Charlie Vergos Explained

Charlie Vergos (June 24, 1925 – March 27, 2010^[1]) was a Memphis-style barbecue restaurateur.

Vergos was born in Memphis, Tennessee; his parents were Greek immigrants.^[2] He served in the United States Army during World War II.^[3] He married Tasia Vergos; they had three children.

In 1948, Vergos founded Charles Vergos' Rendezvous. Vergos also helped to revitalize Memphis' downtown; he refused to relocate out of downtown following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and invested in other downtown businesses.

He developed Memphis-style "dry" ribs, using vinegar and a mix of herbs and spices to season the meat,^[4] and cooking the ribs on high heat for around 75 minutes.

Vergos was posthumously inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2018.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Charles Vergos - View Obituary & Service Information. Charles Vergos Obituary. 26 March 2023.
2. Web site: Memphis magazine, November 2017 . Issuu . en.
3. News: Rendezvous founder Charlie Vergos dies; was force in Downtown Memphis' revival . 17 September 2018 . Memphis Commercial Appeal . 27 March 2010 . en.
4. News: Immigrants bring new touches to American barbecue. Just like they always have. . 17 September 2018 . Washington Post . 7 March 2017 . en.
5. Web site: Charlie Vergos . Barbecue Hall of Fame. 17 September 2018.