It all started with some bees and a dream.

Josh opened Strano a sicilian kitchen and bar in Cooper Young. With family ties to Italy and Morocco, Josh wanted to highlight the restaurant is a hybrid of sorts. His menu included household favorites from his grandmothers’ recipe boxes mixed with modern cooking techniques and dishes.

2018 was a big year, Chef Josh decided to move out East and brought Strano with him. Later this year, Strano by Chef Josh opened in East Memphis.

COVID caused Josh to close Strano but it wasn't all bad news, it was also the year that Josh and his wife Wallis got married! Later that year, they started W+J brand - a small company to sell baked goods and honey at local farmers markets.

Armed with the experience of owning and operating a restaurant and creating baked goods for W+J brand, they decided now was the time to bring something great to Memphis. The idea for hive was born.

Wallis and josh think there is opportunity to do something with baking in Memphis/ really work to make a strong business plan to create something awesome for memphis

Josh takes classes at the San Francisco Baking Institute, which specializes in bagels. “I wanted to learn the business side and sourcing local ingredients.”

The first hive location opens up at 276 S. Front St. serving bagels made from the Steiner’s own honey and local, fresh ingredients in their breads, sandwiches and pastries.

Worked to have great bagels and pastries for memphis. We have also been working on our coffee program to ensure we have great coffee. Josh went back to San Francisco to work on options of bread. Announced we will be opening up our second location in east Memphis.

Construction has begun for east memphis location

Looking forward to great spring and hoping to open east in mid-July.