Nothing says Fall like football season. Tailgating and pre-gaming are the Southern way to boost our enthusiasm for cheering on our favorite teams. In Memphis, we also embrace the local culture of great food and good music as an integral part of who we are. Barbecue, soul food, blues and Southern hospitality are staples here.
BB King, the music legend synonymous with Beale Street, curated that same local vibe in his famous blues club and restaurant, BB King’s Blues Club, founded in the early 1990s, and later in his fashionable restaurant, Itta Bena. For many years parent company Beale Street Blues Company has been hosting private events and parties in both spaces. Kathrine Corvelli, National Sales Director of BSBC, describes how the catering business evolved from that, saying, "We started doing offsite catering for our current clients and deliveries for the Grizzlies and visiting NBA teams. We knew that was something we could and would love to develop further." So, in 2024 Beale Street Blues Company (BSBC) Catering was launched to thoughtfully combine the BBQ cuisine at BB King’s with the upscale menu at Itta Bena, appealing to a broad clientele.
Often, hosts celebrating football season want to integrate our city’s local flair into their parties. When asked specifically about creating a local vibe with a tailgating menu, Kathrine says it’s most important to keep it casual, easy and fun. Hiring a caterer for such an event lightens the load for the host by simplifying the to-do list. For the menu she suggests, “Shrimp and Grits and our Gumbo on a cold day is the perfect combination!” She also recommends adding a few simple menu items like pimento cheese and homemade pita chips, a sausage and cheese platter, sliders and chicken tenders. They also offer their own BB King’s barbecue sauce and rub to complement the menu, incorporating the signature Memphis flavor.
If you want to host a memorable pre-game or watch party at your home, Kathrine advises going bigger. After all, their motto is, "Let’s make your event legendary!" She suggests using any of their chef-attended stations: Whole Hog with pork belly and pulled pork, Jambalaya, Macaroni and Cheese bar, Flame Broiled Oyster Rockefeller Trio or Pan-seared Chilean Seabass. BCBS Catering offers any favorite items served at BB King’s Blues Club or Itta Bena. Kathrine adds, “No event is too small or too large for us. Oscar Pena, BSBC Catering Head Chef, and our catering teams love to create a fun, on-theme menu.” Kathrine says,” If you really want to take it to the next level, you can choose to hire live music, like BB King’s All-Star Band, a Classic Rock or a Jazz trio. Our teams and entertainers are the heart and soul of Itta Bena, BB King’s and Beale Street.” She adds, “We are proud to bring that BB King energy, feeling and authenticity to guests’ special celebrations.” When using BSBC Catering for the full-service experience, their teams do it right. Kathrine adds, “With setup, we have a Southern rustic detail in mind, with the fun of BB King’s but the display of Itta Bena’s style. It’s the perfect combo!”
BB King himself would have celebrated his 100th birthday last month. Hayley Heard, BSBC Director of Marketing, describes how they honored his milestone birthday last month. “We partnered with Memphis Tourism to launch the 100 Days of Blues, leading to what would have been BB King’s 100th birthday on September 16th.” This summer-long event included music performances, like a free, family-friendly music festival on Beale Street, and dinners to commemorate BB’s influence on our city and Beale Street culture. Hayley adds that during an afternoon hosted by Kontji Anthony and DJ Stan Bell, they celebrated with “entertainment from Eric Gales, Rodd Bland and Friends, Corey Lou and the Davillage Band, Mr. Sipp, Stax Music Academy, Whitehaven High School band and the Beale Street Flippers.”
Perhaps you’re looking to give your guests a spectacular memory this Fall, or, perhaps, you just want to create a down-home, laid-back afternoon with friends. Either way, entertaining on a crisp Fall day during football season is made all the better by bringing the authentic Mid-South flavor and atmosphere to your event. Caterers such as Beale Street Blues Company Catering can make building that atmosphere easy.
We are proud to bring that BB King energy, feeling and authenticity to guests’ special celebrations...the fun of BB King’s, but with the display of Itta Bena’s style. It’s the perfect combo!