The devastation of the iconic Dixie Springs restaurant seems to be felt throughout southwest Mississippi.
Almost everyone has a memory of eating there and spending time with their friends and families.
“There are going to be a lot of stories after this,” said owner Kristine Kimmel as she looked on at the rubble Monday morning. “This place has seen more first dates, engagements and marriages. It was our own personal Cheers.”
One of those very stories comes from two former restaurant employees.
Kaile Young, 28, and Kyle Young, 30, met while they were working together in 2002.
Kaile said she and Kyle, who now live in Bogue Chitto, have been married for 11 years and have four children.
“I’ve always credited that place for us meeting,” she said. “We didn’t go to the same schools and we probably would have never met had we not been working together.”
The couple usually went back to Dixie Springs to celebrate their anniversary, and Kaile said they had planned to go again this year before learning that the restaurant/motel burned on Monday.
“I found out (Monday) morning on Facebook. I really hope they rebuild,” she said. “I haven’t (driven) by there yet because I don’t want to see it burned down.”
Paul Ott, whose family built the original cafe in 1939, noted that famed Mississippi authors John Grisham and Willie Morris were among the notable people to have eaten there.
Dixie Springs visitors used social media to voice their sadness of the loss and remember the happy times they had.
There wasn’t a negative statement made about Dixie Springs, and everyone agreed they hope the popular hangout is rebuilt.
Richard Hay said he remembered hosting several “Chasing Foul Balls” radio shows at Dixie Springs.
“We had Amite County’s Ben Willoughby and we all had a great time,” he said.
Jamie Cutrer said he chose Dixie Springs as the place to propose to his now wife.
Others remembered the food served.
Brendan McCaskell said he enjoyed the barbecue alligator ribs.
And Paul Reeves said when he visited the restaurant in the early 2000s, Dixie Springs served “the best tenderloin steak in this area.”
