After high school graduation Gina and Pat went their separate ways. Gina had moved to California where she married and had a daughter named Spenser. During this time she was working as a buyer for a jewelry company.

Pat had moved out of Memphis to Clarksville to play football at Austin Peay State University. Unfortunately, a knee injury caused Pat to have to abandon football. Soon he moved back to Memphis where his life was about change for the better.

By 1988 Pat along with his brothers (Gaelin, Tony, and Mark) started their first restaurant in Memphis called, Neelys Bar-B-Que. Together their hard work, consistent good service and great food paid off with the opening of another restaurant a few years later.

When time came for the 10 year class reunion another chance for Pat and Gina opened the door. Neither of them were going to let the other go this time. Before long they were soon married. Pat and Gina welcomed the birth of their daughter, Shelbi short there after.

Today the Neelys lead a busy lifestyle with an expanding restaurant business, a highly successful Food Network show, Down Home with the Neelys and involvements in and around their community. When they're not working they are enjoying time with their friends and family as they host gatherings at their home.