Jean's

We believe in the goodness of people and the power of fried chicken!

Jean’s has been a cherished tradition in Meridian for generations. Jean Bullock originally opened her restaurant in the 1960’s, in the former Rayner Drug Store, later moving it to Front Street. It quickly became known for its southern homestyle cooking. Miss Jean was quite a character. She was the first person you saw when you walked in the door, sitting right in front of the cash register. She was always dressed up with big hair, makeup, perfume, and would always be dripping in costume jewelry. “She had a big, burgundy Cadillac and pulled up right in front every morning,” remembers one employee. “When she came in the door, she would say good morning to every customer and then walk into the kitchen and start yelling.”

The restaurant changed hands and Jean’s closed in 2018, because the building had fallen into disrepair. For six months, while decisions were being made about when and where to reopen, they offered the same delicious food from a food truck; keeping employees working and customers satisfied. Jean’s reopened in May, 2019, in a new location, 820, 22^nd Avenue, with new owners, the Purvis family, but with the same, experienced staff. “The pandemic shut us down again, but customers were loyal and business is better than ever, even increasing,” says Elic Purvis, owner.

Jean’s tries to use local produce and farms, to source as much farm-to-table MS made foods as possible. Their menu hasn’t changed much since the beginning, and loyal patrons prefer it that way. Fried chicken, turkey and dressing, and pork chops, are still the most popular, but people also talk about meatloaf sandwiches, fried catfish and bacon burgers.

Elic Purvis, has ten years previous restaurant experience in Starkville and Meridian. He states, “We are a 100% family run establishment; my parents, my siblings and me. We have staff that have worked at Jean’s for 50 years, contributing to a sense of community. I love being right in the heart of downtown Meridian in an historic building. This was originally the Knights of Pythias Castle Lodge!” He continued, “The initial investment for starting a business can be scary, but believing in your brand and your product will be your motivation to put in the work.  The chamber is an important part of your business. It offers a lot of great resources and makes everyone’s voice louder. The impact of a business community grows when we are all working together.”

Jean’s new location is the perfect spot with a bigger dining area and more parking available. The response from customers has been tremendous. “Jean’s was too big an icon to let it close permanently,” says Elic. “It’s a staple of downtown Meridian. We wanted to keep the former employees working and are now back to a full staff of 25. People say our staff makes them feel like part of the family every time they’re here. That’s the atmosphere that was prevalent in the old Jean’s on Front Street and that’s what we want here.” 

Jean’s Restaurant – 820, 22^nd Avenue, Meridian – M – F - 10:30 – 2:30

Have you tried the pork chops?