‘2 Chainz in the building!’: Rapper Helps Esco Restaurant in Memphis Celebrate its Opening

December 26, 2023 In franchises openings

View the original article by Jennifer Chandler and Chris Day on the Commercial Appeal website here.

At Esco Restaurant and Tapas, it’s all about the “vibe.” And late Friday night, that vibe was excitement as rapper 2 Chainz helped the Downtown Memphis restaurant officially celebrate its opening. The Esco chain is owned by 2 Chainz (Tauheed Epps) and entrepreneur Mychel “Snoop” Dillard. Two Memphis couples — Dundalan Sain and Chloe Gray and Mowbray and Cherina Rowand — brought the franchise to Memphis, after seeing the restaurant in Atlanta.
Esco Memphis
About 20 minutes after midnight, a black van with LED lights glowing from the inside drove up to a reserved spot in front of Esco. After a few moments of security moving back the gathering crowd, 2 Chainz stepped out with his entourage and made his way to the red carpet for photos before being escorted inside the new Memphis Esco location. His entrance was accompanied by “2 Chainz in the building!” being announced by the DJ inside and a eruption of cheers from attendees, as he made his way through a sea of people to a reserved seating area. Wallpaper covered in golden chains and a wall of chain decorations met the man whose name was an obvious inspiration for the décor.
Esco Memphis

After speaking with those around him briefly, 2 Chainz stood up on the lounge chairs and sat on top of the backs of the booth. He looked out over the dancing crowd, as people jostled to get a glimpse of him through the haze of smoke and flashing LED lights.

Esco’s Memphis location opened Oct. 25 at 156 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. It’s the fifth Esco to open in the restaurant group, and the first in Tennessee.

Those visiting Esco in Memphis can expect shareable tapas dishes, unique menu items like Turkey Ribs and Seafood Mac-n-Cheese, craft cocktails, DJs and much more.

2 Chainz’s Memphis appearance comes about a week after he was injured in a car crash in Miami, according to reports.

2 Chainz recently released a joint album, “Welcome 2 Collegrove,” with fellow rapper Lil Wayne, with features from 21 Savage, Usher, Rick Ross and more.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.






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