News Summary
East Memphis is reeling after Tops Bar-B-Q closed indefinitely due to a fire that broke out early Thursday morning. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The fire, stemming from HVAC issues, caused approximately $58,000 in damages. The beloved barbecue restaurant had to shut its doors for repairs, leaving a significant void in the community that cherishes its mouth-watering offerings. Local BBQ enthusiasts are hopeful for a swift recovery and are encouraged to support other food establishments in the meantime.
East Memphis BBQ Spot Shuts Down After Early Morning Blaze
In an unexpected turn of events, East Memphis is waking up to the shocking news that one of its beloved barbecue joints, Tops Bar-B-Q, has closed indefinitely following a fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Fire Breaks Out at the BBQ Haven
It was around 4 a.m. when firefighters were called out to the restaurant on Rhodes Avenue. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time, so there were no injuries reported. The Memphis Fire Department was quick to respond to the emergency, ensuring that the damage was contained.
What Caused the Fire?
Initial investigations revealed that the cause of the fire stemmed from mechanical issues related to the building’s HVAC unit and ceiling vents. It’s alarming to think how something so routine could lead to a dangerous situation. In total, it’s estimated that the damages are around 58,000 dollars, with about 43,000 dollars in structural damage and another 15,000 dollars lost in content. That’s quite a hefty blow for a restaurant that’s cherished by locals.
Closure and Repairs
Tops Bar-B-Q has officially announced that the establishment will stay closed “until repairs can be completed.” The restaurant had already closed its doors earlier at 5 p.m. on Wednesday due to inclement weather, so this turn of events is doubly unfortunate for fans of the delicious BBQ.
A Grateful Attitude Amidst the Chaos
The CEO of Tops Bar-B-Q expressed their gratitude that no one was injured during this alarming incident. With fires being a recurrent theme at the restaurant—this marks the third fire at a Tops Bar-B-Q location in recent months—it raises concerns within the community. Previous incidents have also been linked to mechanical problems. It makes you wonder what steps are being taken to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
What This Means for the Community
This beloved BBQ spot has been more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where friends and family gather to enjoy some mouth-watering ribs and pulled pork. The indefinite closure leaves a void in the East Memphis community, and many are eager for it to return to its former glory.
As we wait for updates on the repairs and rebuilding process, local BBQ enthusiasts can only hope that the restaurant is able to bounce back quickly. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to support other local food establishments to help keep the vibrant Memphis food scene alive.
Wrapping Up
While the fire at Tops Bar-B-Q may have snuffed out its flames temporarily, let’s hope that the resilience of the team and the support of the community can bring this outpost of great BBQ back into action sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Water Leak Repair Set to Impact Traffic in Memphis
Local Restaurant in Downtown Memphis Burgled
Violent Robbery Shakes Union Avenue in Memphis
Memphis Community Unites in Support as Beloved Local Faces Life-Threatening Injuries from Brutal Attack
Fire Breaks Out at Tops Bar-B-Q on Summer Avenue, No Injuries Reported
Memphis Barbecue Restaurant Falls Victim to Well-Planned Break-In
Early Morning Break-In at Memphis BBQ Joint Results in $1,200 Theft
Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: Tops Bar-B-Q in East Memphis Closed After Fire
- Fox 13 Memphis: Tops Bar-B-Q Fire Causes Nearly $60K in Damage
- Action News 5: Tops Bar-B-Q Summer Ave Close Due to Fire Damage
- WREG: Photos East Memphis Home Damaged From Fire
- Google Search: Tops Bar-B-Q Memphis
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF 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.
