As co-owners of Neely's Bar-B-Que, Patrick (Pat) and Gina Neely have turned their family restaurant into one of the most successful barbecue restaurants in the South. Now they share the secrets behind their favorite dishes and their passion for food, family, and fun on Food Network's "Down Home with the Neelys."
After its February 2008 premiere, "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 and continues to be a top ratings performer. Filmed in their Memphis home surrounded by family and friends, the show now airs seven days a week on Food Network. The Neelys launched a second Food Network show in July 2008, "Road Tasted with the Neelys," a cross-country search for specialty stores and family-run businesses that make hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind edibles. In May 2009, the Neelys will release their first cookbook entitled "Down Home with the Neelys."
High school sweethearts in the 80s, Pat and Gina reunited at their 10-year high school reunion and were married in 1994. For years the two have learned to balance their roles in the family as well as in business. They reside in Memphis with their two daughters, Spenser and Shelbi.
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Gina manages the catering division of Neely's Bar-B-Que, which has expanded to more than 25% of the restaurant's total sales. She also oversees sales of all Neely's products including sauces, seasonings, shirts, hats, and aprons. Before joining her husband in the family business, Gina served as branch manager at National Bank of Commerce in Memphis and was an events coordinator for The Carter Malone Group, a local public relations firm.
Gina is a member of the Memphis Restaurant Association, on the steering committee for The Women's Empowerment Summit for the Memphis Housing Authority, and on the PTSA of Cordova High School. She is also a member of The Dreamers Club for the National Civil Rights Museum and an active member at Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church where she serves in the Hospitality and Greeters ministries.
Gina and Patrick support Memphis youth by sponsoring 25 children to attend NBA Memphis Grizzlies home games. They are long-time supporters of Melrose High School, Central High School athletics and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Basketball Tournament.
The Neelys have appeared on Food Network's "Paula's Home Cooking," "Paula's Party," "Road Tasted," hosted by Jamie and Bobby Deen, "BBQ With Bobby Flay," and several Food Network holiday specials.
