by Hanna Singh
A former Ruston resident now has a piece of his artwork hanging in “Charles Vergos Rendezvous” restaurant in Memphis.
Photographer Paul Burns took a photo of the outside of the restaurant and thoughtfully named it “For Charles” in honor of the late founder. The photograph now hangs in the restaurant for all to see and remember the story of how the restaurant came to be.
On a snowy afternoon in Memphis, Burns stood across from Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, and snapped a photo that would mean more to others than he knew. Burns titled the piece “For Charles” in honor of the late Charlie Vergos.
The Vergos family, honored by the piece as well, vowed to give the photograph a permanent home in the establishment for all to see. The restaurant had been a Memphis institution since 1948, when Charles Vergos had transformed a small basement snack shop into a barbecue haven.
Back then, ribs were seen more as scraps, a backyard barbecue dish maybe. But Charles had an idea. He developed a cooking method that grilled the ribs just right, close enough to the fire to seal in the flavor but not so close that they dried out. He used a special vinegar wash and a rub inspired by his father’s Greek chili seasoning, adding paprika to deepen the color. The result was a style of ribs that would define barbecue in Memphis for generations to come.
The restaurant has now become a landmark and a must-see for locals, tourists, and even celebrities. Presidents, musicians, and families alike have all dined in the place where Charlie’s vision took root. Even after his passing, the Vergos family kept the restaurant going, honoring his legacy.
Burns, understanding the unique charm of the restaurant, had wanted to encapsulate some of that magic within his photography. He described what the place meant to him as a traveling artist who often stopped by for a bite to eat and a place to feel at home.
“I love the snow, it’s rare in Memphis. There is something magical about this place and it’s an honor to be able to share that with the Owners and the Midsouth,” Burns said. “I travel for photography, and this is by far my favorite place for ribs. Next time you are in Memphis be sure to check out the Original.”
Today, “For Charles” hangs inside The Rendezvous in Memphis, a permanent fixture on the restaurant wall. Visitors who come to enjoy the famous ribs can now also see Burns’s work, a reminder of the history of the restaurant and the man who founded it.
Burns, now living in Tennessee, continues to document the places that shape his journey. He still captures images of Ruston when he visits home and still finds magic in the everyday. So next time you’re in Memphis, stop by The Rendezvous, enjoy the ribs, and take a moment to look at “For Charles”, a photograph that captures history, memory, and the something special that stood out to this artist.
