Folk’s Folly has served the community since it opened its doors in 1977. Having been voted Best Steak by readers in the Memphis Flyer’s Best of Memphis poll since 1994, it’s a Memphis institution.
That is all thanks to Humphrey Folk for not letting other people’s opinions dictate his dream — to start up a restaurant despite his profession. After all, he loved a good meal, so it was only right he created his own restaurant. “The name Folk’s Folly originates from Mr. Folk’s friends, telling him that he was taking on a foolish undertaking opening a restaurant because he was a construction man,” says Diane Kauker, a longtime employee at Folk’s Folly. In 2003, Thomas Boggs, the famous Memphis restaurateur behind Huey’s, joined the company and became a managing partner alongside Folk. The rest is history.
Folk’s Folly’s longevity is not just because of their famous steak or the fine dining experience that keeps customers coming back. Kauker says it’s because they have remained consistent over the years with not only their food and service but the staff as well. “We have been fortunate enough to provide the same high quality of food over the years, but we have an incredible number of employees who’ve also had many years of service with us,” says Kauker. “And it’s not only the front of the house staff [but also] our back of the house staff, like our butcher. He’s been with us 30 years. Those familiar faces are part of what keeps regulars coming back.”
Kauker herself recently celebrated her 41st anniversary at Folk’s Folly. “At our core, we are still the same restaurant as when Humphrey Folk first opened the doors. And that is something that [I], along with my team, [am] proud of,” she says.
Kauker started as a host and then transitioned to a cocktail server and bartender. “I realized I could make a little bit more money serving drinks and feeding the guests,” she says. Just before she graduated from the University of Memphis, known as Memphis State University at the time, she was offered a manager position, and she quickly accepted. Kauker has stuck around, not just because of the welcoming environment but because so much of her life is tied to it.
“I met my husband here. He was a valet parker,” she says. “My oldest son, Kevin, works here. He’s been here 15 years, and he met his wife here also. She’s been here 12 years. We just feel like we work for a great company with the best owners who listen and take care of their staff.”
She also appreciates the company’s efforts to assist people and families, specifically in the community. “We are fortunate that we have owners and employees that care about having a positive effect on Memphis. The late Thomas Boggs always said [to] take care of your community and they will take care of you. He emphasized this greatly,” Kauker notes. “So, we have participated in many charitable events, such as Italian Winterfest, Soup Sunday, Courage Thru Cancer, Gift of Life Gala, and more just to support and give back.”
And every Christmas is the employees’ favorite time of year. “One thing that stands out to me is every year our employees adopt a local family in need for Christmas. We raise the money internally [and] shop for gifts and food. We deliver it to that family to make sure that they have a wonderful Christmas,” Kauker says. “It’s just about serving others and seeing that joy. And for me [to be] a part of a team and a family like that, it just doesn’t get any better.”
