Our Team

Katie Keough, General Manager

Katie began her journey with Spell Restaurant Group at our sister restaurant BABALU Memphis East in April 2017. Over the four-year stint, she worked her way up the ranks to become the assistant general manager. In October 2021, Katie was named Brookhaven’s general manager. In her current role, she oversees day-to-day front- and back-of-house operations to ensure all aspects of the business run smoothly. Prior to joining the Spell Restaurant Group team, Katie spent eight years with Swankys Taco Shop.

Born and raised in Memphis, Katie loves the city’s sights and sounds, especially all of the art and music her hometown offers. When it comes to working for Spell Restaurant Group, her favorite part is her fellow team members, who feel more like family than coworkers.

Corderoa Smith, Assistant General Manager

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Corderoa has felt right at home since moving to Memphis in 2001. As Brookhaven’s assistant general manager, his main duty is to ensure everything runs smoothly, so he provides the bar and kitchen teams with what they need to succeed, assist coworkers as needed throughout the day, manage data entries and more. Corderoa’s favorite part of the job is working with others to create an enjoyable atmosphere for guests each time they visit the pub.

Corderoa’s favorite Brookhaven menu item? The Bavarian Melt with a side of broccoli. When he’s not at work, he loves to travel and spend time outdoors.

Mario McFerrin, Kitchen Manager

Mario McFerrin began his Brookhaven Pub & Grill career as kitchen manager in 2015, after gaining extensive experience at Beale Street bar and restaurant, Silky O’ Sullivan’s. As the kitchen manager, Mario supervises all food preparation, keeps the kitchen fully stocked, and ensures the kitchen is clean and safe for all. 

Mario is a Memphis native who loves spending time with his family, especially his children. While on the clock, he enjoys putting a smile on everyone’s face and soaking up the lively atmosphere the East Memphis staple provides. And, if you see him outside the kitchen, he’s most likely speaking with guests to recommend his favorite menu item – Brookhaven Pub & Grill’s signature Tiger Bleu Chips. 

Jesse Robertson, Director of Operations

Jesse Robertson hails from New Haven, Connecticut, a lively, coastal city in the greater New England area. After moving to Memphis in 1980, he began his restaurant career at his step-father’s restaurant, EC Flanagans, located where Brookhaven Pub & Grill stands today. Jesse joined Spell Restaurant Group in 2019 as director of operations with decades of experience and having worked for BABALU five years prior. In his current role, Jesse works to motivate and energize his team members, develop strong restaurant leaders and ensure business runs smoothly.

When he’s on the clock, you can find the University of Memphis grad hard at work at BABALU Memphis East, BABALU Overton Square or Brookhaven in Memphis, Tennessee, or in Seacrest Beach, Florida at sister restaurant LaCo.