Memphis, September 14, 2025

News Summary

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, a historic barbecue restaurant in Memphis since 1948, continues to operate despite concerns of increasing crime in the city. Co-owner John Vergos attributes the decline in business to a broader national downturn rather than crime alone. The family’s restaurant remains a vital social hub in the community, contributing positively to Memphis’s cultural landscape. Recent crime statistics and a high-profile shooting incident raise safety concerns, with the National Guard set to be deployed to address the issues. The Vergos family emphasizes the resilience of Memphis and its diverse culinary scene.

Memphis

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, a historic barbecue restaurant in Memphis that has been a staple since 1948, continues to operate amid rising crime concerns and a looming National Guard deployment. Located in a downtown alley, the restaurant is renowned for its barbecue ribs and plays a significant role in the local dining scene.

Co-owner John Vergos acknowledges the challenges facing Memphis, asserting that the city’s crime issues are not unique compared to other urban areas. While he recognizes that Memphis has experienced a decline in business, he attributes it to a potential national downturn in the restaurant industry and reduced tourism, rather than solely to crime.

Despite the current situation, Anna Vergos Blair, co-owner, stressed the richness of Memphis’s culinary landscape, emphasizing that the city offers much more than just barbecue, portraying it as a vibrant “great foodie town” with a variety of family-owned businesses contributing to its cultural fabric.

The Vergos family sees their restaurant as a vital social meeting point, which they believe helps to foster a more positive public perception of the city. Despite substantial crime statistics, John Vergos, who has previously served two terms on the city council, expressed that he personally does not feel unsafe in Memphis.

According to statistics, Memphis recorded the highest violent crime rate and the third-highest murder rate in the nation in the previous year, with 149 homicides reported in the current year alone. These troubling figures highlight the increasing concerns around safety in the city. A recent incident underscored this issue further, with a 2-year-old girl shot at a local cookout, though she is currently reported to be stable and in non-critical condition.

In response to the rising crime, President Donald Trump announced a plan to deploy the National Guard to Memphis during a broadcast appearance. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed appreciation for presidential support, highlighting Memphis’s resilience as a world-class city despite its challenges.

John Vergos expressed hope that the National Guard’s presence would lead to a constructive response, stating the importance of coordination with local officials for effective implementation. There is a growing fear among residents following the recent violence, leading to concerns about the safety of neighborhoods. Although there have been no arrests related to the toddler’s shooting, the investigation remains active

Memphis’s Culinary Scene

Charlie’s Vergos’ Rendezvous stands out not just for its food but also for its longstanding commitment to the community. The Vergos family believes that their establishment contributes positively to the city’s image, offering a welcoming space where locals and tourists can gather. Despite the worries surrounding crime, they are working collaboratively with city leaders to address these issues, aiming for a brighter future for Memphis.

Key Statistics

• Memphis has the highest violent crime rate and third-highest murder rate in the U.S. as of last year.
• 149 homicides reported in Memphis this year.
• The shooting incident involving a 2-year-old showcased the urgent need for improved safety measures.

Conclusion

The situation in Memphis presents a dual narrative of resilience and challenges. While crime remains a concern, local businesses like Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous strive to contribute positively to the overall community and culture, embodying the spirit of a city determined to overcome adversity.

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Additional Resources

• Fox News: Memphis Barbecue Joint Resilient Amid Challenges
• Arkansas Online: Marianna’s Barbecue Kings
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Suburban Development News
• Fox 13 Memphis: 2-Year-Old Girl Shot During Incident
• Action News 5: Memphis Redbirds and BBQ Nachos
• Wikipedia: Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
• Google Search: Memphis Crime Rate
• Google Scholar: Memphis Cultural History
• Google News: Memphis Barbecue

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.