Anyone who has eaten at Alcenia’s Restaurant in downtown Memphis is a big fan of Soul food, down-home eats, and the owner and head chef, B.J. Chester-Tamayo. Her food is always made from scratch with love. Her welcoming smile lights up the room and her fried chicken has been known to bring a patron to tears. You are family when you eat at Alcenia’s.
In 1996, B.J. had saved enough to leave her job at a major corporation and open Alcenia’s, which was her lifelong dream. Unfortunately, she also left her health insurance plan. The Church Health MEMPHIS Plan became a lifeline for B.J. Because she wanted to offer the same affordability and quality of health care to her employees, she enrolled them in the MEMPHIS Plan. It allowed B.J. and her staff to focus on the business without the burden of exorbitant medical expenses.
Beyond her role as a restaurateur, B.J. embodies the Memphis spirit of hospitality and compassion. Her restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a sanctuary where every visitor is welcomed with open arms and treated like family. Whether it’s serving up soulful dishes made with love or advocating for the MEMPHIS Plan, B.J.’s dedication to uplifting her community shines through in every endeavor.
As she continues to serve delicious food every day, B.J. is living proof that with love, determination and support from initiatives like the MEMPHIS Plan, a lifelong dream is possible. Alcenia’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion and unwavering resilience.
