Our story:
Local 463 Urban Kitchen is owned and operated by award-winning Chef Derek Emerson and his wife and partner, Jennifer Emerson.
Chef Derek Emerson was born and raised in Beverly Hills, California. He traveled the world with his father, a professional photographer, and was fortunate enough to be exposed to many different types and styles of cuisine. As a child, he spent summers with his grandparents in Mississippi and later moved to Mississippi as a teenager. After getting his feet wet in the kitchens of Brick Oven and BRAVO! restaurant, he attended culinary school in Memphis.
Seeking to further hone his skills, Derek moved to Atlanta and worked at such renowned establishments as Nava, Buckhead Bread Company and Blueridge Grill. He soon accepted the Executive Sous Chef position at Dick & Harry’s. During his time there, Dick & Harry’s was voted “Best New Restaurant” by Atlanta Magazine. After six years in Atlanta, he returned to
Mississippi to become Executive Chef at a new restaurant, Schimmel’s. It was at Schimmel’s that Derek met his future wife, Jennifer. The two joined forces to purchase a Jackson landmark, Walker’s Drive-In, in 2001. Pushing the culinary envelope, Derek has been a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. Under Derek’s keen eye, Walker’s Drive-In has become a local favorite recognized in local and national publications.
Jennifer Emerson is a native of Brandon, Mississippi. She has a Bachelors of Arts in English from Belhaven College and attended graduate school at Mississippi College. Throughout high school and college, Jennifer earned extra money by waiting tables at some of Jackson’s finest restaurants.
The restaurant business is in her blood. For forty-five years, her favorite aunt and uncle owned the Belmont Café, a beloved downtown eatery across from the Governor’s Mansion. As a child, she was endlessly entertained by their quirky stories about politicians and patrons.
After a three year hiatus in Chattanooga managing The Southside Grill, Jennifer returned to her roots in Jackson. She eventually landed a job as Private Dining Coordinator for Schimmel’s Fine Dining where she met Derek. They heard from a friend that Walker’s Drive-In was quietly up for sale and the rest is history.
Meet the team:
Front of House:
Markeisha Upkins, Jennifer Demuth, Gavin Wolfe
Back of House:
Dale Myers, Daniel White