Melissa Cookston announced that the doors to her new Southaven, Mississippi, restaurant concept, STEAK by Melissa, are now open. Cookston is a decorated competition barbecue pitmaster, restaurateur, and author of bestselling cookbooks Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room and Smokin’ Hot in the South. She has won various titles on the competition barbecue circuit, including two World Championships at the Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest. STEAK by Melissa is Cookston’s fourth restaurant, joining her Memphis Barbecue Company restaurant locations in Horn Lake, Mississippi, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Dunwoody, Georgia.

 

“At STEAK by Melissa, our goal is to create a space where people can come in for a great meal and enjoy fine wine but can feel comfortable wearing jeans,” says Cookston, who is opening the restaurant along with her husband Pete. “The food and the wine are going to be upscale but the atmosphere is going to be inviting for out-of-towners and locals alike.”

 

STEAK by Melissa is a casual, full-service restaurant that features aged, choice grade steaks hand-cut in house daily, fresh seafood, and many unique, flavorful dishes from Melissa's books. STEAK by Melissa is housed in a 9,000 square foot space that has a 400 person standing capacity, seats 300 guests and also boasts three private dining spaces to accommodate a variety of events and gatherings. Cookston has created a menu full of her most popular dishes, including her Longbone Ribeye and Tasso Chicken. Pending approval, STEAK will have exclusive wine lockers for VIP guests to store their personal wine collections.

 

STEAK by Melissa is located at 4975 Pepper Chase Drive in Southaven, Mississippi. STEAK is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. STEAK offers limited reservations and walk-ins are always welcome.