A year of breaking new grounds, 1948, saw two events that would change Memphis's culinary scene forever. A bright mind, John Vergos, was brought into the world, while his father Charlie took his Greek-infused smoky pork recipe to Memphis, Tennessee, setting the foundation of the now renowned restaurant, Rendezvous.

Inspired by a journey to New Orleans, Charlie began to develop his signature dry rub. His Greek roots gave him an affinity for garlic and oregano, while flavors of the South lent cayenne pepper and chili powder to the mix. Money was tight for the budding restaurant owner, but a cousin offered a solution: the undesirable cut of pork ribs, affordable at 10 cents a pound. “I don’t believe you can find anyone who served ribs before us,” Vergos says proudly. What started as a cost-effective venture ignited a revolution in what we know as barbecue today.

Today, Rendezvous draws visitors worldwide, celebrating its Memphis roots while welcoming innovation. The multi-generational, family-run small business serves up classic fare such as ham and cheese sandwiches, pork shoulder sandwiches with a 'slaw twist, and, most importantly, their famous ribs. But with a helping hand from John's daughter, Anna Vergos Blair, the menu has been expanded to include lamb riblets, cheese and sausage appetizers, and barbecue nachos-much to the delight of both dedicated locals and curious tourists. “Mention Memphis in a conversation, and you're likely to hear about Elvis, the Blues, and barbecue,” says Blair, 42. “It's intertwined with our city's identity.”

Memphis barbecue, with a history stretching back roughly a century, has garnered a reputable place in American grilling culture. Primed pork, particularly ribs and smoked shoulder sandwiches, reign supreme. Pitmasters showcase their skill through the art of dry rubs and time-honored, low and slow cooking techniques.

While Memphis is a barbecue gold mine, the Rendezvous claims a unique place in the hearts of patrons. Its charming décor, featuring Beale Street paraphernalia and even a gifted shotgun, is a draw in itself. “Over time, it's grown into a kind of museum, adorned with remarkable artifacts,” John says. The dedicated and evocative staff add personal stories to the vibrant tapestry of Rendezvous's history, as beautifully captured in the recent documentary, The 'Vous.

Blair dreams of her children, now aged 10 and 12 whose primary roles involve T-shirt folding and barbecue tasting, taking over the reins in the future. “My hope is that our generation and the generation of servers and cooks can carry on this legacy just like the ones before us. I don’t think there are a lot of restaurants that can say that.”

Memphis barbecue stands out not only through Rendezvous but also through other iconic establishments such as Payne's BBQ, Tops Bar-B-Q, The Bar-B-Q Shop, The Commissary, and One & Only BBQ. All these eateries contribute to the rich, smoky narrative of Memphis's barbecue scene making Memphis a must-visit for every barbecue aficionado.