In February 1988, the Neely 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. The expansion to a second location created city-wide exposure for the brothers’ venture, and Pat’s wife, Gina, came onboard to help meet the ever-increasing demand for Neely’s BBQ.

(Left to right Mark, Patrick, Tony and Gaelin)

After several national media appearances and having won the Memphis “Best of BBQ” title, Neely’s opened its third location in March 2001, this one in Nashville. Neely’s has since been voted number one ribs in Nashville as well, and has become known as a powerhouse of BBQ throughout the state of Tennessee. 

Following several appearances on Food Network, Pat and Gina debuted their own cooking show on the network in February 2008. 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. Fans of the Neelys can now enjoy Down Home with the Neelys seven days a week, and the show continues to be a top ratings performer.

Pat and Gina launched a second Food Network show in July 2008. Road Tasted with the Neelys was a cross-country search for specialty stores and family-run businesses that make hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind edibles.

In May 2009, Pat and Gina released their first cookbook. Down Home with the Neelys (Knopf, 2009) quickly earned a place on The New York Times’ best-seller list.