In February 1988, four brothers (Gaelin, Tony, Mark and Patrick) launched into the barbeque business. Opening
their first restaurant in downtown Memphis, with only tables, chairs and one BBQ pit. The brothers started building a reputation of hard work, great BBQ and consistently good service. Four years later after a huge demand we expanded to a East Memphis location, which was opened in October of 1992. This venture created city wide exposure, with the expansion of a second location the brothers knew they would have to rely on more family so without hesitation their mother Lorine Neely and Patrick's wife Gina, were willing to come in and help take Neely's to the next level.
In 1997 a local media TV station held a BBQ contest for the best ribs, along with other local top BBQ restaurants in Memphis, which was featured on The Today Show with Al Roker, Neely's won hands-down! Being voted number one in Memphis created another growth opportunity for Neely's. In March of 2001, Neely's opened its third location in Nashville Tennessee. Tony relocated to the Music City to head up this operation. Since the move to Nashville, Neely's was voted number one ribs in Nashville. Now that Neely's has become a powerhouse of BBQ in the state of Tennessee, they have become a regular guest of Al Roker TV Shows.
Hit the 'Play' button to watch a short video
about the Neelys
We have also been featured on Good Morning America, The Food Network with Bobby Flay and The Today Show. Our national publication includes USA Today, New York Times, Bon-Apetit, Southern Living Magazine and a host of local publications in Memphis and Nashville.
Our BBQ products are sold in both major Arenas in the two cities (FedEXForum in Memphis and Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville). Neely's BBQ sauce is sold in local grocery stores, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and shipped via internet all over the country. Gina Neely who manages our Catering and Tour Group Sales has
expanded this area of the business to another level that the brothers never imagined.
We have been able to maintain a superior quality in our products and services. We believe in family, hard work, dedication, pride and a great passion for the restaurant business. We plan to continue to provide great BBQ that has brought us from the tiny little known BBQ place seventeen years ago to the "premier" BBQ restaurant in the State of Tennessee.
