Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman

Andy and Michael started talking about opening a restaurant in 1994. They both come from big Italian families in the city of Memphis, and all family celebrations revolved around food.

The passion for food grew stronger as they got older. After college they moved to Charleston, SC to attended Johnson and Wales University. After two years on the coast, they moved back to Memphis to intern at Chez Philippe under French Master Chef, Jose Guitierrez.

After 18 months of grooming under Guitierrez, they decided to further their education, and learn the old world techniques of cooking in Calabria, Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute. They traveled all of Italy during their time and even lived in Lyon, France for a spell, the food capitol of the world.

Upon returning to America, they continued work for two years while they refined their business plan and searched for the perfect spot. On October 31, 2008 Andrew Michael Italian kitchen opened its doors to the public for the first time. The life-long friends had realized their dream after years of study, hard work and preparation. Andy and Michael had successfully built a place where people could come enjoy healthy food and an intimate environment just as you would find in Italy.

Andy and Michael will continue to bring all that they have learned around the world to their home city. Their passion for exploration and innovation in their cooking will benefit all those who pass through Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen.