibe." The tagline for the restaurant, "an ode to southern charm," encapsulates the upscale ambiance and high spirits that guests can expect from this unique dining experience.

Lady May, recently opened in March 2023 in Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood, it features a menu curated by the talented Chef de Cuisine Austin Blake. The menu is inspired by the coastal regions of the South and includes a raw bar, as well as an array of tantalizing snacks like Boiled Peanut Hummus with Cajun peanut oil and crudité, and a Fried Pickle Plate. More substantial offerings include Short Rib Helper, which features fresh rigatoni with bone marrow and black truffle, Duck & Dumplings with duck confit, English peas, and herbs, Grilled Oysters topped with Tabasco butter and breadcrumbs, and a mouth-watering Pork Chop accompanied by tallow sweet potato, collard greens, and mushroom master gravy.

In the interview, Garrett also touched on the importance of creating an intimate and memorable dining experience for guests: "We want 100 to 125 seats, 130 max, footprints of 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Where we can control the vibe and the energy." This focus on smaller spaces allows Garrett Hospitality Group to ensure the perfect atmosphere for guests to enjoy their night out, making each visit a special occasion.

The bar program at Lady May is designed to complement the Southern culinary offerings with a lineup of signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Guests can indulge in creations such as the Whiskey Smash, featuring Uncle Nearest Whiskey, lemon, and mint; the Lucky Margarita, with Nosotros Blanco Tequila, Key lime curd, and black lava salt; the Boilermaker, a combination of Spiteful UPA and Tattersall grapefruit crema; and the intriguing Coke & Nuts, made with peanut-infused bourbon, Coca-Cola, and peanut candy.

These delicious concoctions can be enjoyed at Lady May's location at 405 N Wabash Avenue in Chicago. For more information, visit www.ladymay.com or follow Lady May on Instagram: @LadyMayChicago.

As Garrett Hospitality Group continues to grow and innovate, with plans to open another Lady May location in Fort Lauderdale, Garrett remains optimistic and ambitious about the future: "We're going to continue to grow and do deals that make sense, and grow the company and our footprint." With four venues opened in the past year and the goal to open four more in the next 12 months, Garrett and his team, are poised to make a significant impact on the hospitality industry, one charming venue at a time.