Felicia Suzanne Willett has always had a love for food and believes in living to eat rather than eating to live.  She brought this joy of food to historic downtown Memphis in 2002 when she opened Felicia Suzanne’s restaurant on the corner of Main and Monroe.  Felicia Suzanne’s has been described as “Delicious Simplicity in an Elegant Atmosphere.”  The restaurant offers an intimate setting with attention to every detail blending a young, contemporary feel with classic Southern charm and tradition.  Her cuisine is influenced by the three Southern cities in which she’s lived and the back roads connecting them: Memphis, Charleston, and New Orleans.

Since opening Felicia Suzanne’s, Felicia has become an integral part of the Memphis community.  Her personal philosophy of supporting local businesses and causes is considered a rare quality but to Felicia, that dedication is simply a way of life.  Children’s charities hold a special place in her heart, and she actively supports Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center.  As the owner, operator, and executive chef of Felicia Suzanne’s, Felicia is committed to using only the freshest ingredients in her dishes and makes purchasing from local farmers and businesses a top priority. 

Growing up not far from Memphis in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Felicia dreamed of becoming a chef and opening her own restaurant since she was just twelve years old.  "From my first cooking venture, making and selling cheesecakes to my mother's friends for a little extra Christmas money, I knew that one day I wanted to have my own restaurant.  The fact that my dream has come true in a city so rich in southern culture and attention to hospitality is more than I could have hoped."

Felicia started her professional journey toward being a chef and restaurateur as a Memphis Tiger, receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Restaurant Management with a minor in Marketing from the University of Memphis.  She then continued her training at Johnston and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, where she graduated with honors in Culinary Arts.  

After graduating, she began an internship with internationally acclaimed chef, Emeril Lagasse, in New Orleans.  Felicia continued her career as Emeril’s assistant for seven more years, becoming writer and producer for Food Network's Essence of Emeril and Emeril Live.  She also produced Emeril's weekly segments on ABC's Good Morning America and co-authored two best-selling cookbooks: Every Day's a Party and Emeril's TV Dinners.

Felicia wanted to bring her experience back closer to her roots and has always loved Memphis.  She chose to open Felicia Suzanne’s in historic downtown Memphis because she believes in the downtown experience and the continued growth and revitalization of the area.    She lives downtown and loves the idea of being able to walk to work and shop locally.  You can usually spot her Saturday mornings spring through late fall drinking a cup of coffee and shopping at the local farmers market. 

Felicia feels fortunate to have support from the local community and loyal customers who share and appreciate her ideals.  It is this support that has been the cornerstone of her success.  Felicia was recognized for her outstanding achievements in 2007 by the Memphis Business Journal as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  “Felicia Suzanne”—as she has now come to be known in Memphis—participates in organizations committed to the betterment of Memphis and the advancement of downtown such as the Downtown Neighborhood Association, South Main Association and Memphis Restaurant Association.  She is also a member of the prestigious James Beard Foundation, an organization that values America’s culinary heritage and diversity.