Press Room

Memphis Zoo is excited to welcome Levy and Rank + Rally as new partners within the Memphis Zoo family. This partnership was created to strengthen the guest experience while supporting our team and the important work they do every day. Working hand in hand with Memphis Zoo, Levy will oversee all aspects of the food and beverage experience and Rank + Rally will lead retail across the Zoo. Together, we are setting a higher standard by blending creativity, comfort, and Memphis flavor while continuing to deliver the welcoming, mission-driven experience our guests know and love.

The Memphis Zoo, one of the nation’s most-acclaimed zoological institutions, has partnered with hospitality leader Levy and its retail company, Rank + Rally, to transform the guest experience with exciting new food, beverage and retail offerings. Levy will oversee all aspects of the food and beverage experience, working closely with the zoo to introduce new culinary concepts at Cat House Café and reimagined dining destinations across the grounds that lead with local Memphis flavors and purveyors. Rank + Rally will curate custom merchandise collections at the zoo’s on-site shops, and will team-up with the zoo to launch a new online retail hub. The partnership officially kicks-off this month.

“As Memphis Zoo continues to evolve, this collaboration supports our commitment to thoughtful growth and exceptional guest experiences,” Matt Thompson, President and CEO of Memphis Zoo. “Working with Levy and Rank + Rally gives us the opportunity to reimagine dining and retail in ways that complement our mission while adding comfort, creativity, and a strong sense of place across the Zoo.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Memphis Zoo, a world-renowned institution and beloved cultural hub in Memphis,” said Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy. “Together, we’ll create dynamic guest experiences with customized hospitality and merchandise offerings that amplify the zoo, its exhibits and events throughout the year, while showcasing the best of Memphis.”

Over the coming months, Levy and Rank + Rally will work closely with Memphis Zoo to expand the hospitality and retail experience at the city’s beloved cultural institution. Enhancements and new offerings will roll out in phases, including:

• Elevated new menu offerings in Cat House Café, made from scratch, including hand-breaded chicken tenders, fresh market salads, and seasonal specialties
• Increased variety at reimagined dining locations across the grounds, slated to open early spring, offering house-smoked BBQ, street tacos and quesabirria, and wok-fired noodle cups, among other offerings
• Unique themed food and drink specials to complement the zoo’s year-round special events and activations
• A commitment to eco-conscious food and beverage operations, including new compostable packaging, a significant reduction in disposable vessels and a new food waste tracking system
• Exhibit-inspired and limited-edition merchandise and apparel exclusively available at the zoo’s on-site shops

Levy bring expertise serving guests at renowned zoos and institutions across the country, including Lincoln Park Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, and the Mississippi Aquarium, among others. The company’s network of premier cultural destinations includes iconic venues and events, from the Kentucky Derby and Grammy Awards to Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Rank + Rally curates immersive retail experiences at major cultural, entertainment and sports venues nation-wide. That includes a multi-city retail partnership with world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group performance venues.

Look for more detail about food, beverage and retail offerings at Memphis Zoo over the coming months.

About Memphis Zoo

Located in Midtown Memphis’s historic Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo has connected our community to wildlife and conservation around the world for 120 years. Home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species, the Zoo is one of Tennessee’s leading attractions and welcomes approximately one million visitors each year. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Memphis Zoo is dedicated to creating adventures and saving wildlife through exceptional animal care, global conservation partnerships, research, and education. Through engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, and diverse educational programs, the Zoo inspires lifelong learning and a lasting passion for the natural world. Learn more at www.memphiszoo.org.

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the entertainment and sports hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Levy has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

About Rank + Rally

Rank + Rally is the wholly-owned retail company of sports and entertainment hospitality leader Levy, specializing in creating customized in-venue and online retail experiences for the biggest brands and most iconic venues and events in sports, entertainment, and culture. From designing immersive flagship stores and curating unique product collections to transforming online shopping experiences and driving sales through digital marketing and promotional strategies, Rank + Rally teams-up with its partners to bring excellence to every facet of retail strategy and operations. For more information, visit us at www.rankandrally.com and follow us on LinkedIn.