Mad Grocer Is Competing in ChampionSip: Soup — Vote for Chef Max Hussey!

If you need a delicious reason to warm up this January, we’ve got one: The Mad Grocer & Deli at Crosstown Concourse is officially competing in Edible Memphis’ ChampionSip: Soup competition — and our very own award-winning chef Max Hussey is bringing the flavor with a bowl that’s pure comfort with a Creole kick.

Meet the Soup: Creole Chicken and Rice

Mad Grocer’s competition entry is Creole Chicken and Rice Soup, and it’s exactly what you want when the weather turns chilly. Think: the soulful flavors of blackened chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, transformed into a buttery, savory soup that’s hearty, bold, and incredibly satisfying.

As co-owner Josie Terhune describes it: the soup captures “the comfort and deliciousness of a soup that grandma used to make” while also dipping into “the fabulous and flavorful flair that is New Orleans.” Simple. Comforting. The kind of soup that makes you want to come back for more.

Why This Matters

Chef Max Hussey has become a Concourse favorite for a reason: he’s passionate about food that feels both elevated and approachable — the kind of cooking that turns everyday meals into something special. ChampionSip is all about celebrating the best bowls in Memphis, and we’re proud to see Mad Grocer representing Crosstown Concourse in this citywide bracket-style showdown.

How to Vote for Max

Edible Memphis’ ChampionSip: Soup is a bracket-style competition featuring 16 soups over 31 days, with voting happening through Instagram Story polls.

Here’s how it works:

The bracket competition begins January 17
Each matchup is voted on via a 24-hour Instagram Story poll on Edible Memphis’ Instagram

✅ To vote:

Follow Edible Memphis on Instagram HERE
Watch for the ChampionSip: Soup Story poll when Mad Grocer is in a matchup
Vote for Chef Max Hussey + Mad Grocer’s Creole Chicken and Rice Soup

Come Taste It at Crosstown

You can grab a bowl at The Mad Grocer & Deli right here inside Crosstown Concourse at:
📍 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 163
🕙 Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Sunday)

Whether you’re a longtime Mad Grocer regular or you’ve been meaning to stop in, this is your sign: try the soup, support your neighborhood chef, and help bring the ChampionSip title home to Crosstown Concourse.

Let’s Bring It Home, Concourse!

Memphis has serious culinary talent, and Chef Max Hussey is proof. If you love bold flavors, comforting bowls, and supporting local, cast your vote and help Mad Grocer climb the bracket.

🥣 Try the Creole Chicken and Rice Soup
📲 Vote for Max on Edible Memphis’ Instagram Story polls
📸 Bonus: Share your soup pics and tag Edible Memphis throughout January — readers can even win a gift card!

Photo credits: @haze.photog