Chef / Owner Patrick Reilly has spent over 20 years cultivating his passion of good food and warm Irish hospitality. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Reilly received his professional culinary education at the Dublin School of Catering and Hotel Management. Following a coveted apprenticeship at the Guinness Headquarters in Dublin, Reilly quickly made his mark on the other side of the Irish Sea in the distinguished London restaurant scene.
While in London, Reilly trained under the guidance of chefs Paul Gayler at the Michelin Starred Inigo Jones and Antony Worrall Thompson at his Knightsbridge restaurant Ménage a Trois, at the time a favorite haunt of Princess Diana. Reilly was quickly noticed for his culinary skill and at the young age of 21 was personally tapped by Worrall Thompson to open his second restaurant and first venture in New York City. Under Reilly’s guidance, the restaurant opened to critical acclaim.
Returning to London, Reilly began a ten year professional relationship with acclaimed restaurateur, Robert Earl. Reilly went on to run the kitchens in his fine dining properties in Boston, MA and Orlando, FL. After traveling around the country and the world overseeing culinary operations for Planet Hollywood, he moved back to Orlando to head the stoves at Earl’s newest projects, Café TU TU Tango, Café Citron and The Official Allstar Café where he distinguished himself as one of the top chefs in the Orlando area.
After cooking a private dinner for Gibson Guitar president & owner, Henry Juszkiewicz, Reilly was asked to refine Gibson’s catering operations. Reilly moved to Memphis in 2001 and hasn’t looked back since. From 2001 until 2004, Reilly opened and oversaw the success of The Gibson Beale Street Showcase, an entertainment complex featuring The Lounge (voted “Best New Bar” and “Best Place to Hear Live Music” in Memphis), a 1,000-seat catering operation and retail outlet. Following the success of The Lounge, Reilly was approached by San Antonio based SWIG, Inc to oversee the organization and its Texas and Tennessee locations as director of operations.
Wanting to get back in the kitchen and follow his dream of owning his own restaurant, Reilly opened The Majestic Grille with wife, Deni in 2006. Voted one of the Best New Restaurants and Best New Bars of 2006, The Majestic Grille has cemented itself as a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Dedication to approachable, classic food and a culture of gracious hospitality keep earning The Majestic Grille and Chef Reilly recognition, including multiple Best Chef and Best Restaurant nods from Memphis Magazine and Memphis Flyer and a 2012 Congressional Proclamation issued by Congressman Steve Cohen honoring Chef Reilly’s leadership in the culinary and business communities of Memphis.
