The following signs are located along the world famous Beale Street in Memphis, TN. All signs shown were designed by Chuck Mitchell of Mitchell Creative in Memphis, TN, and constructed and installed by Frank Balton Signs in Memphis, TN.

Many thanks to Chuck Mitchell for photos and description information of each sign. 03-06

Strange Cargo
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

This neon sign is at the Strange Cargo store on the famous Beale Street in Memphis, TN. The 3 vertical color zig-zags chase each other on the sign. 03-06

There's plenty of neon competing for attention along Beale Street, but Strange Cargo has a little trick of its own. Three colorful zig-zags chase each other down the vertical sign, making this one hard to ignore while wandering through downtown Memphis. Located at 172 Beale Street, Strange Cargo is just about what the name suggests, a shop filled with Memphis souvenirs, novelty items, artwork, T-shirts, and plenty of other stuff you probably didn't know you needed.

The colorful sign was designed by Memphis designer Chuck Mitchell and built by the Frank Balton Sign Company. Once those three zig-zags start chasing each other in neon, the sign fits right in with all the lights and activity of Beale Street.

UPDATE: Strange Cargo remains open on Beale Street, and its colorful neon sign still hangs above the storefront. 08-26

Alfred's Restaurant and Bar
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

The unique sign resembling a microphone is located at Alfred's Restaurant and Bar in Memphis. The recessed microphone holes have hidden bands of blue neon that chase each other. 03-06

Alfred's opened on Beale Street in 1986 and brought something a little different to the neighborhood, becoming the first club on the revived street to feature rock 'n' roll along with the blues and other music heard up and down the block.

The microphone sign was designed by Chuck Mitchell, with the sign fabricated by Memphis' Frank Balton Sign Company. It's another clever piece of animated neon along a street where an ordinary sign just wouldn't do.

There's also a big double-decker patio overlooking Beale Street, a pretty good spot to watch the crowds go by while the neon starts coming on for the night.

UPDATE: Alfred's remains open at 197 Beale Street, and its animated microphone sign is still hanging above the action. 08-26

Strange Cargo
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

Check out the neon sign for BB King's Blues Club in Memphis, shown here at dusk. The Memphis location is the first of the BB King clubs and was built in 1991. 03-06

Here's one more neon sign competing for attention along Beale Street. The sign for B.B. King's Blues Club is shown here just as dusk settles over Memphis, and the neon is beginning to take over. Watch for a minute and the first "B" lights up, then the second "B," followed by "KING's" to finish the show.

B.B. King opened the club with Memphis businessman Tommy Peters in 1991, making this the first of the B.B. King clubs. Jeff Healey played opening night, and before long the place became another familiar stop along Beale for live blues, soul, and plenty of Memphis barbecue.

Movie fans might recognize the storefront too. The B.B. King sign can be spotted along with the nearby Blues City Cafe neon in the 1993 movie The Firm.

UPDATE: B.B. King's Blues Club remains open at 143 Beale Street, and the neon still lights up this stretch of downtown Memphis. 08-26

Memphis Music
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

The neon sign for the Memphis Music store on Beale Street lights up the walkway at night. Check out the multi-colored neon lettering on this sign. 03-06

Located at 149 Beale Street, Memphis Music has long been a stop for blues, soul, gospel, jazz, and plenty of Memphis sounds on records, CDs, and tapes. The original sign carried the simple slogan "Everything Blues," which pretty much told you what you'd find inside.

The sign was designed by Chuck Mitchell and built by Memphis' Frank Balton Sign Company. In 2013, it came down for a much-needed restoration, getting fresh paint and renewed neon before returning to Beale Street. The slogan was also expanded to "Everything blues, soul and rock and roll."

With all the signs competing for attention along Beale, the multi-colored Memphis Music neon still manages to stand out.

UPDATE: Memphis Music remains open at 149 Beale Street, and its restored neon continues to light up the sidewalk. 08-26

Dyer's Burgers
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

Featuring another of the eye-catching neon signs designed by Chuck Mitchell, the Dyer's Burgers in Memphis has been operating since 1912. Dyer's is famous in the area for its tasty and greasy burgers. 03-06

The story goes that the original grease has never been completely changed, just strained and replenished over the years. When Dyer's moved locations, the precious grease supposedly even made the trip under police escort. The restaurant eventually landed at 205 Beale Street, where Mitchell designed the logo, interior, and neon identity, with the sign work handled by Memphis' Frank Balton Sign Company.

With more than a century of burgers behind it, Dyer's is one of those places where a little grease is part of the experience. Might as well order another one while you're there.

UPDATE: Dyer's Burgers remains open on Beale Street, and its colorful neon sign still lights up the Memphis night. 08-26

Bar
Memphis, TN
Photo copyright Chuck Mitchell, Memphis, TN

The bar sign features a neon "dripping action". The sign is also located along Beale Street. 03-06

How about a martini with your neon? The Blues City Cafe Bar sign on Beale Street features a glowing cocktail glass with a little extra action. Watch closely and the neon appears to drip right out of the glass.

Designed by Chuck Mitchell and built by Memphis' Frank Balton Sign Company, the sign even works a little music into the drink. Take a look at the olive and you'll notice it's shaped like a musical note. A nice touch for a bar sitting right in the middle of Beale Street.

This sign hangs alongside the Blues City Cafe and its three chasing neon forks, giving the place two animated signs competing for your attention. With neon dripping from the martini glass and those forks chasing away nearby, there's plenty to watch before you ever make it through the door.

UPDATE: Blues City Cafe remains open on Beale Street, and the animated Dripping Martini bar sign is still hanging outside. 08-26