Brian Prather

Tell us about your new role!

As General Manager, I see the whole store from a zoomed-out perspective. To know all the moving pieces and how and why they interconnect, to make us one efficient machine that turns towards future goals for the store. The other focus is to foster and maintain a culture that makes us not only a place where people love to work and shop but also a cornerstone of our community.

What excites you most about being in this position?

It's all exciting, but there are some top contenders. I'm excited about the opportunity to help grow talent within our store. We have some seriously awesome team members, and it is an honor to help advise and direct them to develop their skills. I'm excited to have the chance to get to know all our patrons, neighbors, and local vendors. This community is amazing!! And last but not least, as a native Memphian, I am excited to help grow and promote a store, brand, and culture with such deep roots in purposefully serving our local communities by supporting local vendors, organizations, and initiatives.

Why do you think you were chosen for this role?

I'm as baffled as you! But seriously, being asked to take on this position was a true honor. I have built my managerial style on listening and being open to all possibilities. With these two guiding ideas, you can help facilitate growth for the store and the people that make it function 363 days out of the year (we're closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, heads up).

Do you have any goals for the store that you would like to share?

I want to help grow the profitability and stability of Cordelia's Market's future through our team's growth. Well-versed and multi-talented team members are our best bet for being able to continue the culture and community that exist in this store. I would also love to take Cordelia's Market beyond the island. There are so many Memphis communities that could benefit from having a community-driven, community-focused market like ours. We want to spread Cordelia's love, and I think all of Memphis could use a little extra love right now.

Product recommendation: Anything local. I love to see Memphis money stay in town!