On the cover

AT LEFT: Payne’s BAR-B-Q at 1762 Lamar Avenue offers this chopped pork sandwich with sauce and slaw. Photo by Dave Darnell

MIDDLE: Central BBQ has become a hometown favorite. Joe Rondone/the Commercial Appeal

AT RIGHT, TOP: A pulled pork, Texas toast sandwich at the BAR-B-Q Shop in Midtown on April 28, 2021.

AT RIGHT, MIDDLE: Manager Bobby Bradley prepares a pulled pork sandwich at Cozy Corner BBQ on April 28. Joe Rondone/the Commercial Appeal

AT RIGHT, BOTTOM: Elwood’s Shack specializes in their brisket and pulled pork. Joe Rondone/the Commercial Appeal