NEW YORK – The award-winning documentary film, The ’Vous, highlighting the people behind the renowned Memphis, TN, barbecue restaurant The Rendezvous, makes its New York premiere on November 13 at the DOC NYC festival as an Official Selection.

Celebrating its 70th year, the world-famous Memphis BBQ Institution and celebrity attraction The Rendezvous faces unprecedented change as the legendary waiters retire and the ‘family’ business moves into a third generation. The film explores the culture, politics, music, and societal struggles that embody Memphis’ rich history.

Barack Obama, Justin Timberlake, and Peyton Manning are among The Rendezvous’ famous clientele. Founded by Greek restaurateurs, the legendary restaurant is well-known for the personalities and impeccable service as well as for its mostly Black waitstaff.

“It all started in 1948,” according to the history page on the restaurant’s website. “At the time, Charlie Vergos co-owned a ‘meat and three restaurant’ called Wimpy’s with his brother-in-law. But they didn’t see eye to eye on everything and Charlie decided he’d move into the basement and sell ham sandwiches and beer. He called the place the Rendezvous.”

Barbecue ribs soon became the signature dish at the restaurant as noted on the website: “Vergos created a rub based on the seasoning from his father’s unique Greek chili recipe and the cajun spices he discovered on visits to New Orleans. He added paprika to give it a more traditional barbecue color. And that’s it. People went nuts for them. The standard for ‘Memphis style’ barbecue ribs was set over half a century ago in a basement restaurant in Downtown Memphis.”

Directed by Jack Porter Lofton and Jeff Dailey, the film won Best Hometowner Feature at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in 2022.

The ’Vous will be screened at DOC NYC on Sunday, November 13, 6:50 PM, at Cinépolis Chelsea, 260 West 23rd Street in Manhattan, followed by a Q&A with directors Jack Porter Lofton and Jeff Dailey. Tickets are available online: https://www.docnyc.net/film/the-vous/.
Online Screening will also be available Monday, November 14-Sunday, November 27.

More information is available online: https://www.docnyc.net/film/the-vous/.

Watch the trailer here: https://bit.ly/3NM560j.