The Memphis Ice Files: The Restaurants That Keep Memphis Fed

If you have lived in Memphis long enough, you know that this city takes its food seriously. From the smoky pits of Rendezvous to the bustling brunch spots of Midtown, Memphis has a food culture that is as rich and layered as the city itself. And behind every great restaurant is a team of people working around the clock to make sure everything runs smoothly, including the ice.

For nearly five decades, Memphis Ice has had the privilege of keeping some of the Mid-South’s most beloved restaurants cool. Today we are shining a light on five of them.

Rendezvous

If you have ever brought an out of town guest to Memphis, chances are you took them to Rendezvous. Tucked into the alley off Monroe Avenue in Downtown Memphis, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been a Memphis landmark since 1948. The dry rubbed ribs are legendary and the atmosphere is one of a kind.

Memphis Ice has been proud to serve Rendezvous since 1980, making this one of our longest and most treasured relationships. Now run by John Vergos, Rendezvous has remained a Memphis institution across generations, and so has Memphis Ice. In a restaurant that has been feeding Memphis for generations, keeping the equipment running is not just a service call. It is a responsibility we take seriously every single time.

Huey’s

Ask any Memphian where to get the best burger in the city and there is a good chance Huey’s comes up before you finish the sentence. With 10 locations across the Memphis area, Huey’s has been a staple of the local dining scene since 1970. Known for its toothpick blowing tradition, its laid back atmosphere, and its consistently great food, Huey’s is the kind of place that feels like home no matter which location you walk into.

Memphis Ice has been keeping the Boggs family and the Huey’s team cool since the early 1990s. When you are serving that many burgers to that many loyal customers across that many locations, you need equipment you can count on. That is where we come in.

Half Shell

For seafood in Memphis, Half Shell has been the go-to destination for locals in the know for decades. With its casual atmosphere, fresh oysters, and a menu that feels like a love letter to the Gulf Coast, Half Shell has built a loyal following that keeps coming back again and again.

Memphis Ice has had the pleasure of serving the Half Shell team since 1986. In a seafood restaurant, reliable ice is not optional. It is essential. From keeping the raw bar cold to making sure every drink is served exactly right, we are proud to play a small role in what makes Half Shell so special.

TJ Mulligan’s

TJ Mulligan’s has been a Memphis neighborhood bar institution for as long as most Memphians can remember. With four locations across the city, it is the kind of place where everybody knows your name, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. Whether you are catching a game or just unwinding after a long week, TJ Mulligan’s delivers every time.

Memphis Ice has been keeping Lee Adams and the TJ Mulligan’s team cold since 1992. In a bar environment, ice is everything. You simply cannot do what TJ Mulligan’s does without a reliable ice machine partner, and we are honored to be theirs.

East End Grill

Tucked into the heart of East Memphis, East End Grill has built a reputation as one of the neighborhood’s most beloved dining spots. With a menu that balances comfort and creativity and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, East End Grill is the kind of restaurant that becomes a regular spot for the people who discover it.

Memphis Ice has been proud to serve East End Grill since 1997. Nearly three decades of keeping a neighborhood gem like this one running smoothly is exactly the kind of work that reminds us why we love what we do.

What These Five Have in Common

Beyond the great food and the loyal customers, what these five restaurants share is a commitment to showing up and doing things right, day after day, year after year. That is something Memphis Ice can relate to. Since 1977, we have built our reputation the same way these restaurants have built theirs: one customer at a time, one service call at a time, one relationship at a time.

If your restaurant is in need of a reliable ice machine partner in the Mid-South, we would love to hear from you. Give us a call at 901-235-3760 or reach out online. We would be proud to keep you cool.

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This blog is part of a series, The Memphis Ice Files. To read more about the legacy and goals of this small family-owned business, check out the other blogs in the series linked below:

The Memphis Ice Files: The Businesses Behind the Machines

The Memphis Ice Files: Keeping Coffee Cool in Memphis All Summer Long

The Memphis Ice Files: What 47 Years of Serving Memphis Has Taught Us