Restaurants I’d like to see…

First, let me say I have NOTHING against Guthrie’s, the new chicken finger chain coming to Tupelo at the old Dawg House location. I’m sure they make some mighty fine chicken. But I just don’t get the demand for places like Abner’s, Zaxby’s, Guthrie’s, etc. There’s only so much you can do with a fried chicken tender, right? And I hope they make loads of money.

Still, I’d like a little more to choose from.

I wasn’t here when Krystal and Dairy Queen were up and running in Tupelo. I’d like to see their return. Any takers?

One fine sandwich shop that I’d also like to see open is Jason’s Deli. Get a corned beef sandwich there, and you’ll understand why.

So, I’ll pose the question - what restaurants would YOU like to see open in Tupelo, or in Northeast Mississippi in general? Fast food, fast casual, fine dining, you name it. Doesn’t have to be a chain restaurant - it might be a mom-and-pop operation of some type or some other concept. Maybe we can get some entrepreneurs out there willing to take a chance, who knows?

97 Responses to “Restaurants I’d like to see…”


  1. 1 Scratch August 17, 2007 at 9:18 am

    We have Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Italian resturants in Tupelo and it seems that you can’t turn around without tripping over a Mexican eatery…what this town needs is Indian food…and lots of it. Naan, tikka, vindaloo….these offerings would curry great favor with the diners of Tupelo.

  2. 2 steven August 17, 2007 at 9:19 am

    I would like to see a Steak N Shake, wonderful burgers…Zaxby’s is coming also?

  3. 3 tupelobizbuzz August 17, 2007 at 9:57 am

    “Curry great favor” - ha! No pun intended, right? If done right, an Indian restaurant might work.

    I forgot all about Steak N Shake, but I haven’t been all that impressed the couple of times I’ve been to one.

    Let me back up on Zaxby’s - I’ve only heard snippets here and there about it over the last year, but nothing solid. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re not looking.

    Back to the Chinese restaurants … not a knock against any of them, because I do eat at them, but like so many, they’ve become too “Americanized.” I mean, come on - pizza, cheese sticks, crab rangoon, boiled crab legs and chicken wings aren’t on any buffet in China or Hong Kong. Wait a sec - matter of fact, there are no buffets there at all. Except for the tourist traps that Americans like to visit.

    Now I’m hungry for Chinese.

  4. 4 Shopper August 17, 2007 at 10:32 am

    I’d love to get a “Beagle Bagel” here. There is one in Jackson/Ridgeland and maybe one in Hattiesburg. They have bagel sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and coffee bar. They also have low carb bagels. It would be great downtown or maybe in the Tupelo Commons. Wi-fi and a sitting area would be a good thing to put in.

  5. 5 Rob Williams August 17, 2007 at 10:34 am

    Qdoba, the best Mexican grill place. I never leave Nashville without going to one.

  6. 6 Mickey Gousset August 17, 2007 at 10:54 am

    Hmmm, let’s see

    Dave & Busters (you knew that was coming)

    Krystal (double krystal with cheese please)

    Dairy Queen (who doesn’t love a Peanut Buster Parfait?)

    Stone Cold Creamery (not a resteraunt per say, but still good)

    T.G.I. Fridays (just because)

    I’d also love a good Indian place. I haven’t had any good food like that since college, when my friend’s mom would cook for us. Very spicy, but very good.

  7. 7 Foodie August 17, 2007 at 11:09 am

    Tupelo needs a diner that serves old fashioned breakfasts. Other great possibilities would be Atlanta Bread Co.(epsecially for the homemade baked goods)and a tapas bar.

  8. 8 fatty mcfatpants August 17, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    cold stone creamery

    target!!!

    lonestar

    target!!!

    steak and shake

    target!!!

    chee burger chee burger

    target!!!

    what a burger

    target!!!

    joes crab shack

    target!!!

    hard rock…you know..because of elvis!!!

    &&& most importantly, TARGET!!!!

  9. 9 tupelobizbuzz August 17, 2007 at 12:41 pm

    Sorry, Fatty, but Target doesn’t qualify as a restaurant, but we get the point.

    A few observations and opinions:

    Cold Stone Creamery was lined up as a tenant at Tupelo Commons a couple of years ago, but things didn’t pan out for them (or the others, for that matter). Maybe they’ll try again. Marble Slab has also looked in the past.

    TGI Friday’s would find a receptive audience, I think. Would love to see Joe’s Crab Shack as an alternative to Red Lobster and Captain D’s, but I don’t think we’re the right size market for Joe’s, unfortunately.

    As for getting a bread store of some kind (Panera, San Francisco Bread Co., Atlanta Bread Co.,) sources tell me that one of them is scouting for sites in Tupelo.

  10. 10 Gourmand August 17, 2007 at 1:19 pm

    1. Newk’s
    2. Buffalo Wild Wings (probably need Sunday beer sales to get them)
    3. Moe’s Burritos

  11. 11 Michelle August 17, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    ~~~HARD ROCK CAFE~~~

    DOWN TOWN TUPELO IN MEMORY OF ELVIS PRESLEY!!!

    THAT IS MY ONE AND ONLY PICK AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE GO UP HERE IN THE FUTURE.

  12. 12 Melissa Rainey August 17, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    I don’t care if it’s all repeats of what’s over at Barnes Crossing, just as long as it goes out here on McCullough Blvd.

  13. 13 Shopper August 17, 2007 at 9:22 pm

    Panera Bread would be awesome!! Although my waistline doesn’t need it. :)

  14. 14 Wesley August 17, 2007 at 9:43 pm

    One place I would like to see come that hasn’t been mentioned is Red Robin. Have they been rumored in this market yet? Haven’t gotten to eat at one yet because there isn’t one close by but I understand the food is great. On the Border would be a good addition too. A good BBQ place say like Corkys or Smokey Bones would be nice also. I agree too Hard Rock Cafe should look at Tupelo. Birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll sounds like a natural fit.

  15. 15 Josh August 17, 2007 at 10:14 pm

    HOOTERS!!

  16. 16 tupelobizbuzz August 18, 2007 at 7:31 am

    Even with the Elvis connection, I don’t think Hard Rock would look twice at Tupelo. It doesn’t fit their model for building a restaurant. Hard Rock Paris, Hong Kong, Cancun … Hard Rock Tupelo? But then again, there is a Hard Rock in Gatlinburg. Go figure.

    As for Hooters, you think they would be crazy enough to try to open in the hometown of the American Family Association? THAT would be an epic battle! I don’t see that happening either.

  17. 17 Josh August 18, 2007 at 7:56 am

    I think it’s pathetic that AFA has so much power over the city… I remember a few years back when I was in high school, Hooter’s was indeed trying to come to Tupelo, but the AFA won that battle. I know for a fact because one of my classmates was the daughter of an AFA employee.

    They shouldn’t be allowed to tell the city what to do or its citizens for that matter. If they don’t think Hooter’s is family friendly then they don’t have to go. But they have no right to tell everyone else what and what not to do.

  18. 18 Scratch August 18, 2007 at 10:02 am

    Ah, the AFA, that ever-vigilant bastion of goodness and morality. It makes my American heart swell in my American chest to know that our fair city is forever shackled to that organization dedicated to promoting tolerance, fairness, and equality. Sorry, I’m getting just a little bit misty eyed. *sniff*

    That being said, the mere mention of the AFA has, in this discussion of food, caused me to both lose my appetite and, through involuntary abdominal spasm, demanded that my body void any and all gastric contents.

  19. 19 Randy August 18, 2007 at 10:06 am

    what ever happened to old venice pizza
    company, i thought they were coming?

  20. 20 Tommy August 18, 2007 at 11:00 am

    what about a Denny’s?

  21. 21 Tommy August 18, 2007 at 11:00 am

    what about a Denny’s

  22. 22 Sha August 18, 2007 at 12:53 pm

    What about a real steakhouse? Something along the lines of Black Angus, or the American steakhouse in Huntsville….Not some afterthought as some of present restaurants are, or as in the case of Logan’s…so covered in “house spice” its inedible. I want the kind one would grill if we could get such cuts, and is so mouth-watering, tender.

  23. 23 Alexis August 18, 2007 at 1:26 pm

    Steak n Shake

    Krystals

    Dennys

    Macaroni Grill

    Obys

  24. 24 jason August 18, 2007 at 2:08 pm

    i say all are pretty good picks. i’d like to see a famous dave’s BBQ come though. Florence, AL used to have one but it shut down because the resturant couldn’t work out a deal with their lease. as far as hard rock goes i think it makes seanse for tupelo. heck destin flordia has one now and there isn’t really any music history that i know of there.

  25. 25 jd August 18, 2007 at 2:50 pm

    You haven’t made as a city until Schlotzsky’s Deli comes.

  26. 26 JW Spencer August 18, 2007 at 2:55 pm

    How’s about:

    Ruth’s Chris;
    Dunkin’ Donuts (the better donut anyhow!);
    Steak N Shake;
    DENNYS!;
    Whattaburger ( I encountered this one while in the Air Force in Texas;

    And finally, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs…

  27. 27 jd August 18, 2007 at 3:00 pm

    Whattaburger? I lived in Texas for four years and ate a Whattaburger once. Nuff Said.

  28. 28 jd August 18, 2007 at 3:04 pm

    Cheddars

    Corkys

    Colters BBQ

    TGI Fridays

    Schlotzskys

    Just a start.

  29. 29 Shelly August 18, 2007 at 4:44 pm

    TGI Fridays!!!!

  30. 30 Chris August 18, 2007 at 5:22 pm

    Moe’s
    Old Venice (is it still coming??)
    A pizza place like Stromboli’s in Starkville
    Marble Slab or Cold Stone

  31. 31 Rachel August 18, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    Ralph & Kackoos

  32. 32 TupeloCIO August 18, 2007 at 8:23 pm

    I think most have been covered.. But I will second:

    Jason’s Deli
    Schlotzskys
    Macaroni Grill

    And, even though there are “authentic” mexican restaurants on every corner, the Mall area pretty much has one now (Margaritas). I think we could support a Tex-Mex style like On The Border.

    Moving here from Dallas 4 years ago, I have missed a lot of the restaurants from there (Dickies BBQ, Spring Creek BBQ, Taco Cabana (fast food, but very good) and of course all the ones mentioned above that will never be here (Dave & Busters, etc..)

    The problem I see is that there aren’t enough jobs by the Mall area. I know the restaurants do a good lunch business, but we would have more choices if there were more businesses out there. That makes the Fair Park development look like the destination for a lot of restaurants. Now, if downtown could become a little Beale St.. That would face the same resistance as Hooters though…

  33. 33 Tupelo23 August 18, 2007 at 8:38 pm

    The mentions earlier of Hard Rock restaurants in Gatlinburg and Destin as reasoning for there being one in Tupelo don’t fit. Gatlinburg and Destin are totally differnt markets; they’re both tourist driven. Tupelo doesn’t have the tourist pull that Gatlinburg and Destin have, and it doesn’t have the population base. While Gatlinburg is smaller than Tupelo, its proximity to Knoxville helps, but more than anything else the tourism industry drives it. The Destin/Ft. Walton/Eglin AFB market has both a strong population base and a mighty strong tourism base to drive sales. While Tupelo does generate a strong amount of traffic from the region in the way of drawing consumers, I think it would ultimately prove to just not be strong enough to warrant or hold a Hard Rock Cafe. But who knows, in 10 years things could change. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens with Toyota.

  34. 34 Mudda August 18, 2007 at 8:54 pm

    Would love to see a Mama Rosa’s and

    How bout REAL Chinese? Buffets are overpriced and the food is disgusting. A fantastic Thai place would be awesome!

    Also…where are the VEGETABLES in Tupelo?? Surely some vegetarian options would be welcome!

    I wish that the fast food chains would STOP coming to Tupelo or anywhere else for that matter! C’mon…it’s the same thing no matter where you go! How many burgers and chicken fingers can we suffer through?!! Disgusting!

  35. 35 chelsea August 18, 2007 at 9:39 pm

    we definitely need a cold stone and dairy queen. :)

  36. 36 Angelia August 18, 2007 at 10:18 pm

    Schlotzsky’s _ Fiesta Chicken Sandwiches are wonderful!

    Dunkin’ Donuts - Great Coffee

  37. 37 JW Spencer August 18, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    Also an A&W Root Beer Stand!

  38. 38 Brian August 18, 2007 at 11:31 pm

    I lived in Florida last year, and I really miss the Mellow Mushroom (pizza restaurant). Lots of fresh ingredients, and the veggie was awesome! Whatever comes to the area, enough with the fast food joints and the buffets! We could stand a little more quality and a lot less quantity when we visit a restaurant in North MS.

  39. 39 Colleen August 18, 2007 at 11:50 pm

    I’d say Tupelo already has enough chain fast-food places to last for another twenty years. What the city doesn’t have is anything simple and healthy. Maybe vegetables that aren’t fried? Organic produce? Low-fat? Or even vegetarian friendly?

    How about a real, honest-to-Pete, nice restaurant? Nothing in town is all that special for a nice night out. Honestly, I think our standards are too low. If folks had the chance to eat something other than fast-food hamburgers and chicken, they might realize how limited their options have been.

    And Indian food would be nice. Lots of spicy Indian food.

  40. 40 Shopper August 19, 2007 at 9:47 am

    This doesn’t fall under restaraunt category, but I’d love a Fresh Market grocery. I try to get to the one in Memphis as much as I can.

  41. 41 leslie August 19, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    As for new restaurants I’d like to see in Tupelo???? Just get us a dang Target…and I’ll eat in the snack bar!!!

  42. 42 brenda August 19, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    I would love to see a TGI Fridays and a Hard Rock Cafe come to Tupelo.

  43. 43 E August 20, 2007 at 11:04 am

    I would LOVE to see any of these:

    TGIFriday’s - http://www.fridays.com

    Macaroni Grill - http://www.macaronigrill.com/

    Chee Burger Chee Burger - http://www.cheeburger.com

    Landry’s - http://www.landrysseafoodhouse.com/
    or
    Joe’s Crab Shack - http://www.joescrabshack.com/

  44. 44 LIZ August 20, 2007 at 2:28 pm

    hooters

  45. 45 KJ August 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm

    We need a real BBQ restaurant. Jim ‘n Nicks would be GREAT!

  46. 46 Tracy August 20, 2007 at 4:31 pm

    I would love to see a Steak and Ale, Indian and Thai place here. I am missing my food life from Memphis and Atlanta since moving here. I would also love it if Bugaboo Creek would come here, since the closest is in Atlanta, that place is wonderful.

  47. 47 James August 20, 2007 at 9:22 pm

    Mellow Mushroom
    Atlanta Bread Company

  48. 48 JW Spencer August 20, 2007 at 10:13 pm

    What’s wrong with Whattaburger?! You obviously went to one that didn’t have it’s act together!

  49. 49 Shopper August 20, 2007 at 10:26 pm

    On the Border

  50. 50 tupelobizbuzz August 22, 2007 at 8:39 am

    Other than the cool decor, I’ve found the food at Hard Rocks to be only fair to middling.

    Schlotzsky’s is OK, but it’s better than Subway.

    As for questions about Oby’s, we understand they’re still coming to Tupelo, but they’ve had a few issues to deal with, putting them behind schedule.

    Haven’t heard anything new about Old Venice, but I’ll go and check.

    The suggestions have been great - we’ll see what happens over the next few years and see if a few dreams come true.

  51. 51 ASM August 30, 2007 at 3:14 pm

    If curry is what you are looking for, you should check out Fusion 205. IF you give them enough notice, they can specially make curry dishes as well as other authentic dishes especially for you.

    I would love to see a Krispy Kreme. Who doesn’t love it when the “hot” sign is lit!

  52. 52 ginna September 14, 2007 at 3:28 pm

    I’m participating in this blog because I’ve been asked to by the business writers here at the Journal. They wanted me to set a couple of y’all straight. I don’t know about all that, but I do want to mention few eateries you may not be aware of.
    First, there is a nice, small Thai restaurant on South Gloster called Asian Market. It has a half dozen tables on one side and a small grocery on the other. The “chef” is a small woman from Laos. I’ve been in the kitchen there and it’s unbelievably clean.
    As to Chinese restaurants that only specialize in buffets … Sun-Kai, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Tupelo, does not and has never had a buffet. Each dish is prepared individually. I know because I often order dishes without bell peppers or ask them to go light on the oil, etc. Yes, they also sell Americanized food and my 10-year-old thanks them for that.
    As to fine dining in Tupelo, we have IV’s, Park Heights, The Bistro, Fusion 205, Woody’s and Romie’s on the weekends. We’re talking fresh flowers, candlelight, soft music, cloth napkins, original artwork and chefs with culinary degrees. If you want something more upscale than that, you’re going to have to travel to Birmingham, Memphis or Atlanta.
    I, too, would love to see a Steak ‘n’ Shake and a Macaroni Grill. But more than that, I want a Fresh Market. I don’t go to Memphis, Birmingham or Nashville without packing a cooler and filling it up with fresh fish, produce and cheese. I also love their fresh breads and wide assortment of imported beers.
    And I’m not knocking Vanelli’s here at all, but I would also like to see a small, intimate, mom-and-pop Italian restaurant, similar to Giavanna’s French Bistro.
    OK, I’m done now.

  53. 53 indygirl September 18, 2007 at 7:38 am

    If you like FRESH MARKET, you will love WILD OATS.
    I know I’m dreaming but Tupelo does need more upscale dining place and good places for date night. These would include places like:
    -RUTH CHRIS’S
    -CHEESECAKE FACTORY
    -PF CHANG
    -BONEFISH GRILL
    -MAGGIANNOS
    When I get back to Indianapolis, I make sure I get to as many of these places before leaving.

  54. 54 ss September 18, 2007 at 10:26 am

    I would love to see a Krispy Creme, Macaroni Grill, Cheesecake Factory or On the Border.

  55. 55 tupelobizbuzz September 19, 2007 at 6:18 pm

    How about we skip Fresh Market and Wild Oats and just go with Whole Foods? But pretty soon it won’t even matter with all the mergers going on. Trader Joe’s would be good too, but there’s no way they’d ever locate here.

    What about El Pollo Loco? Anyone eaten the yummy crazy chicken? Looks like they’re building in the Southeast.

    http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gGIrbvVtt_NxLb73qQB-xGYmidRw

  56. 56 Greg "The Brick Man" September 22, 2007 at 3:22 pm

    Macaroni Grill, TGI Fridays, Carraba’s, Johnny Corrino’s are on my wish list!

  57. 57 Candlenut September 24, 2007 at 10:14 am

    My choices have been covered, but it can’t hurt to see them in print one more time!!!

    1. FRIDAYS…Jack Daniels menu worth every restaurant in Tupelo!
    http://www.fridays.com/index.htm

    2. Cold Stone Creamery
    http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/

    3. Lambert’s Cafe
    http://www.throwedrolls.com/

    4. Something along the lines of a Piccadilly
    http://www.piccadilly.com/

    And it ripped my heart to shreds when the mall got rid of the Corn Dog 7 at the food court. YES, those employees worked at “slug” speed, but you just can’t beat a Cheese on a Stick!!!

  58. 58 Jazzy September 25, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    What about a McDonalds??? HA!! HA!!!

  59. 59 Jazzy September 25, 2007 at 5:21 pm

    Oh,

    Corinth has a Krystals I think >>>

  60. 60 Wesley September 27, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    Hey Biz Buzz I have been looking around for a website for Corn Dog 7 and I can’t find one. I agree with candlenut I miss them in Tupelo. Is that chain still in operation or did they leave town because they folded up?

  61. 61 Wesley September 27, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    Hey Biz Buzz I have been looking around for a website for Corn Dog 7 and I can’t find one. I agree with candlenut I miss them in Tupelo. Is that chain still in operation or did they leave town because they folded up?

  62. 62 Josh September 27, 2007 at 9:39 pm

    To the person who said McDonald’s, I think they need one in East Tupelo and one on McCullough Blvd.

  63. 63 tupelobizbuzz September 28, 2007 at 9:17 am

    A blast from the past - Corn Dog 7. There’s still one in the mall in my hometown, and it still cranks out those very healthy foot-long corn dogs, which go well with a batch of seasoned fries and a large lemonade. I don’t know how many of them still exist, but I’ve seen a handful in my travels.

    As for Lambert’s, we ate at the one in Foley, Ala. a couple of weeks ago on vacation to Orange Beach.

    Maybe the developers of King’s Crossing (the retail center with Kohl’s Ross, etc.) will be bringing some of these restaurants y’all are hoping for.

    In fact, check out the Daily Journal’s Business & Money section on Sunday …

  64. 64 steven September 28, 2007 at 10:45 am

    Lots of new shops coming in, but what about restaurants, like around the mall?

  65. 65 Greg "The Brick Man" September 30, 2007 at 10:07 pm

    I didn’t see anything specific in the Sunday business section…Any rumors as to what “new concepts” they are referring to?

  66. 66 tupelobizbuzz October 1, 2007 at 8:30 am

    I’m willing to take a bet that Cold Stone Creamery, Marble Slab, Maggie Moo’s, etc., might be willing to take a look. The first two have been snooping around the past couple of years, looking at the “Courtyard” buildings behind the Malco and even the mall. For one reason or another, neither could work out a deal.

    But now that King’s Crossing is officially open with Kohl’s, retailers and restaurants have plenty of reason to look at the development.

    As for specific restaurants, I don’t know. Some restaurants would prefer a standalone spot designed to meet their needs and standards, not some site-ready building or space. That could, COULD, eliminate a substantial number of restaurants (say, TGI Friday’s, Macaroni Grill as mentioned is earlier posts).

    But I have seen a Jason’s Deli in a strip center as well as a Dunkin Donuts.

    I’m sure quite a few are waiting to see how Kohl’s and the others do before fully committing to the site, although the developers says they’re “talking to a few” people.

  67. 67 steven October 1, 2007 at 9:40 am

    there are still some good stand alone spots in the tupelo commons area…don’t know why any more restaurants have not gone there.

  68. 68 tupelobizbuzz October 1, 2007 at 10:19 am

    You can bet that V.M. Cleveland is actively recruiting some to the area. The area already has a good mix with Olive Garden, Chili’s, Wendy’s, Abner’s, Lenny’s, etc., so that will be used as a recruiting tool for others to come.

    Of course, the Kyota Japanese restaurant will be opening in the plaza over there with Hancock, Ashley, etc., so that will bring a different flavor - pardon the pun - to the area.

    I also think that where Target eventually lands will also determine a lot about where restaurants and other retailers will build.

  69. 69 Kings Crossings October 6, 2007 at 2:55 pm

    Burlington coat factory

    How about a good rib shack like corinth has.

  70. 70 Getting hungry October 19, 2007 at 12:27 am

    I couldn’t read all of the resturants, but i have decided if i win a million $$$ I’m going to open a krispy kream. Boy, I have dreams about them when that light is on. Another money maker (which I heard was coming) is chuck e cheese. And a Corky’s o’ and a South of the Border.

  71. 71 tupelobizbuzz October 19, 2007 at 10:17 am

    Chuck E. Cheese is coming and should be open in the spring.

    Haven’t heard anything about a Corky’s or South of the Border, either.

    But if there’s one thing Tupelo is not in short supply of are Mexican restaurants, BBQ restaurants and Chinese restaurants, though none are national chains.

    And if you win a million bucks, I wouldn’t waste it on a Krispy Kreme. It’s had it’s share of problems, and it would be like throwing money down a (donut) hole. You’d be better off investing the money.

    However, if someone is willing to reopen a Krystal’s or a Dairy Queen - now we’re talking.

  72. 72 indygirl December 10, 2007 at 10:07 pm

    Does any know if any restaurant in Tupelo serve shrimp ceviche?

  73. 73 tupelobizbuzz December 11, 2007 at 12:39 pm

    OK. We pow-wowed with the food editor and living editor and we have a few options for you …

    • Carmita’s (in the Rankin House on Main) - has shrimp ceviche, but it’s not always on the menu. But we have a hunch that if you call in advance, Carmita will make it for you.

    • Las Margaritas, D’Casa, Los Potrillos - these restaurants have a variation on shrimp ceviche. Some use the name coctel de camaron. Our living editor swears by the version at Las Margaritas. I’ve tried the one off the buffet at D’Casa and found it to be fresh and tasty.

    Hope that helps.

  74. 74 indygirl December 11, 2007 at 3:37 pm

    Thanks so much!!!

  75. 75 heathersuzannems January 17, 2008 at 11:27 am

    I read in today’s DJ that the Firestation #1 Restaurant moved to crosstown, however, I’m wondering what indian & thai restaurants the article is referring to:

    From the Journal: “We love the new location. You can get Indian, Thai and Mexican at Crosstown,” she said, noting the other restaurants surrounding Fire Station No. 1. “Now you can have barbecue.”

    WHAT?! I have been dying for an indian place to open up here & for years, I’ve been driving to Memphis to eat when there’s been one here all along?? And I love thai food as well! I don’t eat it as often, but it’s wonderful for a change. Are we talking about Tupelo, MS. people…or have I been asleep?!

  76. 76 Greg "The Brick Man" January 17, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Indian and Thai? Where? They had a cool Indian take out restaurant in Salt Lake City - it was called “Curry in a hurry!”

  77. 77 jaybirdms January 18, 2008 at 9:15 am

    Maybe they are talking about Fusion 205. They have a different menu every day.

  78. 78 tupelobizbuzz January 18, 2008 at 10:35 am

    I’m pretty sure she’s referring to Fusion 205 because on the menu are some Thai and Indian-themed dishes. The restaurant had its new menu printed on the back of Scene in yesterday’s paper, if you want to take a look.

    If you don’t have a copy, here’s a sample:
    Under “Curry” you have your pick of yellow, red or green curry with either chicken ($16.95), shrimp ($18.95) or beef ($20.95), served over rice and potatoes with sauteed onions.

    I think the Thai-inspired dish might be lobster masaman, which is Atlantic lobster tail meat in coconut milk curry served with stir fried bok choy, spring onions, rice stick noodles and sweet chili sauce, for $26.95.

    If you’ve got questions, you can always call the restaurant at 842-7205.

  79. 79 jason January 18, 2008 at 2:53 pm

    i myself would like to see some sort of bbq place around the mall, seeing that there isn’t one in that area. corky’s or famous dave’s would fit in pretty well i think. florence, al used to have a famous dave’s which was good but they closed down due the lease issues with the building owners.

  80. 80 tupelobizbuzz January 18, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    I wouldn’t mind seeing a Red Hot and Blue or Sticky Fingers.
    The ultimate would be a Rendezvous, but that ain’t gonna happen.
    But you’re right - there’s a need for some good barbecue on that side of town. With apologies to Cracker Barrel, there’s not anything close by that I know of.

    And no – the McRib doesn’t count either.

  81. 81 Josh January 23, 2008 at 12:35 am

    If I could afford it, I would open a McDonald’s franchise in East Tupelo. I can’t believe no one has done that before; that is easy money. Every side of Tupelo is booming… except East Tupelo. East Tupeloans would literally eat up a McDonald’s in their neck of the woods.

    I would also open a McD’s franchise on McCullough. The Sonic on McCullough always has a decent crowd. I think that Love’s place they’re building is going to have one though.

  82. 82 tupelobizbuzz January 23, 2008 at 7:06 am

    I’m sure Rob Hudson has looked into it - he owns the McDonald’s franchises in Tupelo, Pontotoc and New Albany and is building one in Saltillo. McDonald’s corporate also has to approve the locations, too.

  83. 83 indygirl January 23, 2008 at 7:35 am

    I mentioned to my mother just this past Saturday that East Tupelo needs developing. Except for $General and Save-a-Lot, what has changed? Any fast food place would do well on this side of town.

  84. 84 Josh January 23, 2008 at 11:17 am

    I agree, IndyGirl. The only thing that’s change over there is the fact that the 2 stores you mentioned moved into new buildings on the same street. There’s a lot of people that live on that side of town, I don’t see why there isn’t more stuff. Going to East Tupelo is like being in a completely different town.

  85. 85 tupelobizbuzz January 23, 2008 at 11:51 am

    Perhaps there’s a stigma - fair or unfair – that the area can’t, or won’t support a fast-food restaurant. There is a successful family-owned operation in Johnny’s and you have Sun Kai, but dining choices are limited, I’d agree.

    But restaurants will locate where they think they’ll get the business to support them, and it looks like they don’t think that part of town is as viable as the other side of the tracks or on North Gloster.

    Who knows what the thinking is? But I think there is opportunity to be had for someone willing to take a chance.

  86. 86 Drew W February 10, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Yea I would love for an Indian restaurant to open in Tupelo. Doubt it would go over too well. Curry and the populous of Tupelo and it’s neighboring towns just
    seem a bit far fetched. As far as fast food, I would love for someone to open up
    a Jack and the Box. They have the best tacos I have ever eaten. Also their burgers are great. We have one small Thai cafe in South Tupelo called Asian Market but I am not sure if it is still in business. The market did have lots of groceries you can buy to make all Eastern dishes. As far as I have seen, Tupelo could well afford many more restaurants. Try going out on Friday or Saturday night and see how long you wait if you go after 5:00 or before 8:00.

  87. 87 Drew W February 10, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    I live in East Tupelo and agree that the choices of dining are pretty pathetic.
    You have Dairy Kream and Johnnies ( both unique in their own way) and Sun Kai ( which I have to say is the best Chinese in Tupelo) and Hardees ( which is on the cusp of East Tupelo). But to get a quick salad or something healthy is impossible in East Tupelo. Everything is fried. Then again, the majority of East Tupelo is lower income and the lower income bracket loves starchy, greasy foods with extra mayo!!!

  88. 88 Drew W February 10, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    No you can not get true Ceviche in Tupelo. The closest thing to Ceviche is the
    Coctail De Cameron at D’Casa , Margaritas , and Casa Monterey. They are shrimp and ketchup based and none of them have white fish or other kinds of fish.

  89. 89 Drew W February 10, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    Yea the Mall At Barnes Crossing needs another dining restaurant. Ruby Tuesdays is pretty awful except they have a decent salad bar. Cancun closed and that is it.
    For the Mall to claim that they have the largest food court is Mississippi has got to be exaggerated. What are your choices? Peppers,Chick Fil A, Steak Escape, Back¥ard Burgers, Sparros and the three American - Asian inspired food establishments that basically have the same thing.

  90. 90 indygirl February 11, 2008 at 11:46 am

    This weekend I had the shrimp cocktail [hoping it would be like the ceviche] at Margaritas and it was warm which took me by suprise. It was tasty but i just want ceviche. I’ll try to get it this week while in Miami.

  91. 91 Drew W February 11, 2008 at 12:05 pm

    Yea it was warm because not many people order the Shrimp cocktail, so they make it as it is ordered ( which is good) except they serve it while the shrimp is still hot. Really all that it is is medium shrimp. ketchup, cilantro, jalapenos, onions. They cook the shrimp by boiling it instead of letting natural lime juice cook the shrimp. Major difference. Also I wish the Mexican restaurants would serve some kind of fish tacos. You can order fish taco at Fairpark Grill but they are not that great.

  92. 92 tupelobizbuzz February 11, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    I talked with Giovanna at The Bistro last week about ceviche in Tupelo. She said she loves to make ceviche, but can’t keep it on her menu because NeMissers are not a fan of cold food. She’s actually had people send gazpacho back because it wasn’t hot. However, she said if people want ceviche, give her a day or two notice and she’ll make it. I’m still dying to try the scallop dish that was in Sunday’s paper.

    And, I ate dinner at Sun Kai this weekend and was thoroughly impressed. I’d previously only thought of it as a lunch destination. But, dinner was good - good portions, good food, good service and good price.

    I also noticed that an Indian restaurant has popped up in Oxford in the shopping center next to Wal-Mart on West Jackson. Didn’t try the food, though. Opted for Lebanese at Marie’s and enjoyed every minute — and chickpea - of it.

  93. 93 tim February 11, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    I miss pasquallies pizza(not sure about the spelling). They were located in the old mall . Does anybody remember it?

  94. 94 Drew W February 13, 2008 at 9:21 am

    Yea well ceviche is not for most NE Mississippians. Too coastal for their taste.
    That is why anything beyond sushi (which would not have gone over at all 15 or even 10 years ago here. Tupelo is still backwards when it comes to cuisine.

  95. 95 Kay May 17, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    tupelo needs a place like volta and bottletree in oxford. and for the guy who didn’t eat at the indian place in oxford, should have.

  1. 1 Top English WP Blogs « Hành trang 8X Trackback on August 18, 2007 at 7:40 pm
  2. 2 Atlanta Bread to open in Tupelo « Biz Buzz Trackback on January 15, 2008 at 11:47 am

Leave a Reply