Despite a report in The Memphis Flyer, this East Memphis restaurant is not closing. Not just yet.
Because of a contractual obligation, Wally Joe will remain open until at least the end of the year, serving dinner Monday through Saturday.
Read more about it in Friday’s Memphis Playbook.
Breaking food news
Responses to “News flash: Wally Joe is not closed”
November 20th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
I take full credit for telling Simone Wilson and the flyer that Wally Joe Restaurant was closing. I missunderstood the plans of the restaurant and let out the wrong information. They had know way of telling that the information given to them was false.
November 20th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Looks like you forced a retraction from the sterling Flyer reporter:
NOVEMBER 20, 2006 - 04:24 PM
We reported last Thursday on this site that Wally Joe was to close his restaurant that evening. Due to legal reasons, Wally Joe will remain open for business.
November 21st, 2006 at 8:47 am
FYI, conflict of interest can be defined as any situation in which an individual or corporation is in a position to exploit a professional or official capacity in some way for their personal or corporate benefit.
Mrs. Wilson was seeking no benefit or exploitation. She was reporting what was, at the time, a fact. Her intimate invovlement in the Memphis restaurant scene on both a professional and personal level (and the great respect that that community has for her) only makes her a better and more knowledgeable food writer. I wasn’t aware that having knowledge of the food buisiness would cause a conflict of interest when writing about food. Thanks for clarifying that - it really explains a lot…
You might want to look up the definition of “libel” as long as we’re learning new things today.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:15 am
Wow! is my first reaction. A great restaurant like WJ is going out is yet more proof that Memphis is in love with mediocrity. From what I understand, Wally already has plans in motion to reopen within 6 months not far from where he is. His loyal fans will follow. I think Memphis is so lucky he is not leaving us altogether. He would most certainly be more appreciated anywhere else.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:46 am
it seems that people are always more interested in the B.S. gossip and latenight barhopping hearsay of the restaurant buisiness. than the simple fact that one of the very few, true fine dining restaurants in memphis will be closing in a month. Good luck andrew.
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:46 pm
I agree with Shag that most people, especially those in the industry, will be more interested about the gossip. I’m sure some of them are gloating, but what they won’t admit is that Wally brought a level of integrity, honesty, and uncompromising quality of cuisine to this city. I hope what I hear is true, that he will be opening soon in another location. In a city with aspirations of being in the “Big Leagues”, Wally is a major reason that Memphis is seen a better light. Let’s not forget that he chose Memphis, not the other way around. We need him.
November 24th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Chistmas Party at River Oaks Restaurant,
Has anyone been to River Oaks Restaurant? We had our holiday party at the restaurant last week and thought everything was fantastic, service, atmosphere and my wife and I have not enjoyed food that much in Memphis since moving here a year ago. I noticed in the review the restaurant changed chefs but I noticed only great things. I’m not sure how it was before but the chef at river oaks restaurant was on the night we ate. I looked online for info about the restaurant and noticed he worked with Food Network and was from Miami, anyone have any other info about the new River Oaks Chef? thier website we located from another website opentable.com a reservation service.riveroaksrestaurant.com.
November 29th, 2006 at 10:32 am
Wally and Andrew are the two best chefs in the city. Can’t wait for them to reopen. We’ll miss them until then.
8 comment.