Celebrity Info
The chef, best known for her standout work on the Food Network, has made a lasting name for herself both on screen and in the culinary world. She earned widespread recognition for co-owning and running Neely’s Bar-B-Que alongside her ex-husband Patrick, a popular restaurant chain based in Tennessee. The chef and Patrick first met as high school sweethearts back in the 1980s, rekindling their romance when they reunited at their 10-year high school reunion. They tied the knot in 1994, marking the beginning of both a personal and professional partnership. Over the years, the chef balanced her growing fame with family life, raising two children—Shelbi and Spenser—with her husband. Even before she became a household name, her journey was shaped by deep roots, hard work, and a passion that carried her from small-town beginnings to national acclaim. The chef continues to inspire many through her story, proving that dedication and authenticity go hand in hand.
She and her husband opened their very own barbecue restaurant, Neely’s BBQ Parlor, back in 2011, bringing bold flavors and Southern charm to the table. Over the years, she’s become a familiar face on the Food Network, starring alongside her husband in popular shows like Down Home with the Neelys and Road Tastes with the Neelys, where they shared their love for home-cooked meals and regional cuisine. Long before the restaurant doors opened, though, she and her husband had already made a name for themselves in the culinary world. In 2009, they published their first cookbook, Down Home with the Neelys, which quickly gained acclaim and landed on the New York Times bestsellers list that same year. Through every venture—whether it was TV, print, or serving up smoky ribs at Neely’s BBQ Parlor—she has stayed true to her roots, making comfort food feel like family.
United States
