Meet MBJ's 40 Under 40, Class of 2026: Jessica Henssler
What makes you a 40 Under 40?
What I’m most proud of is helping reshape what people think a restaurant can be because in today’s world, hospitality matters more than ever. At Amelia Gene’s, we’re not just serving dinner. We’re creating a space where people feel welcomed, cared for, and seen, whether they’re celebrating, grieving, nervous about a big night, or simply needing something good. You never know what someone carried in before they walked through the door, but you can be part of the reason they leave feeling lighter.
What's next?
Memphis is home now, and what’s next is building here, alongside my team and my husband. We want to keep growing what we’ve built at Amelia Gene’s and shape it into a place known for developing people, where training is intentional, support is real, and challenge builds confident leaders. As we expand into future concepts, whether fast-casual or fine dining, the standard won’t change: create spaces where guests feel genuinely cared for and teams feel proud of the work they do. What’s next is simple: more opportunity, more growth, and more people stepping into roles they once thought were out of reach because we built the culture to carry them there.
What gives you hope for the future of Memphis?
The people who choose it and love it out loud. The ones who stay, build, and believe.