 Summer, 1999Hogwild Barbecue "Backyards to boardrooms, grits to gourmet." That slogan sums up Hogwild Real Memphis Barbeque, a company that specializes in barbeque, but can easily cater the most elegant affair. Hogwild is just one of the many companies discovering the advantages of doing business in North Memphis. Hogwild has been at 1291 Tully Street for just over a year. Pitmaster and owner Ernie Mellor chose the location for its size and accessibility. The 10,000-square-foot facility soon will house a kitchen that will enable Hogwild to ship its products across the country. The location also is extremely convenient to all local streets and interstates. "I'm 15 minutes from anywhere in town," Mellor said. "The reasonable lease rates and the fact that the building used to be a commercial kitchen are also added pluses." Hogwild started to take shape in 1983 when founders Ernie Mellor and Tripp Murray began cooking barbeque for their friends' block parties. The positive reaction led the pair to start Hogwild in 1987 as a weekend catering company. In 1993, Hogwild established itself among its barbeque competitors by placing second in the Memphis in May World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest. In 1997, they expanded to a full-time catering company. Hogwild currently is the official caterer for the Memphis Redbirds. Hogwild sauces are available in Kroger, Seessel's, Wild Oats Market and Piggly Wiggly grocery stores throughout the Memphis area. Hogwild sauces also can be purchased from Folks Folly restaurant. For those who prefer to buy on-line, a product catalog is available at www.hogwildbbq.com. |