The Neelys, composed of Pat and Gina Neely, were a beloved couple who rose to fame with their Food Network show “Down Home with the Neelys.” The show, which aired from 2008 to 2014, featured the couple’s Southern-style cooking and their charming on-screen chemistry. However, in 2014, the couple announced their divorce, and their show came to an end. So, what are the Neelys doing now?
The Neelys’ Rise to Fame
Before their Food Network show, Pat and Gina Neely were already successful restaurateurs. They owned and operated several restaurants in the Memphis area, including Neely’s Bar-B-Que, which was founded by Pat’s family in 1988. The couple’s culinary expertise and charismatic personalities caught the attention of the Food Network, leading to the creation of “Down Home with the Neelys.”
The show was an instant hit, thanks in part to the couple’s playful banter and their ability to make complex recipes seem easy and accessible. The Neelys became household names, and their show ran for 11 seasons. They also wrote several bestselling cookbooks, including “The Neelys’ Celebration Cookbook” and “The Neelys’ Family Cookbook.”
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
In 2014, Pat and Gina Neely announced that they were getting a divorce. The news came as a shock to their fans, who had grown to love the couple’s on-screen chemistry. The divorce was amicable, and the couple released a statement saying that they would remain friends and continue to work together on their restaurants.
After the divorce, the Neelys’ show came to an end, and the couple went their separate ways. Pat Neely continued to work on his restaurants, while Gina Neely pursued other business ventures.
Pat Neely’s Current Ventures
Pat Neely has continued to work on his restaurants, including Neely’s Bar-B-Que, which remains a popular destination in Memphis. He has also made appearances on other Food Network shows, including “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
In addition to his culinary pursuits, Pat Neely has also become involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has worked with organizations such as the Memphis Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Gina Neely’s Current Ventures
Gina Neely has also remained active in the culinary world, although she has pursued different ventures than her ex-husband. She has written a memoir, “My Life, My Rules,” which was published in 2015. The book chronicles her life, including her childhood, her marriage to Pat Neely, and her experiences as a Food Network star.
Gina Neely has also become a motivational speaker, using her platform to inspire women and girls. She has spoken at events such as the Women’s Empowerment Expo and the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.
The Neelys’ Restaurants
Although the Neelys are no longer together, their restaurants remain popular destinations in Memphis. Neely’s Bar-B-Que, which was founded by Pat’s family in 1988, is still going strong. The restaurant has been featured on several Food Network shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Man v. Food.”
In addition to Neely’s Bar-B-Que, the Neelys also own and operate several other restaurants in the Memphis area. These include Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que, which is located near the Memphis airport, and Neely’s Memphis BBQ, which is located in the heart of downtown Memphis.
Neely’s Bar-B-Que Menu
Neely’s Bar-B-Que is known for its delicious Southern-style barbecue. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. They also offer a range of sides, including coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese.
Some popular items on the Neely’s Bar-B-Que menu include:
- The Neely’s Combo: A combination of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, served with two sides.
- The BBQ Nachos: A plate of tortilla chips topped with barbecue, cheese, and jalapenos.
- The Banana Pudding: A classic Southern dessert made with vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding.
Conclusion
The Neelys may no longer be together, but they are both still active in the culinary world. Pat Neely continues to work on his restaurants, while Gina Neely has pursued other business ventures. Although their show is no longer on the air, the Neelys remain beloved figures in the world of food television.
Their restaurants, including Neely’s Bar-B-Que, remain popular destinations in Memphis. Whether you’re a fan of the Neelys or just looking for some delicious Southern-style barbecue, Neely’s Bar-B-Que is definitely worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
The Neelys’ story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. From their humble beginnings as restaurateurs to their rise to fame on the Food Network, the Neelys have always been passionate about food and cooking.
Although their divorce was a setback, the Neelys have both continued to pursue their passions and have remained successful in their respective endeavors. They are an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of making it big in the culinary world.
As for what the Neelys are doing now, it’s clear that they are both still committed to their love of food and cooking. Whether they’re working on their restaurants, writing cookbooks, or making appearances on TV, the Neelys remain beloved figures in the world of food television.
What happened to the Neelys after their Food Network show ended?
The Neelys, a husband-and-wife duo, were the stars of the popular Food Network show “Down Home with the Neelys” from 2008 to 2014. After their show ended, they continued to work in the food industry, albeit in different capacities. They opened several restaurants, including Neely’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis, Tennessee, and Neely’s Southern Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple also made appearances on other Food Network shows and events.
Although they are no longer a part of the Food Network, the Neelys have maintained a strong presence in the culinary world. They have written several cookbooks, including “The Neelys’ Celebration Cookbook” and “Back Home with the Neelys.” The couple has also been involved in various charity work, including supporting organizations that promote healthy eating and cooking.
Are the Neelys still married?
In 2017, the Neelys announced that they were divorcing after 22 years of marriage. The couple cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. Despite their divorce, the Neelys have remained on good terms and continue to work together on various projects. They have stated that their priority is their family, including their two daughters, and they are committed to co-parenting and maintaining a positive relationship.
The Neelys’ divorce was a surprise to many of their fans, who had grown to love the couple’s chemistry and banter on their show. However, the couple has shown that they can maintain a professional and amicable relationship, even after their personal relationship has ended. They continue to be involved in the food industry and are still beloved by many of their fans.
What are the Neelys’ daughters up to now?
The Neelys’ daughters, Spenser and Shelbi, were often featured on their parents’ show and have grown up to be talented young women. Spenser, the older of the two, has pursued a career in the culinary arts and has worked in several restaurants. She has also made appearances on cooking shows and events, including the Food Network’s “Chopped.”
Shelbi, on the other hand, has focused on her education and has attended college. She has also been involved in various charity work and has volunteered at several organizations that support children and families. Both daughters have maintained a strong relationship with their parents and have been supportive of their endeavors.
Do the Neelys still have restaurants?
The Neelys’ restaurants, including Neely’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis, Tennessee, and Neely’s Southern Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee, are still open and operating. However, the couple is no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurants. They have stated that they are proud of the restaurants and the food they serve, but they have stepped back to focus on other projects.
The Neelys’ restaurants have received rave reviews and have been featured on several food shows and publications. They offer a variety of Southern-style cuisine, including barbecue, soul food, and comfort food. The restaurants have become institutions in their respective cities and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Have the Neelys written any new cookbooks?
Yes, the Neelys have written several cookbooks since their show ended. Their most recent cookbook, “The Neelys’ Celebration Cookbook,” was published in 2018 and features recipes for special occasions and holidays. They have also written “Back Home with the Neelys,” which features recipes from their childhood and family traditions.
The Neelys’ cookbooks have been well-received by fans and critics alike, and they offer a range of recipes that are perfect for home cooks. The couple’s cookbooks are available on their website and on online retailers such as Amazon.
Do the Neelys still make TV appearances?
Although the Neelys are no longer part of the Food Network, they still make appearances on TV shows and events. They have appeared on shows such as “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America,” and have been featured on food and lifestyle programs. They have also made appearances at food festivals and events, including the annual Memphis in May festival.
The Neelys have stated that they enjoy making TV appearances and connecting with their fans. They are charismatic and engaging on camera, and their chemistry and banter are still evident, even after their divorce. They continue to be beloved by many of their fans, who enjoy seeing them on TV and learning about their latest projects.
What’s next for the Neelys?
The Neelys have stated that they are working on several new projects, including a new cookbook and a potential TV show. They have also been involved in various charity work and have supported organizations that promote healthy eating and cooking. The couple has expressed their gratitude to their fans for their continued support and has stated that they are excited about their future endeavors.
Although the Neelys’ future plans are not yet clear, it’s evident that they will continue to be involved in the food industry and will remain beloved by many of their fans. They have built a loyal following over the years, and their fans are eager to see what they will do next.