Birmingham, AL, August 13, 2025
News Summary
From August 25 to August 31, 2025, a variety of restaurants across the Southern United States will showcase distinctive culinary menus. This week-long event aims to highlight the diverse flavors of Southern cuisine and foster community engagement. Patrons can explore special offerings at participating locations including Armour House, Odette, and many others while also discovering the best burger spots in Mississippi, such as Zip’s Cafe. The event additionally marks the appointment of Tory McPhail as Corporate Executive Chef for City Grocery Restaurant Group.
Birmingham, AL – From August 25 to August 31, 2025, a range of standout restaurants across the Southern United States will participate in a special showcase featuring unique culinary menus. This event, aimed at highlighting the diverse flavors and dishes of Southern cuisine, will attract food enthusiasts and patrons eager to explore distinctive offerings available at various participating locations.
The lineup of participating restaurants includes:
- Armour House, Birmingham, AL
- Odette, Florence, AL
- Hummingbird Way, Mobile, AL
- Red or White Wine Mobile, Mobile, AL
- Bar at Willett, Bardstown, KY
- Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown, KY
- Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville, KY
- Decade, Louisville, KY
- M Peppers, Louisville, KY
- Ely’s Restaurant, Ridgeland, MS
- Good Day Cafe, Oxford, MS
- Lena Pizza + Bagels, Cleveland, MS
- Siren Social Club, Gulfport, MS
- A Peace of Soul, Columbia, SC
- Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Christine’s Farm to Fork, Edgefield, SC
- City Limits Barbeque, West Columbia, SC
- Hilton Head Social Bakery, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Lula Drake Wine Parlour, Columbia, SC
- Roy’s Grille, Irmo, SC
During this week-long event, patrons are encouraged to contact participating restaurants directly to learn more about the special menus being offered. This initiative aims to engage the local community and promote the rich culinary heritage of the Southern U.S.
In conjunction with this event, an article recently highlighted the best burgers across Mississippi, showcasing community favorites. Notably, Zip’s Cafe in Magee, MS, has earned recognition as one of the top burger spots, celebrated for its family-oriented atmosphere since its founding in 1963. The cafe’s signature burger features a secret sauce and is served with heavily battered fries, contributing to its popularity.
Additionally, other burger recommendations included in the article focus on custom recipes available throughout Mississippi, such as turkey burgers and chili-topped options. The Mississippi Beef Council has previously named Zip’s as the best burger spot and ranked it among the Top 5 establishments in the state for 2025.
In the culinary community, Tory McPhail has recently been appointed as Corporate Executive Chef for City Grocery Restaurant Group. This group oversees several restaurants in Oxford, MS, and McPhail is known for his esteemed status as a James Beard Award winner. His previous role as executive chef at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans adds to his credentials, and his new appointment is expected to expand the reach of the New Orleans-themed family dining outlet, Bouré, into additional locations under his leadership.
John Currence, the founder of City Grocery Restaurant Group, has expressed enthusiasm regarding McPhail’s influence on the culinary landscape of Oxford, suggesting that his expertise will enhance the dining experience for patrons.
Furthermore, Southern Living has recognized two new restaurants, Beaucoup and Cochiloco, as being among the 20 best new restaurants in the South, with Richmond, VA, notably representing 10% of the featured list.
FAQ
What are the dates of the restaurant showcase event?
The event will take place from August 25 to August 31, 2025.
Which restaurants are participating in the showcase?
Participating locations include Armour House, Odette, Hummingbird Way, Angel’s Envy Distillery, and many more across several Southern states.
What is special about the burger recommendations from Mississippi?
Zip’s Cafe is recognized as one of the top burger spots, featuring a secret sauce and heavily battered fries. The recommendations also highlight custom recipes, including turkey and chili-topped burgers.
Who is Tory McPhail and what is his role?
Tory McPhail is the newly appointed Corporate Executive Chef for City Grocery Restaurant Group. He is a James Beard Award winner and will oversee the expansion of Bouré into new locations.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | August 25-31, 2025 |
| Participating Restaurants | Various locations across Southern U.S. |
| Focus on Burgers | Highlighting best burger spots in Mississippi, including Zip’s Cafe |
| Tory McPhail’s Role | Corporate Executive Chef for City Grocery Restaurant Group |
| Notable Mentions | Beaucoup and Cochiloco recognized by Southern Living |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Discover the Hidden Gems of Lexington, SC: A Guide to Local Culture, Dining, and Outdoor Adventures
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Best Burger in Mississippi
- Globe News Wire: Tory McPhail Joins City Grocery
- Jacksonville: Hot List Restaurants
- Axios: Best Richmond Restaurants
- Tasting Table: Best Southern Food Restaurants Outside South
- Wikipedia: Southern Cuisine
- Google Search: Southern Restaurant Week
- Google Scholar: Southern Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern Food
- Google News: Southern Restaurant News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
