Memphis barbecue goes Hollywood with Down Home with the Neelys

Neely’s barbecue joins the Food Network’s morning and early afternoon lineup starting on February 2, 2008. From the people who cook up thousands of pounds of the best BBQ to people in their Memphis and Nashville restaurants have their own show called “Down Home with the Neely’s.” You might remember an article I wrote not too long ago about Neely’s Bar-B-Que called “Worlds Best BBQ Joints – Jim Neelys Interstate Bar-B-Que of Memphis, TN.” Here they are with their own Food Network show!

Meet the Neely’s

Patrick, the nephew of his uncle Jim Neely is co-owner of Neely’s Bar-B-Que and has been around the barbeque business his entire life. At age 15, he started working with the legendary Jim Neely. Patrick was trained in the art of barbecuing as was his brother Tony.

Gina Neely is also co-owner of Neely’s Bar-B-Que and manages many aspects of the business. She handles the catering division of the restaurant and works closely with many tour group operators to schedule visits to the restaurants. Gina is also responsible for sales of all Neely’s products which includes sauces, rubs, shirts, caps, etc.

About the Show

The show will be centered around the Neely’s in a relaxing atmosphere at home creating tasty dishes their whole family can enjoy. According to FoodNetwork.com the Neely’s are ready to share secrets from their famous restaurant dishes along with their tastiest family-friendly recipes.

Neely’s Fun Facts

• The first Neely’s restaurant opened on February 29, 1988 in a renovated office building with 2,000 square feet on Madison Avenue.
• Neely’s Bar-B-Que has two restaurants in Memphis, Tenn. and one in Nashville.
• Neely’s Bar-B-Que is a family-owned and operated restaurant with 85 employees.
• Neely’s Bar-B-Que operates four concession outlets in the FedEx Forum in downtown Memphis. Their barbecue nachos have consistently been the top selling menu item at the arena since its opening in 2004.
• Neely’s Bar-B-Que sells its sauce and rubs in local grocery stores and at www.neelysbbq.com.
• Some of Neely’s Bar-B-Que restaurants most famous guests have included: Paula Deen, Al Roker, Robert Plant, Robert Clay, Steve Miller, Jay Leno, Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, John Legend, Stacy Spencer, Alicia Keys, Randy Travis and Judge Joe Brown.
• All three restaurants serve approximately 10,000 pounds of barbecue each week. The most popular menu items are the large pulled pork sandwich and wet and dry ribs.
• Neely’s Bar-B-Que is committed to the Memphis community by providing 25 tickets to each home game of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies to area youth groups. Neely’s also sponsors the athletic departments at Central High School and Melrose High School plus many other non-profit organizations.

Upcoming Episodes

February 2, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Sunday Supper

February 9, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Get Out of My Way (Foods that Gina Craves)

February 10, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Get Out of My Way (Foods that Gina Craves)

February 16, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Courting Pat (The Foods that Help Gina win Pat’s Heart)

February 17, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Sunday Supper

February 24, 11:00 a.m. e/p
Courting Pat (The Foods that Help Gina win Pat’s Heart)