Lost Restaurants of Memphis

Memphis is well known for its cuisine, and there is no end to the iconic restaurants that hold a place in the hearts of locals. Johnny Mills Barbecue was home to the “barbecue king of Beale Street.” Gaston’s Restaurant was owned by John Gaston, the “prince of Memphis restaurateurs.” Leonard’s Pit Barbecue was operated by Leonard Heuberger, the man who invented the pulled pork sandwich. Gayhawk Drive-In was hugely popular with African Americans during segregation. Author G. Wayne Dowdy details the history of Memphis’s most celebrated restaurants and the reasons they will live forever.