The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
Mo’bay Beignet Co. brings authentic beignets to Memphis
Mo'bay Beignet Co. is bringing its winning combination of beignets and coffee to Memphis. The new coffee shop celebrated its grand opening April 23.
When John and Theresa Monteleone moved to Memphis a few years ago, they knew they wanted to open a business. Their favorite coffee shop from their hometown of Mobile, Alabama, turned out to be the perfect opportunity. Not only would they have their own business, but they'd also be bringing a taste of the Coast to their new home.
“We wanted to open a business here to provide a place that had a great atmosphere for people to visit … and work,” Theresa Monteleone said.
The couple took over the former Muddy's Grindhouse at 585 S. Cooper St. and have transformed the historic home into a bright and cheery coffee shop. Mo'bay's signature color of bright blue adds a pop to the space that the Monteleones hope will “make Memphis sweeter.”
The business is also a family affair. The Monteleones' daughter Kaite Walker is the café's general manager. Her husband, Robbie Walker, will also be helping at the café.
Known for its from-scratch beignets and signature coffees, Mo'bay Beignet Co. has cafes along the Gulf Coast as well as in Auburn and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The cafes are a mix of corporately owned and franchised locations. The Memphis location is a franchise and will be its eighth location.
Here are three things for know about Mo'bay Beignet Co.
It’s all about the beignets
What's on the food menu? Beignets. That's it — just beignets. But these are not “just” beignets. These are beignets made fresh daily using Mo'bay's signature beignet dough.
The process starts with the beignet mix being made from scratch in the kitchen daily. Trained team members then mix, roll out, cut and fry every order as it is placed, serving only hot and fresh authentic beignets for every Mo'bay guest.
Beignets come in a traditional size, as well as a mini-size. “Think of a mini as a beignet cut in fourths. They are like two bites each,” said Robbie Walker, adding they are his favorite.
More than powdered sugar
In New Orleans, beignets come to the table covered with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Traditionally, that's the only garnish for these piping hot pieces of fried dough.
The folks at Mo'bay decided to offer an assortment of dipping sauces for your beignets. Choose from three signature syrups made in house daily: buttercream, cinnamon and a seasonal syrup that changes monthly.
The coffee
Mo'bay will serve a full espresso bar, featuring signature chicory and pecan praline roasts.
Choose from cappuccinos, lattes and cold brews, as well as frozen drinks and café au lait.
All coffee drinks can be customized with the house syrups. For example, try a pecan praline cold brew and add buttercream syrup, or maybe a cafe au lait frappe with some cinnamon syrup.
The shop has 40 seats inside, with free Wi-fi for those wanting to work while enjoying a beignet and a cup of coffee. There is also a pet-friendly patio that will feature games like cornhole.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.