I wanted to learn more about Memphis barbecue, so I connected with several local experts: Ernie Mellor, pitmaster and owner of Hog Wild BBQ; John and Anna Vergos, second- and third-generation owners of The Rendezvous; and Melissa Cookston, a seven-time world barbecue champion and owner of Memphis BBQ Co. Memphis restaurants began offering new barbecue dishes, shaking dry rubs over french fries and adding smoked pulled pork to barbecue spaghetti, nachos and pizza. Sauce: Memphis barbecue sauce is thinner than most barbecue sauces and embraces a balanced flavor profile. Memphis barbecue sauce is thinner than most barbecue sauces and embraces a balanced flavor profile. Memphis Barbecue Recipes