Our Story
Boo and Henry’s Memphis Pit BBQ celebrates the rich and savory Southern spirit nurtured by my loving parents. Born in Memphis, Tennessee during the Depression, Jeanne “Boo” and my stepfather Henry Varnell dedicated their lives to Family, Faith, Charity and Community. Food in the South, especially BBQ, was ever-present at celebrations, church socials, fundraisers and milestone events. Bringing people together, with BBQ always present, defined our lives. To this day, BBQ remains the thread that ties us all together.
Welcome to the Family!
Executive Pit Master,
Boo and Henry’s BBQ ®
“If I only had 24 hours left to live..., one of my stops would be The Pig for Memphis-style BBQ ... with Daly Thompson, owner and BBQ chef from Memphis. Daly makes and bottles four different kinds of bbq sauce. Take your pick. But, for something really different, try adding all four sauces at the same time.... The folks who come here really dig BBQ - Jay Leno, Lou Rawls... And you can add me to that long list, too. As a famous general once said, 'I will return!'!
~ ABC7 Dining With DillsOur Award-Winning Flavors featured In:
Supporting What We Built Together
Boo and Henry dedicated their lives to bringing people together, and that meant fighting for all communities, who, collectively, defined great Southern tradition.
Boo and Henry spent 60 years pushing for change and equal access to what shapes and improves us as a society. They sponsored countless educational scholarships for underserved African American youth. Up until her passing in 2021, Boo served on the Board of the National Civil Rights History Museum. Boo and Henry’s BBQ is honored to be a supporter of the museum and its educational programs.
