Leonard's Pit Barbecue, Memphis' oldest barbecue restaurant, has a new home. Take a look.

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal

Updated September 12, 2023 at 1:49 PM·4 min read

For over 100 years, Leonard's Pit Barbecue has served Memphis slow-cooked pit barbecue. It's one of those places that is filled with memories for lifelong Memphians.

The restaurant has moved locations several times over its century-long history, changing and evolving with the times and its hometown.

This week, the restaurant starts a new chapter in a new home.

Leonard’s Pit Barbecue reopened Sept. 10 at 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy. in Cordova.

While the location is different, what remains the same is the strong traditions of barbecue and hospitality.

The oldest barbecue restaurant in Memphis

Leonard's Pit Barbecue is the oldest barbecue restaurant in Memphis. It was opened in 1922 by Leonard Heuberger.

Leonard's started out as a stand with five stools and a barbecue sandwich was 5 cents. As the sandwich grew in popularity, he expanded, opening what was the largest drive-in restaurant in Memphis at the time.

People came from near and far to pig-out on pit-cooked ribs and pork shoulders. Even Elvis was a regular.

Up until last week, the restaurant has been at 5465 Fox Plaza Drive in the Fox Meadows area of Hickory Hill for decades.

It had been in the hands of owner Dan Brown since 1993. Brown had worked at Leonard's since he was 15, learning the ins and outs of the business from Hueberger before he bought the business in 1993.

In 2021, Brown decided it was time to retire, and sold Leonard’s Pit Barbecue to Wendy McCrory, the owner of Gus's Fried Chicken.

Owner Wendy McCrory can be seen inside of 101-year-old Leonard’s BBQ in front of a 1950s Dodge truck before they move later this month on August 16, 2023 at 5465. Fox Plaza Drive in Memphis, Tenn.

"It was really about Memphis and I thought preserving it was important for us as a city,” said McCrory of her decision to purchase the restaurant.

McCrory decided to move the restaurant for the benefit of her employees and the brand.

“We hope that the new location will introduce us to a new generation of customers,” she said.

What’s new, and what’s changed

While the new restaurant is smaller in size, expect all the same great barbecue and friendly atmosphere.

The “full slab rib dinner” can be seen on a table inside of 101-year-old Leonard’s BBQ before they move later this month on August 16, 2023 at 5465. Fox Plaza Drive in Memphis, Tenn.

McCrory and her team have transformed a former Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders fast food restaurant into a bright and sunny dining room with checkboard table clothes and Leonard’s memorabilia on every wall.

The restaurant will still offer full-service dining, as well as have a larger take-out counter. Plans are in the works to offer drive-thru service in the future.

All the favorites are still offered – the famous Mr. Leonard (and larger Big Leonard) pork sandwiches, Rib Barbecue Plates (available as a 1/3, half and full slab), Italian Spaghetti and Fried Catfish.

New on the menu are BBQ Nachos and a Cheese & Sausage Plate.

Family first and foremost

Walk in the front door, and expect to be greeted by a big smile. Loretta Hopper has been greeting customers as they walk in the front door of Leonard’s since 1971, and she said she is excited to be continuing in her role at the new location.

“Part of the tradition of Leonard’s is we get to know our customers because they are family. “It is a tradition that will continue for eternity,” said Hopper as she said she is already grooming a new team member to fill her shoes one day.

Loretta Hopper, who has worked for Leonard’s for 52 years, hands an order to customer John Huffman at the counter inside of 101-year-old Leonard’s BBQ before they move later this month on August 16, 2023 at 5465. Fox Plaza Drive in Memphis, Tenn.

She said she is grateful for her 50-plus years at the restaurant, and for all the people she has met over the years. “Our customers – they are all fabulous, kind and family,” she said. “Even if you are an out-of-towner and you come back a year later – you are part of the family. That’s the fun of Leonard’s.”

Lyndell Whitmore has worked in the kitchen of Leonard’s for 37 years, and said he is excited for the move.

“I am so ready,” he said “I keep thinking of all the new people that will get to experience Leonard’s – a place that has been around for 101 years.”

He will continue his role cooking, and managing the restaurant’s catering services. “I may have catered in every building in Memphis over the years,” he said jokingly, and with a big grin added “I love meeting people.”

Lyndell Whitmore, who has worked for Leonard’s for 37 years, can be seen in the dining area inside of 101-year-old Leonard’s BBQ before they move later this month on August 16, 2023 at 5465. Fox Plaza Drive in Memphis, Tenn.

Both Hopper and Whitmore credit their longevity with Leonard’s to their former boss Dan Brown. “Taking care of people – that’s what Leonard’s has always been about,” said Hopper as she explained why so many of their team have stayed over the decades.

Both also expressed gratitude for McCrory and her team taking the restaurant into a second century.

McCrory said she has plans to grow the Leonard's brand, like she did with Gus's Fried Chicken.

“There is a new generation about to experience and love Leonard’s Barbecue,” said Hopper.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining Reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.

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