Latest news with #JohnCurrence
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Award-Winning Chef Tory McPhail Joins City Grocery Restaurant Group as Corporate Executive Chef in Oxford
The Renowned Chef And Industry Veteran Will Lead Culinary Planning And Operations For All The Restaurants Within The City Grocery Restaurant Group OXFORD, Miss., Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City Grocery Restaurant Group, the network of restaurants created by award-winning chef and author John Currence, today announced a monumental new hiring in acclaimed chef Tory McPhail being named Corporate Executive Chef for all of the group's Oxford restaurants and as Partner in future growth of Bouré, the New Orleans-themed, family dining outlet founded in 2002. McPhail, the 2013 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef South, will initially oversee the famed City Grocery, Snackbar, Bouré and Big Bad Breakfast, while the group scouts for a second location for Bouré. The highly renowned chef - who was the longest tenured executive chef at the iconic Commander's Palace in New Orleans - will work directly with his fellow James Beard Award winner (John Currence) to provide creative input and training to all of the Oxford restaurants. 'I've known Tory for a long time and have always admired his work, work-ethic, creativity, character and ability to build teams, and have always wanted to find a way to work together,' said John Currence, Founder of City Grocery Restaurant Group. 'Having a chef of his caliber come on board with us is an honor and genuinely exciting for me when I think of what he can bring to our staff, our restaurants and the Oxford community. As a friend, peer and now partner, I hold Tory in the highest regard and can't wait to see the impact he has across all of the CGRC restaurants here in Oxford. I have always loved calling Tory a friend, but could not be more excited or proud to have him as a partner as well.' Tory McPhail, originally from the Pacific Northwest, rose to prominence as executive chef at Commander's Palace, where he worked for 19 years, making him the longest-serving chef in the restaurant's famed history, following in the footsteps of culinary legends Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse and Jamie Shannon. Upon leaving Commander's Palace he made numerous television appearances and hosted his own show "Off the Menu" on Turner South Network. Most recently, he worked as Executive Chef and Culinary Director for restaurants in Bozeman, Montana, continuing his commitment to showcasing local ingredients and regional cuisine. 'This is an opportunity that I am so excited for to both work with an amazing chef and friend in John Currence, but also to help shape the future of Oxford culinary scene which I have fallen in love with time and again each time I visit,' said Tory McPhail, Corporate Executive Chef for City Grocery Restaurant Group. 'What Currence and the rest of the team in Oxford have built is iconic to the south, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to steward in the next chapter for these great and beloved restaurants, which have continuously raised the bar for what southern cuisine can be.' In addition to his role overseeing the City Grocery Restaurant Group, McPhail will also become a partner in Bouré. Currence's full-service family focused concept rooted in the food of New Orleans where Currence and partner, Stefano Capomazza grew up. 'Bouré has consistently been a powerhouse of a restaurant in Oxford and we have always felt that with the right leadership, it was ripe for expansion into another market,' said Stefano Capomazza, Partner at Bouré. 'Under Tory's supervision, we feel we can quickly get it to the point where we are ready to jump off into a second location with something that will really grab people's attention! We feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to get him aboard.' About City Grocery Restaurant Group:Founded by James Beard award-winning chef and author John Currence, The City Grocery Restaurant Group has seen several big openings since its flagship City Grocery opened in the spring of 1992. Currently those restaurants include Bouré, Big Bad Breakfast and Snackbar. Each restaurant features a unique menu with an emphasis on hometown service. Our motto continues to be: 'Treat locals like rockstars, and rockstars like locals.' More information about all City Grocery Restaurant Group locations can be found at: Media ContactOak PR Drew Tybusdrew@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Bad Breakfast opening in Vestavia Hills May 13
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WIAT) — Big Bad Breakfast will be opening its newest restaurant in Vestavia Hills on May 13. That BBB location will be open for breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be located at 1467 Montgomery Highway, according to the chain. It is the seventh BBB in Alabama and third in the Birmingham area. The Southern breakfast concept was created by James Beard award-winning chef John Currence. Alabama lawmakers approve reduction in state sales tax on groceries For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 9 small towns were named the best places to live in Mississippi. Here's why
If you want to move to Mississippi or relocate to a new town, you might want to look to places outside the larger cities. Cost of living and home prices can be lower than in a metro area. World Atlas, a geography website, has named the nine best places to live in the Magnolia State. "Beyond its Southern hospitality, Mississippi offers a solid mix of economic opportunity, affordable housing, strong schools, and access to quality healthcare. Add in easy access to nature—from coastal escapes to shade-filled forests, you've got all the ingredients for a life well-lived," World Atlas wrote. "The job market is on the rise, thanks to a mix of exciting trends that are fueling steady economic growth. A booming real estate market, expanding job opportunities, and the city's high quality of life make Oxford an increasingly attractive place to live and work," World Atlas wrote. It noted the city, home of the University of Mississippi, has live music, a thriving art and literature scene and stellar food. Chef John Currence, a James Beard award nominee, runs four restaurants. The median home listing price is about $524,000, according to The median household income is $59,901. World Atlas describes Ocean Springs as "your dream town if you want coastal beauty without the crowds." The town has a thriving downtown, art galleries, lots of shopping options and several restaurants. There are also casinos for more entertainment options in nearby Biloxi. The cost of living is 9% lower than the national average, but might be a little higher compared to other parts of Mississippi. The community is also very safe, making it great for retirees and families. The median home listing price is about $297,900, according to The median household income is $78,929. Going on vacation? Southern Living says this Mississippi city has best white sand beaches "The public school system, Madison County Schools, is one of Mississippi's best, and families flock here for academics and the quality of life. If you move here, you will quickly discover the pride in the local schools, so much so that Madison has the reputation of being the most educated city in the state," World Atlas wrote. The city has a low crime rate and is near Jackson for quick access to health care and entertainment options. The median home listing price is about $488,400, according to The median household income is $120,918. The Hub City is "a vibrant blend of academics, arts, and Southern hospitality," according to World Atlas. It's an hour away from beaches on the Gulf Coast and has many employment opportunities. There are plenty of public and private school options for families, and the University of Southern Mississippi is an option to continue education close to home. The median home listing price is about $280,000, according to The median household income is $44,140. Can you afford it? Brett Favre's house near Hattiesburg, MS is for sale. What to know World Atlas says this Mississippi Delta town is "bursting with soul, character, and a strong sense of community." The walkable downtown often hosts festivals. The area is known for launching the blues, and there's often live music. It's also home to Grammy Museum Mississippi. Cost of living is about 20% lower than the national average. The median home listing price is about $171,300, according to The median household income is $43,519. "Laurel feels like a place pulled from a storybook. Its historic downtown has undergone a genuine revival in recent years. Thanks to its locally owned boutiques, cozy coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, and art galleries that showcase local and regional talent, it is now buzzing with life," World Atlas wrote. The town was featured on HGTV's "Home Town" and has a cost of living below the national average. The median home listing price is about $240,000, according to The median household income is $37,781. More: World Atlas says a Mississippi city with art, sports, nature is the best place to retire Tupelo "blends history, innovation, and a strong sense of community pride," according to World Atlas. The Elvis Birthplace Museum hosts festivals and other fun event for the region, and the downtown is easy to navigate. This friendly town is also home to North Mississippi Medical center, which is nationally recognized Cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average. The median home listing price is about $261,200, according to The median household income is $66,314. This city of about 8,000 has "neighborly warmth and scenic beauty that make it easy to call home, whether you're raising a family, starting fresh, or looking for a peaceful place to slow down," according to World Atlas. The The cost of living is about 19% less than the national average. The median home listing price is about $321,000, according to The median household income is $46,276. Nissan: Donald Trump tariffs are an opportunity to leverage Canton, MS plant. What we know World Atlas notes that this city of 47,000 "is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, quality healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place to call home." The cost of living is about 13% less than the national average, and it's a close drive to Memphis. The median home listing price is about $409,000, according to The median household income is $98,421. Contributing: Shelby Slade Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: World Atlas names the 9 best places to live in MS. See the list
