Dixie Newman owns and manages Jacked Up Coffee Bar in Biloxi. Jacked Up Coffee Bar is a premier coffee shop and bar that proudly serves French Truck Coffee directly from New Orleans. Newman is a business owner and a member of the Biloxi City Council and even ran for mayor in 2015. Whether it’s coffee, business, or community efforts, Newman is devoted to giving her all and providing the best for her home state of Mississippi.
“I returned home to Biloxi when I was 27. I lived in New York City, and so much had changed since (Hurricane) Katrina. At that time, it was truly desolate. I saw a need and wanted to get involved, so I ran for city council,” Newman recounted. “At that time, there was a very busy road in the district, and all the residents wanted a sidewalk on that road. Everyone told me it was impossible to put a sidewalk on the road, but there’s a sidewalk on that road now! You have to work hard in business, politics, and everything.”
Jacked Up Coffee Bar has been open for nearly six years now. Newman shared that she had always wanted to own a business and had often admired antique-style coffee shops when she traveled.
“Mom and I owned the antique store two doors down, so it just made sense,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be different when we opened up Jacked Up, so we serve French Truck coffee, which we had to learn how to make, and everything is made fresh right here in our kitchen.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newman, like many other business owners, was concerned about the future of their coffee bar. However, business quadrupled for Jacked Up.
“The only reason we were able to make it work was because mom and I decided we would stay open and do what we needed to do. It was tough, but our business continued growing because other coffee shops closed during that time,” Newman said. “I was saved in 2019, right before opening this business. When COVID happened, I gave the Lord all my troubles and worries. It was so hard. I worked seven days a week, double shifts, for two years and never had a day off. I remember saying, ‘Ok, God, I give this to You. You gave me the vision for this business; I trust You to make it work.'”
Jacked Up Coffee Bar is a place where everyone is welcome. Newman shared that she is committed to paying her employees high salaries, even in challenging economic times, so they don’t leave and feel loved and valued. The coffee shop has enjoyed customers of all ages, locals of Biloxi, and tourists who come to the coast.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and a positive vibe when they come here,” Newman shared. “We also hope customers see a business that grass-rooted its way from an idea to where it is today. In any small business, you have to be committed, and I am committed to Jacked Up and the city of Biloxi. I love it here.”
Dixie Newman is a Mississippian who stepped out in faith to build a business and encourages others to do the same and support local businesses.
“I enjoy putting out a good product and people enjoying it. Honestly, God gives me a vision for everything; I just work hard.”
