Changemaker Spotlight: Marcus Cox, Welcome to Memphis

Marcus Cox leads Memphis hospitality with heart, recognition, and care as the Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis. Known for blending professionalism with genuine warmth, Marcus has become a champion for those on the frontlines of hospitality, making sure their work is valued and celebrated across the city.

On Episode #39 of Just Bluffin’, Marcus shares how his path from performing on stage to working the restaurant floor shaped his philosophy of service, and how those experiences eventually led him to his dream role leading Memphis hospitality today.

Marcus’s journey began long before he ever had a formal job title. Growing up in Memphis, he started as a teen volunteer at the Children’s Museum of Memphis, discovering early the joy of welcoming people and creating memorable experiences. At the same time, he pursued a love for the arts, eventually touring nationally with the National Theater for Children and later chasing opportunities in Atlanta’s theater and film scene. Like many artists, Marcus balanced his performances with restaurant work, where he realized hospitality was not just a side job—it was a calling.

That realization grew into a career in restaurant management, including more than a decade with Seasons 52, where he trained teams and opened new locations across the country. A turning point came when his wife’s health needs brought his family back to Memphis, opening the door for him to weave his background in the arts and hospitality together. He stepped into a community engagement role at Playhouse on the Square, building relationships and supporting programming, before eventually finding what he calls his “dream role”: Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis.

Welcome to Memphis is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the city’s hospitality workforce, from front-line employees to industry leaders. The organization provides recognition programs, professional development opportunities, and resources that affirm the essential role hospitality plays in shaping the city’s culture and visitor experience. For Marcus, leading this work is about more than service—it’s about ensuring the people who make Memphis memorable are themselves valued, celebrated, and cared for.

In his work today, Marcus blends professionalism with personal warmth, always looking for ways to make recognition meaningful for those who serve on the front lines of Memphis hospitality. One of his favorite projects has been the “Pick Awards,” which honor hospitality workers across the city. Marcus insists those celebrations feel big. He jokes about wanting them to look like Publishers Clearing House, complete with balloons and cameras. Behind the laughter is a sincere belief that people in hospitality deserve to feel seen, valued, and celebrated for the impact they make every day.

Marcus also treasures the moments when his work comes full circle. He recalls businesses clearing schedules so managers could step out and celebrate staff receiving awards—a small gesture that, to him, reflects a cultural shift toward respect and recognition. Those moments affirm his vision that hospitality isn’t just service; it’s care that changes workplaces from the inside out.

When asked about his favorite Memphis memory, Marcus goes back to his childhood at Garden View Elementary, when he was chosen to greet the Prime Minister of Kenya alongside Mayor Willie Herenton. Wearing his very first suit, he stood in the hallway of his school, delivered a short speech, and received a blessing from the Prime Minister. That experience, representing his city and being recognized with dignity, has stayed with him ever since, shaping his belief in the importance of visibility and pride.

Through every chapter of his career, Marcus has remained committed to one thing: people. Whether on stage, in a restaurant, or leading a citywide hospitality initiative, he finds his greatest joy in creating moments of connection and honor. For him, Memphis is not just a place to live and work—it’s a community to nurture, uplift, and celebrate.

Listen to our full conversation with Marcus Cox, Episode #39 of Just Bluffin. To listen to all of our conversations with Memphis leaders, subscribe to Just Bluffin’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can learn more about the team behind the mic on our podcast page.