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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[5]

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

References

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