The First Black Woman To Be Inducted Into The BBQ Hall Of Fame Is An 85-Year Old Pitmaster

Proving that love for delicious barbeque lasts a life-time, 85-year-old pitmaster Desiree Robinson is the first Black woman to be inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame. FOX13 had the chance to speak with the Memphis legend, who’s a co-founder of Cozy Corner, a local staple that’s been serving smoked goodness since 1977. Robinson shared how it felt to be a trailblazer and receive the honor. 

She says her secret to success began with her husband. “My husband was an awesome cook, and I’m good, but not nearly as good as he was,” Robinson told FOX13. “I’m telling you it blew my mind. It started with him. He built it for us.”

Cozy Corner is not only known for flavorful, award-winning recipes, but also a loyal customer base, all of which Robinson credits to her late husband. “He never met a person that didn’t fall in love with him,” said Robinson. “He was the most likeable person I have ever met in my life. And, he had the personality. Oh my goodness, everybody loved him. People just liked him and he liked people.”

Robinson has been running Cozy Corner since her husband’s passing in 2001. She received the honor of being inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame in 2020, making history at the same time as the first Black woman. Prior, only three Black pitmasters had been inducted, none of which are still alive. That also made Robinson the only living Black inductee. 

“I wish I could describe it to you,” said Robinson. “You just can’t imagine how good it makes me feel. I’m blessed because I know it’s all about how it got started and maintained.”

Today, Cozy Corner remains a family business, now in its fourth generation. “Our kids don’t stay home for nap time when they’re coming up, little kids,” said Robinson. “They go to the Cozy Corner every day and go to the back and have their nap, come out and socialize with the customers. And when they’re old enough, they’ll wipe down tables, wait, whatever is age appropriate. But, everybody greets. If you work there, you better greet whoever walks through that door.”

Maintaining a welcoming, homely environment is a part of the Cozy Corner experience. Even Robinson still makes it a point to smile warmly to greet and converse with customers. 

“Because I want them to know that they are at home,” said Robinson. “I want them to know that they are welcomed and I want them to know that I want them to come back. So they’re going to eat good and they’re going to be treated right.” She believes the tradition keeps them coming back for more. That, and the tasty food of course. 

“Been coming here for 22 years, know the family, food is great,” Scott Gordy told FOX13, who drives in from Arkansas. “They have the best ribs between Memphis and Nashville and St. Louis and Kansas City.”

From first-time visitors, to celebrities, to long-time customers, Cozy Corner is listed as one of the top 10 barbeque restaurants in Memphis for a reason. 

“I’m blessed,” said Robinson. “I’ve got a wonderful family, I really do. Four generations of family. We work together in harmony and I just thank God for that.”