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About Parasol Awnings

Memphis, TN Awning Company Covering the Mid-South

Why Choose Parasol Awnings

In business since 1910, Parasol Awnings is the first choice of architects, contractors and building owners for custom commercial and residential awning and canopy solutions. Parasol is known in Memphis, TN and the Mid-South for innovative design, high quality manufacturing, expert installation and exceptional customer service.
vintage photo of Williams Shade and Awning employees - part of the Parasol Awnings Collection
The Parasol Awnings Team
  • Serving the MidSouth area for over 110 years
  • A Family Owned Company
  • Extensive Product Line
  • Custom Design & Fabrication
  • Experienced design and sales team personnel
  • Custom In House Manufacturing
  • Experienced & Trained Installation Crews
  • AutoCAD Design
  • In House Powder Coating Capabilities
  • In House Graphics
  • Steel and aluminum tubing in stock for immediate manufacturing
  • Ability to meet aggressive schedules, tight deadlines with experienced employees
adding awning graphics Ole Miss stadium 224176

Full Service for Full Satisfaction

Parasol Awnings designs, manufactures and installs awnings and canopies for commercial and residential clients throughout the Mid-South. By managing the entire process ourselves we are able to ensure a quality experience and save you time and money. We work closely with contractors and architects to provide innovative design and excellent installation services for their client projects.

Service area map

Wide Coverage Area

From Memphis to Oxford to Jonesboro to Jackson, if you need an awning or canopy within 150 miles of Memphis, Parasol Awnings has you covered.

We are the trusted provider of custom commercial awnings and canopies in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

Covering the Mid South Since 1910: The Parasol Awnings History

Michael Folk

The idea for Parasol Awnings was born.

In the 1990’s while working for his local family businesses, Michael Folk uncovered a need in the MidSouth market. In searching for a replacement awning for Folk’s Folly, the noted Memphis steakhouse started by his father, Folk tried talking with the handful of awning companies in town at the time. He either couldn’t get anyone to call him back or was told it would be more than three months to get the job done. 

Folk realized he could leverage his years of experience in the construction industry and his network of local contractors to create a reliable, service-driven awning company.

Michael Folk founded Parasol Awnings LLC in 1995 and as president has grown it to become the premier provider of awnings and canopies in the Greater Memphis Area.

In 1999 Parasol Awnings purchased Williams Shade & Awning Company, a third-generation family business founded in Memphis in 1910. Originally a manufacturer of interior window treatments, Williams Shade & Awning began offering outdoor awning products in the 1950s. The newly created company retained the Parasol Awnings name and proudly continues the over 100 year tradition of providing shade to Mid-South residents and businesses.

vintage photo of Williams Shade and Awning employees - part of the Parasol Awnings Collection
historic photo Williams Shade & Awning Co. building Union Avenue
vintage photo of Williams Shade and Awning truck fleet - part of the Parasol Awnings Collection
Williams Shade 1920
Williams Shade on Pauline St. Memphis

Today, you can find examples of our work all over the Mid South area. We have designed, manufactured and installed awnings and canopies for thousands of companies including:

  • Aldo’s Pizza
  • Baptist Memorial Hospital
  • Coastal Fish
  • Flight Restaurant
  • Folk’s Folly
  • Hog & Hominy
  • The Hutchison School
  • Lafayette’s Music Room
  • Laurelwood Shopping Center
  • Memphis – Shelby County Schools
  • Memphis University School
  • Ole Miss Football
  • The Overton Park Shell
  • The Peabody Hotel
  • Porch and Parlor
  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  • Slider Inn
  • Smith & Nephew
  • Southern Social
  • St. Jude Hospital