Pitmaster IndexJohn Vergos
Co-Owner
John Vergos
Charlie Vergos' RendezvousMemphis, TN
Signature:Charcoal-grilled dry rub ribs
John Vergos was born in 1948, the same year his father, Charlie Vergos, opened the Rendezvous in a downtown Memphis basement. He is a co-owner of Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous alongside Tina Vergos Jennings and his daughter Anna Vergos Blair, and remained involved in running it as of 2025. He also served eight years as a Memphis city councilman in the 1990s.
Technique
Rendezvous ribs are rubbed with a Greek-inspired spice mix that includes paprika, grilled over charcoal about 18 inches from the fire for an hour and fifteen minutes with a vinegar wash, and served without extra sauce.