THE SWANKY PEOPLE

MATT WILSON

Proprietor

    Matt was born and raised in Memphis, TN.  After graduating from Memphis University School, he ran off to the University of Denver to play golf.  After graduating with a Marketing degree in the late 1990s, Matt returned to Memphis and began a career with McVean Trading and Investments, LLC.  Since then, Matt has been involved with several private equity ventures, and in 2004, he assembled a team that would ultimately create Swanky’s Taco Shop.  Matt’s vision and determination have made Swanky’s Taco Shop a great place to eat, drink, and chill.

    Matt has a wonderful wife of eleven years, Michelle.  They have two children. 

DUSTIN JONES

Director of Operations

    Dustin hails all the way from Jackson, TN.  He moved to Memphis in 1997 and attended St Benedict at Auburndale.  After High School, Dustin attended Mississippi State and the University of Memphis.  Dustin’s hospitality resume includes McAllister Deli, Grisanti’s Bola Pasta, Smokey Bones, and PF Chang’s China Bistro.  These experiences have led up to his home at Swanky’s Taco Shop, where he focuses on opening new locations and improving our operations.  

    Besides his wife and daughter, Dustin loves bad movies, science fiction, and puzzles. Dustin recently became the Jedi master of the Rubik's Cube, teaching both Ryan Frost and Clay Maddox the way of the cube.  Dustin also likes red meat and beer.

RYAN FROST

Germantown Operating Partner

    Ryan graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1999 and then attended State Tech and the University of Memphis.  Ryan has worked for Steak and Ale and P F Chang’s before joining Swanky’s Taco Shop.  In December 2005 he joined the great team of Swanky’s Taco Shop.

    Ryan loves watching University of Tennessee football and cooking for friends and family, which now includes his wife.

CLAY MADDOX

Franklin Operating Partner

    Another Memphis native, Clay has known Matt Wilson since the fourth grade.  Clay graduated Memphis University School and went on to the University of Mississippi, before taking a few years of hiatus in Seaside, FL, where he bartended at Shades of Seaside.  In May 1997, Clay helped open the Memphis Flying Saucer Draught Emporium and then became a traveling new employee trainer.  By 2004, Clay had taken his extensive knowledge of handcrafted beer to work for Bosco’s Brewery.  In May 2007, Clay and Matt crossed paths again and began planning for Swanky’s expansion into Nashville.

    Clay is a huge fan of bad Chuck Norris movies, is completely addicted to the Rubik's Cube, and is an undefeated little league soccer coach.