Payne’s Bar-B-Que’s Mrs. Flora Payne to be Honored for Barbecue Hall of Fame Induction

The American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame recently inducted Mrs. Flora Payne. We all know and love Payne’s Bar-B-Que. It’s easily one of the best barbecue spots in the city with its chopped pork sandwich topped with tangy perfection of slaw. Or the smoked sausage. OR the beans and ribs. You can’t go wrong with anything on their no nonsense menu.

Payne’s Bar-B-Que has been serving hungry Memphians since 1972. Mrs. Payne has been running the ship for the majority of the time since 1984 after her husband Horton’s death.

On Monday, December 11, the Black Business Association will honor her for her “unwavering dedication to people and her commitment to continuing her late husband's legacy.”

“With an impressive 51 years in business, Mrs. Payne serves as a model for the longevity we seek to foster within our local community,” a release from the Black Business Association said.

The ceremony will be held at the new Mahogany River Terrace on Mud Island and we are so excited to see their new space. This is Mahogany’s second location.

The Business Booster Program that will be launched at the ceremony seeks to sustain and expand the Memphis economy. It will provide tailored business acumen training and funding opportunities for food service, hospitality, and tourism entities impacted by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ceremony is free to attend but there are very few spaces left. Reserve a spot now.

Also, Mrs. Payne wasn’t the only Memphian to make this year’s induction list. Billy Arnold, of Blues Hog Barbecue Sauce, was also a 2023 Legacy Inductee. 

“Despite his passing in 2021, Bill’s legacy lives on as the sauce created in his garage continues to delight barbecue enthusiasts worldwide,” American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame said in a release.