After a difficult close to 2025, a Memphis-area favorite barbecue chain is preparing to reopen the doors of one of its locations. Tops Bar-B-Q is rising like a phoenix following a fire at its Rhodes Avenue location and preparing to greet customers again in the near future.
The 3970 Rhodes Avenue restaurant faced a setback when a fire inflicted severe damage to the storefront in September of 2025. Fans of the barbecue joint will note that the September conflagration was the second the location suffered in a relatively short period of time; Tops was rebuilding from a February fire when it burnt again in September.
However, the concept’s luck is about the change. According to a commercial alteration permit filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, the 1,034 square foot storefront will not be making any notable changes in the rebuild. The work is described as “Fire restoration of existing business with like-for-like replacement of fire damaged and outdated none-compliant systems; roofing, gutters, trusses, framing, openings, siding, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, interior and exterior finishes. No changes to the existing masonry building and fireplace structure. No changes to the existing parking lot.”
Tops Bar-B-Q CEO Randy Hough previously told Commercial Appeal that the restaurant had no intentions of abandoning the area, saying: “We have been a part of the Rhodes Avenue community for decades, and we remain committed to supporting this area as we work through the aftermath of this incident.”
Proving he is as good as his word, the Tops Bar-B-Q website states that the Rhodes Avenue location is planning to once again feed the public its beloved cuisine this February.
