Growing up in small-town Mississippi, our little family most often ate at locally owned restaurants and diners. Out-of-state vacations or occasional trips to Tupelo, Hattiesburg, or Jackson offered the only opportunities for us to eat at national chain restaurants.
Back then, as children, my sister and I thought those franchise places were so amazing, and we felt totally put upon when our family ate at my dad’s favorite downtown diner or the local catfish restaurant once again.
Today, I know better.
I rarely eat at fast-food chain places. And we have a long-standing family rule for out-of-town trips and vacations. We cannot eat at any establishment that exists back in our hometown – never, under any circumstance except absolute starvation.
This rule has made for some really interesting culinary adventures on our travels. Granted, some of our eating experiences were great, and some were the total opposite of great. But each meal was memorable, for sure.
Because of this family food rule, my sons also understand and enjoy the importance of supporting locally owned restaurants. Because those hometown eateries are gems, local treasures that really don’t exist much anymore.
To be honest, I sometimes mourn the fact that most of today’s kids will never have the opportunity to regularly dine at a place where everyone knows their name, their favorite dishes, and their latest accomplishments (and debacles) at school and church. Sadly, they are missing out on some great memories.
But luckily for my grandkids (and for me), there is a special family-style restaurant in the Blue Springs community called Ray Ray’s.
Situated on Highway 348, right near the line between Union and Lee County, Ray Ray’s is truly exceptional. It’s hometown feasting at its finest.
For a small-town, locally owned eatery, Ray Ray’s has a pretty impressive and diverse menu. Plus, the food is always fresh and cooked to perfection. Not to mention, the salad bar is great for those who need a good salad to make a meal complete.
I especially love the staff at Ray Ray’s. From the hostess to the wait staff to the cooks, they are so friendly, and after one or two visits, they know you by name – and they remember what you do and do not like. They also know what’s happening in your life, and they never fail to acknowledge their concern and love for their customers.
But my absolute favorite thing about this hometown restaurant is the hometown folks who eat there. From the minute the door opens, it’s like coming home. People are apt to get up from their meal and give you a hug. Or if they don’t know you, don’t be surprised if they introduce themselves, so they’ll know you the next time you come in.
And every time we sit down for our favorite Ray Ray’s food and fixings, I never fail to look around the restaurant and remember similar meals from my childhood at local places my parents loved to visit. I also try to remind myself that food always tastes better when eaten with true friends and family.
So, if you’re looking for a hometown meal in the middle of a real hometown restaurant, look no farther than Ray Ray’s restaurant.
Just don’t forget to stop by our table and introduce yourself. After all, Mississippians really are family!
For more information on Ray Ray’s, including address, phone number, hours of operation, and menu items, click here.
