Depending on your perspective, Interstate Bar-B-Que is notable for a number of diverse reasons. To many connoisseurs of chopped pork and beef, it offers the best tasting barbecue in Memphis, a city regarded by many as the barbecue capital of the world. To neighborhood residents and businesses, its a perfect example of one mans successful urban renewal campaign. To family members, it has presented practically unlimited career opportunities, But for the judges of Memphis Business Journals 15th annual Small Business Awards, Jim Neelys 15-year-old barbecue restaurant at 2265 S. Third is simply one of the best small businesses in the area. Interstate Bar-B-Que was named Small Business of the Year in the category of 26-75 employees. For Neely, the success of his restaurant couldnt be more of a surprise Everything you see here has been an accident,- says Neely with a sweep of his arm. Shortly before the noon-time rush, Neely surveys the main dining room that is decorated on one wall with photos of three generations of his family,. Photos of celebrities such as rockabilly artist Carl Perkins and blues singer Bobby Blue Bland adorn the opposite wall. Like many other aspects of Neelys life, the business that employs 42 people came about because of the founders curiosity. If I was a cat I would not have lived long, says Neely, who then asks with a grin, You know about curiosity and cats, dont you? His career as a respected restaurateur in Memphis has some of its roots in California. Although born in Memphis, Neely and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1958 as he pursued a career in the insurance industry. On his frequent return visits to his home town, Neely always had to satisfy his craving for Memphis barbecue. When I was a kid, Memphis had good barbecue on every corner, especially in the black neighborhoods, recalls Neely. The Neely family moved back to Memphis in 1972 and Jim Neely opened successful insurance agencies throughout the south. While headquartered in Memphis, he had offices in such cities as Nashville, St. Louis, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Address: 2265 S. Third Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Telephone: 901-775-2304
Fax: 901-775-3149
Website: http://www.jimneelysinterstatebarbecue.com/