The 1884 Cafe, located in the oldest continually operating hardware store in Mississippi, sounded like our kind of place. So through the countryside of Mississippi we went to Kewanee about 15 miles east of Meridian in search of breakfast.

Established in 1884, The Simmons-Wright Company has been serving the community for over a century. In the beginning, the company had a general store, gristmill and cotton gin. Today only the general store remains. One can find everything from cast iron ware to grocery items to breakfast and lunch along with visiting. While our breakfast was being prepared we visited with the owner and a regular breakfast customer.

Morning Discussion

Breakfast was the basic fare of eggs, grits, biscuit and meat. For us, breakfast is determined by how the grits is cooked. This one was perfect, not a normal occurrence for a restaurant. The grits was perfectly salted and creamy. We would return for a second round if ever in the area again.

Breakfast

The store has a lunch counter and one table. There are a couple of rockers for serious discussing. When visiting don’t expect quick food, it takes time. So enjoy the time learning about the history of the store and the community. Also just enjoy chatting with locals and learning about current happenings in the area.

You can’t get any more “down home” than there. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the chat (the kind which was perfected long before digital communications).

Cast Iron for Sale