Memphis: where Ting Internet’s high-speed future meets the city’s smoky barbecue, blues-filled streets, and one deliciously unexpected apple experiment.
Even though I live in Los Angeles, there’s something about Memphis that moves at a sweeter, slower rhythm, maybe it’s the blues, maybe it’s the barbecue, maybe it’s the Southern charm or the greenery.
The highlight and reason for the trip? Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. As a foodie and a sponsor with Ting, I was all in. But this time, our team added our own twist to the trip: a smoky, apple-filled culinary experiment to celebrate Ting’s arrival in the city.
Picture this: apples slow-smoking for hours in a WiFi-enabled Traeger wood pellet grill, caramelized with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger. Think deconstructed apple pie meets backyard barbecue. It was unexpected, a little experimental, and truly delicious.
Of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without soaking up the music. Wandering down Beale Street felt like stepping into a living jukebox. You don’t just hear the blues, you feel it in the sidewalk cracks and neon lights. One moment that really hit me was standing on B.B. King Boulevard. Years ago, I had the chance to see him live at Red Rocks with my whole family. Being on that street, hearing his influence everywhere, was powerful. It reminded me that music, like food, leaves an imprint long after the moment has passed.
Between bites of smoky apple and riffs of blues guitar, another conversation kept bubbling up: Ting Internet. It might not sound as soulful as a sax solo, but trust me, it’s just as impactful. We’re rolling out fiber internet across nearly all of Memphis over the next few years, and it’s a huge deal.
In a place where fast, reliable internet isn’t always a given, Ting’s arrival means something big. It’s about giving every household, small business, and future music legend the tools to connect, create, and grow. Imagine streaming your favorite band without buffering, uploading your next podcast instantly, or just knowing your Zoom meeting won’t freeze mid-sentence.
As I walked the city, past BBQ pits and historic venues, it struck me: Memphis isn’t just proud of where it’s been. It’s also leaning hard into where it’s going. A city that celebrates its deep roots while building for the future? That’s just beautiful.
Our smoked apple dish was a playful twist on a classic. Ting’s fiber network is kind of the same: reimagining what connectivity can look like in a place known for tradition. One strand of fiber at a time, we’re helping make sure Memphis’s voice can be heard, loud and clear, far and wide.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Memphis, bring your appetite, open your ears, and get ready—not just for great food and music, but for a city that’s more connected than ever. The future’s looking fast, flavorful, and full of soul.
