Taking a Chance on Memphis

Stacey Greenberg | Edible Memphis

This food and hospitality couple gambled on Memphis—and won

“When we first told our friends we were moving to Memphis, we often heard, ‘Why did you choose Memphis?’ In a strange way, I feel like Memphis chose us,” says Jessica Hennsler. She and husband, Nate, moved here in 2022 after a decade in Chicago’s food and hospitality scene. They were ready to explore other cities with emerging culinary landscapes, and Memphis developer Chance Carlisle serendipitously reached out to Nate to see if he was interested in opening Amelia Gene’s downtown.

Jessica says that when they visited, they fell in love with the city’s genuine charm and authenticity. “Memphis reminded me of what I loved about Chicago when I first moved there in 2010,” she says. “In reality, timing is everything. I was finishing my MBA, Nate was ready for a new challenge, and we both knew this was the right moment to take a chance.”

Now they both live and work downtown. Nate is executive chef at Amelia Gene’s and a managing partner for Carlisle Restaurant Group. Jessica was the area business travel and marketing manager at the Hyatt Centric and Caption by Hyatt hotels before joining Nate at Amelia Gene’s as General Manager. They love living and working downtown. “The South Main Arts District has a unique charm, where you can shop from local farmers, get a bowl of ramen from Good Fortune, walk to a Dose pilates, watch the game at Slider Inn, and end the night at Loflin Yard—all locally owned and within walking distance of each other. It’s amazing to see a community where big businesses haven’t taken over, and everything is owned by people who love what they do. You don’t find that everywhere,” Jessica says.

Nate and Jessica both enjoy the outdoors. Nate rides his fat bike over Big River Crossing and his Vespa down South Main. Jessica loves long walks. She’s especially enamored with the “mini Mississippi” at Mud Island River Park—a half-mile-long scale model of the Mississippi River.

They also spend time cooking together. “I absolutely love cooking and entertaining, especially on our patio or in our home,” says Jessica. “Hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy making unique meals that my friends might not have tried before, specifically Southeast Asian flavors.”

Jessica’s love for southeast Asian flavors comes from her mother, who was born and raised in Thailand. Her parents met when her dad was serving in the army there. After her parents moved to the U.S., Jessica was born in Fort Bragg, South Carolina. “Until I was five, my life was enriched by my mom’s flavorful cooking,” she says. “I can still taste the flavors of spicy crabs, sticky rice, lots of shrimp, soybean drink, and agar jelly fruit cake, which developed my palate for a blend of spicy, sour, and sweet foods.”

Ater her parents’ separation and her dad’s Desert Storm deployment, Jessica and her sister moved to Ohio to live with their grandparents, who insisted on family dinner every evening at 5:30. “They taught me that sharing a meal is more than just food,” she says. “It’s about sharing stories, connecting with one another, and feeling the warmth and togetherness that only a family dinner can bring.”

Now as Jessica cooks for friends, she brings together that love for shared food with the tastes of her mother’s homeland.  “To this day, when Nate and I cook, we love to incorporate South Asian flavors, using some of our favorite ingredients like fresh herbs, chilis, fish sauce, and coconut milk,” she says.

Jessica has heard the saying, “If you love Memphis, Memphis will love you back,” and she wholeheartedly believes that. 

Nate has found it to be true too. “Memphis should be famous for thick-skinned, creative, and hospitable locals, and I really am proud to call it my home,” he says.

Favorite coffee/breakfast place?
Jessica: The Garden Brunch Cafe is a cute breakfast spot just down the street from us. Jordan [Carpenter] and his parents, who own the cafe, are the nicest people. I’m always a fan of family-owned businesses because it’s such a tough industry and the food and service are always great! Also, Jordan is the artist who has the pictures hanging in the restaurant and they are stunning.

Quick lunch stop?
Nate: Kinfolk. Jessica and I went to a pop-up that [owner Cole Jeanes] did when we first moved here. He came into Amelia Gene’s shortly after we opened, we had a nice conversation, and he opened up a fantastic restaurant. I like to support people that I like and share a common goal of putting out great food. I had the mushroom and grits. I use the same Anson Mills grits at Amelia Gene’s, and whenever I see them on a menu, I always order them. 10/10 would recommend.

Ultimate downtown date night?
Nate: A long walk along the Mississippi River—both the riverfront itself and the replica at the museum on Mud Island—followed by oysters and a burger at Bishop. [Editor’s note: Bishop closed in June 2024.]

Best kept secret?
Jessica: I love Amelia Gene’s lounge for pre-dinner cocktails, after-work wine with friends, or even entertaining corporate clients. Its cozy, intimate atmosphere makes for a fun vibe. They offer Sancerre by the glass, one of my favorites, which is rare to find on a menu.