After seven years of ownership, Spell Restaurant Grouphas sold both Memphis BABALU locations to longtime employee Jesse Robertson.
The father-daughter team of Rick Spell and Christy Spell Terry acquired BABALU out of bankruptcy in 2019 and helped revive the restaurant brand.
Robertson, who has been with the company for years, purchased the two locations on Oct. 1, marking his move into restaurant ownership. His lifelong friend Jason Oattis will be joining him as a minority partner.
"When Rick Spell and Christy Terry gave me the opportunity to purchase BABALU, saying yes felt like the natural next chapter," Robertson said. "I knew I wanted to take that step
with someone I trust implicitly, and Jason is that person."
A Memphian since age 5, Robertson's career has taken him through nearly every landmark kitchen in the Bluff City.
He grew up around his stepfather's restaurants, including the Poplar Lounge, the Bottom Line and E.C. Flanagan's, now Brookhaven Pub & Grill, where he worked his first shifts. From there he moved through The Cooker Bar & Grill, Lulu Grille, Cafe 1912, Soul Fish and Huey's.
Huey's not only marked a professional a highlight for Robertson, but a personal one. It's where Robertson met his wife, Moriah, when they both worked front of house.
Robertson then joined BABALU Overton Square as an assistant manager in 2016, opened BABALU East Memphis as general manager and became director of operations in 2018.
"Every restaurant I've worked in taught me the same lesson: people and community are at the heart of it," Robertson said. "Great restaurants know their regulars by name, show up for fundraisers and cheer on the Tigers. I want BABALU to be a Memphis restaurant, run by Memphians, that shows up for this city."
Robertson and Oattis see an opportunity to build on BABALU's established place in Memphis' dining scene, starting with the team led by Executive Chef Daniel Flores, whom Robertson calls one of the most talented people he's worked with.
"My goal is simple: take care of our team and guests, serve great food and drinks, and make BABALU a place Memphis is proud to call its own," Robertson said. "I started out waiting tables in a Memphis restaurant. Now I have the privilege of owning one. And I'm just getting started."
As far as Spell Restaurant Group's future plans, the sale will allow the company to focus its attention on Brookhaven Pub & Grill.
“We’re going all in on Brookhaven here in Memphis,” Rick Spell said.
The popular East Memphis sports bar recently underwent a major renovation that included a new special-events room connected to the back patio, vaulted ceilings, updated lighting, improved TV viewing areas and additional bar seating.
The company will continue operating its six Florida restaurants, with a seventh location scheduled to open later this year.
“It’s been a pleasure to be an owner of BABALU,” Spell said. “Now, it’s time for a new owner who grew the BABALU tradition and deserves his opportunity to be an owner of a multi-restaurant group.”
Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at brian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Spell Restaurant Group sells both Memphis BABALU locations
