Memphis Barbecue Spot Goes Global in Viral British Video

Memphis, Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement as one of its favorite barbecue joints, The Bar-B-Q Shop, has recently taken the world by storm thanks to a viral video by a British YouTube crew. If you haven’t heard yet, the video showcases the restaurant’s famous ribs, and it’s safe to say that the internet is absolutely loving it!

The Viral Sensation

Owner Eric Vernon couldn’t be happier about the attention. “We’ve been in the game for a while, and it feels amazing to see our ribs getting national and even international fame,” he said. The Bar-B-Q Shop, which has held its ground in Midtown Memphis since 1987, has become a staple for both locals and visitors alike.

Vernon mentioned that the restaurant was recently featured as having the number one ribs in America on a popular Food Network show. Yelp also ranked it as the best barbecue spot in Tennessee last year, but the latest surge in customers has come from the British YouTubers known as the Jolly Food Testing Crew. With over four million subscribers, their recent visit has sparked a firestorm of interest.

Their video, titled “Brits Mind-blown trying Memphis BBQ Ribs for the first time!”, racked up more than 34,000 reactions in just a week. It features the hosts marveling at the ribs, with one of them exclaiming, “Look at that beautiful piece of art!” Throughout the video, they showcase the tender meat, smoky flavors, and, of course, the iconic Southern style of eating ribs with your hands.

The Hands-On Experience

One particular moment from the video has gone especially viral. Eric takes away the crew’s utensils and tells them how to eat ribs the right way—in true Southern fashion, using their hands. “I think the TikTok about me teaching the British how to eat ribs is around 15 million views now,” he chuckled. It’s a perfect example of how social media can catapult a local favorite into global fame.

Lines Out the Door

Since the video aired, The Bar-B-Q Shop has seen an influx of new customers lining up out the door, eager to sample the famed ribs that have gotten everyone talking. “It’s unbelievable,” Vernon added, “people are coming from all over just to try our food. It’s one of those unexpected surprises you find with social media and the internet.”

But it wasn’t just ribs on the menu for the Jolly crew. They also made a stop at Alcenia’s, another beloved Memphis eatery. Here they were thrown into the world of Southern soul food for the first time, greeted warmly with a hug from the owner. They got to taste Alcenia’s famous “Ghetto-Aid”, a delightful southern drink alongside fried green tomatoes.

A Legacy of Flavor

The Bar-B-Q Shop may be newly famous in viral circles, but its roots go back decades. Opening on Madison Avenue near Overton Square, it has become part of the fabric of Memphis culinary culture. Vernon has always emphasized the importance of quality and authenticity in his recipes, a philosophy that has paid off in spades.

As he looks to the future, Vernon hopes this newfound fame will encourage even more folks to not just try the ribs but to embrace the full Memphis barbecue experience. “If you’re near Memphis, this is a place to come and get ribs,” he said passionately.

Beyond the Ribs

The video with the Jolly Food Testing Crew shows how food can bridge cultures and bring people together. The enthusiasm from the British hosts not only celebrated Memphis’ barbecue culture but also sparked curiosity among their audience, who are now eager to try authentic Southern ribs.

For locals in Memphis, The Bar-B-Q Shop isn’t just about good food; it’s about community and shared experiences. “I think this gives people a glimpse of what we have to offer here,” said Vernon. “Barbecue is not just something you eat; it’s a tradition, a way to connect with friends and family.”

As the famous restaurant rides the wave of its viral popularity, it serves as a reminder of how a little exposure on the internet can bring a taste of local culture to everyone around the globe. So, whether you’re a local looking for a delicious meal or a traveler wanting to savor the famous Memphis barbecue, The Bar-B-Q Shop is definitely worth a visit!

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.