Patrick Neely
Neely's Bar-be-Que, Co-Owner
| 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 built a reputation of hard work, great BBQ and consistently good service, and, in October 1992, expanded to an East Memphis location. In 1997, Neely’s BBQ won a local contest for the area’s best ribs that was featured on the Today show with Al Roker. Being voted number one created another growth opportunity for Neely's, and in March 2001, the restaurant opened its third location in Nashville.
Neely's BBQ has been featured on Good Morning America, the Today show, and on Food Network with both Bobby Flay and Paula Deen. National publication coverage includes USA Today, New York Times, Bon-Appetit, and Southern Living. Neely's BBQ is sold in the FedExForum and in the Nashville Airport. Neely's BBQ sauces and meat products are also sold in local grocery stores and shipped via internet all over the country. Pat’s wife, Gina, has been an integral part of Neely’s BBQ success over the years, working side-by-side with Pat through the developmental years of the company’s growth.
In 2008, Food Network approached Pat and Gina to host their own national cooking show. Down Home with the Neelys became the highest-rated series debut in the five-year history of Food Network's “In the Kitchen” weekend block. Now in its eighth season, the show is still one of the highest-rated shows on the network and is viewed by millions seven days a week.
The Neelys launched a second Food Network show, Road Tasted with the Neelys, in July 2008. In May 2009, the Neelys released their first cookbook. Down Home with the Neelys (Knopf, 2009) quickly earned a place on The New York Times’ best-seller list.
Pat and Gina are currently writing their second cookbook, appearing at live cooking shows around the country and always trying to bring national attention to Memphis. They have been featured recently on Good Morning America, Today, CBS Early Morning Show, The View, Regis and Kelly, Wendy Williams and thousands of other media outlets.
Everything started with their first BBQ restaurant over two decades ago and Patrick feels his work still isn’t done. He will continue to grow all of his businesses in hopes of making Memphis a better place to live and prosper. Patrick says there is no way he could have achieved this success without his lovely wife, Gina, who he has known for 30 years and has been married to for 14 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Spenser and Shelbi.
Description of Business:
Full-service restaurants in Memphis and Nashville with a full catering department, online merchandising and retail sales of sauces and spice in grocery chains. In addition to the three restaurants, there are Neely’s outlets in the Nashville airport and the Memphis FedExForum arena. Year Business Founded:
1988 Year Inducted:
2010 Thoughts on Entrepreneurship: "'"Entrepreneurship is the very fabric that our country was built on. It represents freedom, leadership, passion and independence." " For More Information: http://www.neelysbbq.com
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