Desiree Robinson, the long-standing matriarch of the family-run Cozy Corner restaurant in North Memphis, is the first Black woman to be admitted to the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
According to Fox13, Robinson also made history by being the first surviving Black person to receive the honour. The other three entrants were dead.
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 co-founded Cozy Corner with her late husband, Raymond, who she credits as 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.
Everyone he encountered could not resist falling in love with him. I had never met someone I could relate to as much as he did. He also possessed a personality. Oh my gosh, he was beloved by all. He was well-liked by everyone, she said.
The couple first opened for business in 1977. After Raymond passed away in 2001, Robinson took over, eventually becoming the pitmaster of Cozy Corner in 2020. The family, including the kids, who Robinson claims take on all age-appropriate responsibilities, helps run the restaurant, which has been operating 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.
