Cooper Mays Trades Helmet for Hat, Launches BBQ Empire in Knoxville. Knoxville, TN –** A seismic shift has reverberated through the heart of Volunteer Nation, as star Tennessee Volunteers center Cooper Mays has announced a surprising career pivot: trading his football helmet for a chef’s hat and launching his own barbecue restaurant in Knoxville
Cooper Mays Trades Helmet for Hat, Launches BBQ Empire in Knoxville
Knoxville, TN – A seismic shift has reverberated through the heart of Volunteer Nation, as star Tennessee Volunteers center Cooper Mays has announced a surprising career pivot: trading his football helmet for a chef’s hat and launching his own barbecue restaurant in Knoxville. For fans who have watched Mays dominate the line of scrimmage for the Vols, the announcement has come as a stunning yet exciting twist to a career that had already garnered national attention in the world of college football.
Mays, one of the most prominent players on the Tennessee offensive line, has made a name for himself not only through his exceptional play on the field but also for his infectious personality off it. Now, he’s ready to bring that same energy and dedication to the food industry with the opening of his very own barbecue joint, aptly named “Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse.” This restaurant promises to combine Mays’ love for family, food, and Tennessee football into a unique dining experience that could forever change Knoxville’s culinary landscape.
As surprising as the pivot from football to food may seem, it’s clear that Mays is approaching his new venture with the same passion and commitment that made him a standout in the SEC. With Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse set to open its doors in the coming weeks, the question is not if it will succeed, but how quickly it will become a Knoxville staple. Let’s take a closer look at this dramatic shift in Mays’ career and what fans can expect from the restaurant that promises to bring something special to the table.
From Offensive Line to Pitmaster: The Surprising Transition
Cooper Mays has spent the past few years as a key player on the Tennessee Volunteers offensive line, earning recognition as one of the top centers in college football. Known for his aggressive blocking style, his leadership on the field, and his ability to anchor the Vols’ line of scrimmage, Mays was poised for a bright future in the NFL. But despite his success on the field, Mays always had a deep-rooted passion for something else: cooking.
Barbecue has long been a staple of Southern cuisine, and Mays, having grown up in Knoxville, has always been enamored with the rich flavors, smoky tenderness, and camaraderie associated with a good barbecue meal. It’s a passion that Mays has carried with him since childhood, and he credits his family for fostering his love for grilling and smoking meats. His father, a seasoned amateur chef, was often found perfecting recipes on their backyard smoker, and Cooper spent countless hours observing, learning, and getting his hands dirty in the kitchen.
Mays was never shy about his love for food. Whether it was posting pictures of his latest BBQ creations on social media or sharing his culinary experiments with teammates, Mays’ enthusiasm for cooking was no secret. Over the past few years, his passion for food and cooking had only grown stronger, and while football remained his primary focus, it was clear that his heart was also invested in something else.
This deep-seated love for barbecue became the foundation for his business venture. After contemplating the idea of pursuing a career in food after football, Mays decided to jump headfirst into his passion and turn it into a business. But why barbecue? According to Mays, the answer was simple: “Barbecue is a tradition, a culture, a celebration of family and friends. It’s about bringing people together. I want to share that experience with the Knoxville community.”
The Birth of Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse
Mays’ venture into the restaurant business has been several years in the making. The idea for Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse first came to him during the COVID-19 pandemic when Mays found himself spending more time at home and refining his grilling and smoking techniques. He had always dreamed of opening a barbecue restaurant, but the pandemic provided him with the time and space to experiment with new flavors and recipes. He spent hours perfecting his rubs, sauces, and smoking methods, determined to create something that would rival some of the best barbecue joints in the South.
It wasn’t long before Mays began to share his creations with friends, family, and teammates, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. His combination of slow-cooked meats, flavorful sauces, and unique sides quickly gained attention. At the same time, Mays was considering his future beyond football, wondering what his next chapter would look like after his time with the Volunteers came to an end. The answer came naturally: it was time to bring his love for barbecue to the people of Knoxville.
Mays wanted to create a space that felt like home—a place where Vols fans and locals could gather, enjoy great food, and connect over their shared love of Tennessee football and the South’s barbecue tradition. After months of planning, securing funding, and finding the right location, Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse is set to open in downtown Knoxville, just a few blocks from the University of Tennessee campus. The restaurant is designed to be a welcoming, community-focused establishment that celebrates the flavors of Memphis-style barbecue while also paying homage to Tennessee’s rich history and culture.
What to Expect from Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse
Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse promises to offer a barbecue experience that is second to none. Mays is adamant about using only the best ingredients, sourcing high-quality meats, and sticking to traditional methods of smoking and grilling. The menu will feature a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, all prepared using Mays’ secret family rub and slow-cooked for hours to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
One of the signature items on the menu will be Mays’ “Vols Victory Platter”, which includes a selection of smoked meats, sides, and a special sauce that Mays describes as “the perfect blend of tangy, smoky, and sweet.” The platter is designed to feed a crowd, making it perfect for game day gatherings or family celebrations.
Speaking of sides, Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse will offer a range of classic Southern sides, such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, all made fresh daily. Mays believes that the sides are just as important as the meat itself, and he’s made sure that each dish is crafted with the same attention to detail and flavor as the barbecue.
The restaurant will also offer a variety of house-made sauces, ranging from tangy vinegar-based sauces to a rich, molasses-sweetened BBQ sauce. Guests will have the option to customize their barbecue experience by pairing their meats with their favorite sauces, ensuring that every meal is personalized to perfection.
In addition to the food, Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse will have a full-service bar featuring local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and signature drinks, making it the ideal spot for both lunch and dinner. The atmosphere will be laid-back and fun, with plenty of Vols memorabilia adorning the walls and a large screen television showing the latest Tennessee football games, ensuring that the spirit of the Vols is alive and well in the restaurant.
A Legacy of Giving Back to the Community
For Cooper Mays, launching Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse isn’t just about food and business—it’s also about giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. Mays has long been involved in various charitable activities, from supporting youth football programs to raising awareness for causes close to his heart.
One of his main goals with the restaurant is to use it as a platform to give back to Knoxville and the state of Tennessee. He has already announced plans to partner with local charities and organizations, with a portion of the restaurant’s proceeds going toward initiatives that support at-risk youth, families in need, and programs that help feed the hungry.
Mays is also committed to providing jobs to local residents, hiring Knoxville natives to work at his restaurant and giving them the opportunity to be part of something special. In this way, Mays hopes to not only bring delicious food to Knoxville but also create a space for community engagement and connection.
Cooper Mays’ Vision for the Future
While Mays is thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter of his life, he has made it clear that he is not abandoning his roots in football. As a player who remains deeply committed to the success of the Tennessee Volunteers, Mays plans to continue supporting the team as they push toward greatness. He envisions Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse becoming a gathering place for Vols fans before and after games, creating a bridge between his love for football and his passion for food.
Mays’ vision for his restaurant extends beyond just Knoxville. If Mays’ Memphis Smokehouse is as successful as many believe it will be, Mays hopes to expand the brand to other cities, starting with other SEC towns. The goal is to bring the flavors of Tennessee and Memphis-style barbecue to the masses while continuing to build a legacy of quality, community, and family.
