If you’ve ever spent a Friday night in Memphis, you know the vibe is different. It’s thick. It’s soulful. It’s loud. And for a long time, if you wanted to see the intersection of Memphis rap royalty and high-end dining, there was only one place people talked about. Yo Gotti’s Memphis restaurant, Prive, wasn’t just a place to grab a steak; it was a cultural landmark in Hickory Hill. But honestly, the story of Prive is a lot more complicated than just a celebrity putting his name on a menu.
The restaurant, located at 6980 Winchester Road, became a symbol of Gotti’s "hustle to riches" narrative. It opened its doors back in 2013. Think about that for a second. In the world of celebrity-owned restaurants, a decade is an eternity. Most of these places fold in eighteen months because the owner realizes that running a kitchen is a lot harder than shooting a music video. Gotti—born Mario Mims—didn't let that happen. He brought in his family, specifically his mother, Geraldine Mims, to oversee the soul of the place.
The Prive Vibe: Why People Actually Went There
People didn't just show up because they hoped to see the CMG mogul sitting in a booth, though that happened more often than you’d think. They went for the lamb chops. They went for the fried lobster. It was "upscale," but it was still Memphis. You’d see people in tailored suits sitting next to guys in fresh Jordans and white tees.
The interior was all about that lounge feel. Dim lights. Dark wood. A lot of purple and gold accents that made it feel like a VIP section even if you were just there for an early dinner. It felt like success. For a city that often gets a bad rap in the national news, Prive was a spot where Black excellence was on full display every single night.
But it wasn't just about the aesthetic. The menu was actually legit. While many celebrity spots rely on "gimmick" food, Prive leaned into heavy hitters like the "Prive Burger" and seasoned fries that people still swear by on Yelp and Tripadvisor. It was the kind of place where the music was just a little too loud for a business meeting but perfect for a pre-club dinner.
The Impact of Yo Gotti’s Memphis Restaurant on Hickory Hill
Hickory Hill has seen its ups and downs. Once a booming middle-class neighborhood, it faced years of disinvestment. When Yo Gotti decided to plant Prive right there instead of taking it to the more "polished" parts of East Memphis or the trendy South Main district, it was a statement. He was reinvesting in the soil he came from.
Business wasn't always easy. Running a high-profile spot in Memphis comes with a unique set of challenges. Security was always a massive priority. You can't have a spot owned by one of the biggest rappers in the world and not think about safety. For years, Prive managed to maintain a reputation as a safe, high-end environment. It became a hub for the Collective Music Group (CMG) family, with artists like Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta frequently spotted there celebrating chart-toppers or birthday bashes.
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The Tragedy That Changed Everything
You can't talk about Yo Gotti’s Memphis restaurant without talking about the dark cloud that moved in during late 2021. The Memphis rap scene has been plagued by a devastating cycle of violence, and Prive unfortunately got caught in the crosshairs of the city's tensions.
Following the tragic murder of Young Dolph in November 2021, the atmosphere in Memphis shifted. Even though the incident didn't happen at the restaurant, the city was on edge. Out of an abundance of caution and respect for the situation, Prive temporarily closed its doors. It was a heavy moment for the community. It highlighted the fragile line between the entertainment world and the realities of the streets.
When the restaurant eventually reopened, it did so with a renewed focus. Gotti and his team doubled down on the idea that Prive was a "safe haven." They tightened up protocols. They made it clear that this was a place for peace and prosperity, not beef.
Is Prive Still Open? The 2026 Reality
If you’re looking to visit today, you need to know that the landscape has changed. There have been various reports about the restaurant’s operational status over the last year. Like many legacy spots, Prive has dealt with the post-pandemic labor shortage and the rising costs of luxury ingredients.
Honestly, the "celebrity restaurant" fatigue is real. Gotti himself has shifted a massive amount of his energy toward his sports agency and his role as a minority owner of the MLS team, Nashville SC. When a mogul gets that big, a single restaurant in Hickory Hill can sometimes feel like a small piece of a much larger puzzle.
However, the legacy of Prive as the premier Yo Gotti Memphis restaurant remains intact. It proved that a local kid could build a fine-dining establishment in his own backyard and keep it running for over a decade. That’s a win in any city, but especially in Memphis.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you're planning a "Gotti tour" of the 901, keep these things in mind:
- The Dress Code is Real: Don't show up looking sloppy. Even if the rules have softened over the years, the spirit of Prive is "dress to impress."
- Check the Hours: Celebrity-owned spots are notorious for hosting private events for the label. Always call ahead or check their official social media pages before driving out to Winchester.
- The Lamb Chops: Seriously. If they are on the menu when you visit, order them. They are the unofficial mascot of the kitchen.
- The Security: Expect to be checked. It’s not personal; it’s just the standard for high-profile Memphis nightlife. It actually makes the dining experience more relaxed once you're inside.
The Broader CMG Business Empire
Prive was really just the blueprint. Since opening that restaurant, Yo Gotti has shown a masterclass in diversification. He didn't just stay in the kitchen. He moved into:
- Real Estate: Investing heavily in commercial properties around the Mid-South.
- Sports Management: Representing athletes and bringing that "hustle" mentality to the boardroom.
- The Music Powerhouse: CMG is arguably the most successful rap label of the last five years, consistently churning out hits.
This context matters because it explains why Prive didn't need to be a massive chain. It was a flagship. It was a home base.
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Navigating the Memphis Dining Scene Post-Prive
Memphis is currently going through a culinary renaissance. While Prive set the tone for celebrity involvement, other spots have picked up the mantle of "Black-owned luxury" in the city. You have places like Sage on Main Street or the various upscale lounges popping up in the Edge District.
But none of them have the specific "North North" energy that Gotti brought to the table. Prive was unapologetically Memphis. It didn't try to be a New York bistro or a Los Angeles fusion spot. It served soul food with a silver spoon.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to experience the Memphis that Yo Gotti built, don't just stop at the restaurant.
First, do your homework. Look up the current residency of the CMG artists. Sometimes they host "pop-up" nights or listening parties at local venues that carry the same spirit as Prive.
Second, explore Hickory Hill. Support the other small businesses in the area. The "Gotti effect" was meant to bring foot traffic back to this part of town, so grab a coffee or hit a local boutique while you're in the neighborhood.
Third, understand the history. Before you walk through those doors, listen to "Life" or "Back 2 Da Basics." It gives you a sense of what that building represents to a guy who started with nothing.
The story of the Yo Gotti Memphis restaurant isn't just about food. It’s about a man who refused to leave his city behind. Whether the doors are open for a Tuesday dinner or a massive Grammy after-party, Prive remains a monument to what happens when "the streets" meet "the suite." It’s gritty, it’s polished, and it is 100% Memphis.
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To truly understand the impact, you have to look at the people who worked there. For over ten years, Prive provided jobs to hundreds of Memphis residents. It gave young servers a chance to work in a high-stakes, high-reward environment. It gave local chefs a platform. That's the part of the "celebrity restaurant" story that usually gets left out of the headlines. Gotti didn't just build a place to eat; he built a local economy inside four walls.
If you find yourself on Winchester Road, take a look at the building. It’s more than just brick and mortar. It’s a lesson in brand longevity. In an industry where everyone is looking for the next "viral" thing, Gotti built something that actually lasted. And in Memphis, that kind of staying power is the only currency that really matters.
Check the official CMG social media channels for the most current updates on events at the venue. Always verify holiday hours directly through their booking platform to ensure you don't miss out on the experience.