The long-standing matriarch of the family-run Cozy Corner restaurant in North Memphis, Desiree Robinson is the first Black woman to be admitted to the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
Being the first surviving Black person to receive the honor—the other three entrants were dead—Robinson also made history, according to Fox13.
Robinson said, “I wish I could explain it to you. “You simply cannot comprehend how happy that makes me feel. I’m fortunate since I am aware of the importance of the beginning and upkeep of something.
Robinson and her late husband Raymond co-founded Cozy Corner, and she credited Raymond as being the driving force behind the eatery’s success.
Robinson remarked, “My husband was an incredible cook, and I’m good, but not quite as good as he was. “I tell you, that completely blew my mind. It all began with him. He designed it for us.
Anyone he ever met could help but fall in love with him. I had never met a person that I could relate to as much as he did. He also possessed the personality. Oh my gosh, he was beloved by all. He was simply well-liked by everyone, she said.
The couple first opened for business in 1977, and after Raymond passed away in 2001, Robinson took over, eventually becoming the pitmaster of Cozy Corner in 2020. The family as a whole, including the kids, who Robinson claims take on all age-appropriate responsibilities, helps run the restaurant, which has been in operation for four generations.
Every customer who enters Cozy Corner’s doors is greeted as has always been the habit.
Robinson remarked, “If you work there, you better meet everybody enters through that door.”
“I want them to know they are at home, so I’m telling them. I want them to understand that they are welcome and that I want them to return. Thus, they will eat well and receive proper care, she continued.
Sources claim that Cozy Corner is one of Memphis’ top 10 places to eat barbecue.
I’m fortunate, Robinson said. “I really do have a lovely family. Family of four generations. We collaborate well, and I just want to thank God for that.
