Huey’s Poplar has long been a staple for great food, friendly service, and the welcome, laid-back atmosphere that’s been synonymous with the local chain since its inception in 1970. On Sunday, April 21st, the restaurant is inviting the public to join them in celebrating 20 years of
serving East Memphis, a community that’s been more loyal than they could have predicted.
Though 20 years is a huge accomplishment, the Huey’s brand began back in 1970, when the original Midtown location (still on the corner of Madison and Tucker to this day) was founded by local Memphian, Allen Gary, whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s name. Gary dreamed of creating a bar that was fun and unique, and a place where he and all his friends could have a good time. Of course, no good time is had without a good burger, and he didn’t have to go far to find the best meat in town. It was just a block down the road, at John Gray Big Star, where he had them grind his secret mix daily.
In 1973, Gary sold his business to Jay Sheffield and Don Wood. During that time, the majority of sales were beer and liquor, and Huey’s was getting a great reputation for live music. And then in 1976, along came Thomas Boggs, who most Memphians know as the face of Huey’s as it’s known today. Boggs — who’d gotten his start in the service and hospitality industries early in life and had gained a wealth of knowledge from restaurant and corporate roles at TGI Fridays — began working at Huey’s Midtown in 1976 as a bartender. Soon after, he signed on as a partner in the restaurant with Jay Sheffield, and with his vast knowledge of the industry, began to see a trend towards casual dining. With that in mind, Boggs began building a menu to transition Huey’s from a bar to a full-service restaurant.
From there on, as they say, the rest is history. Sheffield and Boggs expanded to a second restaurant, which later expanded to five and beyond. Boggs’ children grew up working in the Huey’s stores (among other restaurants) and, eventually, his three daughters and one of his
sons went on to run the company, which they still do today. Now, the local, family-owned chain has 10 locations (eight in Memphis and two in north Mississippi), with the Brews, Blues & Burgers legacy Boggs started going strong. As their father did before them, Huey’s owners continue to focus on providing tasty, high-quality food and the friendliest service in the business.
If you ask any of the Boggs siblings what really sets Huey’s apart, though, they’ll say their decades-long connection to the Memphis community. Huey’s has supported pivotal organizations like the Memphis Zoo, University of Memphis, and Church Health for nearly as long as they’ve been around, and they give back to hundreds of other schools, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits each and every year.
Ashley Robilio, president of Huey’s Restaurants, shares, “Our dad taught us that if you give to the community, the community will give back to you. We’ve always taken that to heart and still operate with that core belief today. We like to be all over the city, so to speak, supporting as many good causes as we can.”
Huey’s Poplar – East Memphis continues to be a shining example of the Huey’s Restaurants legacy. They invite you to celebrate that legacy, along with the grand opening of Huey’s Poplar’s brand-new patio, on Sunday, April 21st, with all-day food discounts (throw-back pricing to
20 years ago!), 2-for-1 beer specials, live music starting at 3 p.m., cake, and more.
