Located at 735 North Pkwy in Memphis, Tennessee, it is one of the top ten spots in the state to chow down superb quality barbeque. Upon entering the restaurant, visitors will have the chance to be greeted by the first Black woman to be inducted into the American Royal Barbeque Hall of Fame.
Desiree Robinson, an 85-year-old pitmaster, co-founded the popular Memphis BBQ spot Cozy Corner Restaurant, which has been around for more than four decades.
Robinson said her journey to becoming the first Black woman inducted into the Barbeque Hall of Fame and a pitmaster started with her husband, Raymond.
“My husband was an awesome cook, and I’m good, but not nearly as good as he was,” Robinson told Fox 13. “I’m telling you, it blew my mind. It started with him. He built it for us.”
She continued, “He never met a person that didn’t fall in love with him. He was the most likable person I have ever met in my life. And, he had the personality. Oh my goodness, everybody loved him. People just liked him and he liked people.”
Robinson oversaw the business after Raymond died in 2001. In 2020, she made history as the first Black woman on the Barbeque Hall of Famers list and as the sole living Black inductee since the others died.
“I wish I could describe it to you,” Robinson said. “You just can’t imagine how good it makes me feel. I’m blessed because it’s all about how it got started and maintained.”
Robinson said ever since the family business started in 1977, every family member has had a hand in running it.
“Our kids don’t stay home for nap time when they’re coming up, little kids,” she explained. “They go to the Cozy Corner every day and go to the back and have their nap, come out and socialize with the customers. And when they’re old enough, they’ll wipe down tables, wait, whatever is age appropriate. But, everybody greets. If you work there, you better greet whoever walks through that door.”
The reason Robinson wants every guest greeted is to make them feel like they’re at home and to encourage them to return.
