Born and raised in the Cincinnati suburbs, Emily Mutchnick wanted a different college experience, so she went to Ohio State University. There, she embraced the big community and took advantage of opportunities to study abroad. After that, she headed to the even bigger city of Chicago, where she began her corporate career and discovered two great loves — food and her husband, Chef Joshua Mutchnik.
After 10 years of cold winters, the pair headed south to open a new fine dining concept. Get to know Emily Mutchnick, the co-owner of JEM!
Tell us about your career path. How did it lead you to owning a restaurant?
From very early on dating my husband, I always knew owning a restaurant was the goal. I did (and still do) work in corporate America, and my only food service jobs were my first job at an ice cream shop in Cincinnati and a convention center in Columbus (so not much!). Being with a chef, you learn a lot about the restaurant industry — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I knew owning and managing a restaurant would be hard, grueling work, but having worked for large companies where effort gets lost in the bureaucracy, it was always alluring to work for myself. Immediately seeing the benefits of every ounce of energy you put into something is intoxicating.
What lessons did you learn along the way that have helped you become successful?
I learned that hard work and attention to detail can reap large rewards, which has carried me throughout my career. I have also learned that if you do not take care of yourself and your mental health, you will not be able to enjoy those rewards.
Tell us about JEM.
The concept of JEM is simple: delicious, expertly curated food in a warm, inviting, and unpretentious environment. We want people to come in and just enjoy the moment. Leave all the outside nonsense at the door and delight in great food and conversation.
How would you describe the restaurant’s vibe?
JEM’s vibe is comfortable and friendly; we want every guest to come in and feel lighter and relaxed. Josh and I have dined at some very high-end restaurants that make you feel awkward and unsettled. And even though the food was fantastic, the vibe threw us off. We think great food and a relaxing environment are not mutually exclusive, and we want our guests to feel that at JEM.
What’s your role at the restaurant?
Right now, I help with the administrative work, reservations, POS updates, menu updates, finances, etc. During service, I also help in front-of-house. You will regularly see me at the host stand welcoming guests. I also run food and bus tables, fill water glasses, and even serve!
I love getting in there and helping in any way I can to take pressure off our hard-working and amazing staff.
What do you love most about working in the hospitality industry?
I truly love meeting people and being a part of the Edge District and the larger Memphis community. It is difficult and unglamorous work, but I love seeing that I get back every bit of energy I put into the restaurant.
Putting smiles on our guests’ faces and giving them a respite from making a meal for themselves, or providing a space for friends and family to enjoy good food and drink, is a wonderful feeling. I can be having a really horrible day, but by the end of working the night at JEM, I always feel lighter — even after running around for six hours!
What are some of your favorite menu items at JEM?
My favorites are the Kimchi Arancini, the Gnocchi, the Short Rib Adobo, and the Chocolate Cake (which I can only have once a month, so I don’t overdo it. It’s so yummy!). Like I tell all our guests, we keep our menu small because everything is great! Josh will not put something on the menu until it is perfected, so you will always get a consistently great plate of food.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
I still have a day job, so I work from 9 to 5 every Monday through Friday (at home) and then head to JEM later in the week. That doesn’t leave much time for activities, but I am trying to get out more!
There is so much great food in this city, so Josh and I are usually out trying out restaurants on our days off. We are also Orpheum season ticket holders and try to support the arts when we can. I am in a book club (I love reading!), where I have met some great friends who help me get out and see the city. It’s also fun to have friends and family visit and show Memphis off!
If someone came to you for advice about opening a restaurant, what would you tell them?
Be prepared for long hours and days when there never seems to be enough time to get everything you want done. Work alongside your staff, not above them. It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding if it’s truly something you love. And invest in very comfortable shoes!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My father always reminded me that the most important person in your life is YOU. As women, we tend to make sure everyone around us is doing well, but we need to make sure that WE are doing well. This is not to say you should be totally selfish, but it is saying that occasionally, being selfish is what’s best for you and everyone around you. We can’t do everything all the time, so sometimes, taking a step back and recharging is the best thing for us.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
FOOD, books, reality TV! Food has brought so much flavor (pun intended) and new experiences to my life. Travel is a close fourth on my list, but as we just don’t have the time for it right now, food and books transport us to exotic places and give us fresh perspectives.
My most guilty pleasure is reality TV. Sometimes, you just need to turn off your racing thoughts and dive deep into dramatic and ridiculous worlds!
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