Just got word that one of Memphis’s nicest guys, Thomas Boggs, died this morning. At 63, Thomas had done more living than most of us ever will, from his early rocker days with the Box Tops to his restaurant dynasty, which now includes the seven Huey’s locations, as well as partnerships in Folk’s Folly, Tsunami and the Half Shell. But the thing I’ll remember best about Thomas is how friendly and welcoming he was to a newbie Memphian back in the early 1990s, always willing to tell me who was connected to whom, how to reach them, and later, ready with a wave and a smile for my son whenever he saw us. I also admire him for sharing the wealth with his daughters, pictured here with him at Huey’s in a 2006 photo — (from left) Ashley Williams, Samantha Dean, and Lauren McHugh.
Godspeed, Thomas. We’ll miss you like hell.
Responses to “A sad day at Huey’s.”
May 6th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Never met the man but I sure have spent a lot of time in his restaurants. What a shame.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I was lucky enough to call Thomas my boss and there have been many bosses since then but none ever came close to the genuine love and affection this man had for those who worked for him.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:36 am
The news of his death stopped me in my tracks and brought a tear to my eye. I suspect that a lot of us never had the pleasure of meeting him, yet we all know exactly who he was…not only as an owner of Huey’s and other restaurants but as a consistent, generous contributor to the community. My heart goes out to the family…
May 7th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
One more Thomas story: I’m sure many of you know that one of the coolest things about Huey’s is the opportunity you have to blow frilly toothpicks into the ceiling. Well, my son has been trying FOR YEARS to get even one to stick, with no luck. Last night, at the original Huey’s on Madison, we came through the door (with the wreath of white flowers on it … sniff), sat down, and again Tomas asked for straws and toothpicks. He loaded a straw, looked at the ceiling, and WOW … one stuck. First try. And through the course of the dinner, he stuck in FIVE MORE. It was the highlight of his night, we had to call his dad immediately. I couldn’t help but think how happy Thomas would have been to share in my kid’s excitement. Thanks again, Thomas, for the memories.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I know that he mentored a lot of restaurant people in this town, too. Didn’t know him personally but people who did sure did love & respect him.