DESOTO COUNTY, Miss —
Between the weather and the water, small businesses in Shelby County have been struggling to keep their doors open this week. But in DeSoto County, restaurateurs have actually seen a surge in business just ahead of the first ever DeSoto County Dining Week.
DeSoto County saw some of the highest snowfall totals in the Mid-South last week. This caused closures, slow business and headaches for restaurant owners like Tina Tatum, the owner of Coffee Central.
"I equate last week's week of business to the first week of COVID shutdowns when we didn't know what to do. We literally could not do business,” said Tatum.
Once the snow started melting from the roadways, Tatum and owner of nearby Buon Cibo said business started booming.
"We saw a good surge in business on Saturday,” said Tatum.
Some of those customers came from Shelby County’s MLGW customers who are under a Boil Water Advisory. Buon Cibo owner Josh Belenchia said he was disappointed to hear about the water woes in Shelby County.
"I hate that for Shelby County, but I do believe people will be coming down here,” said Belenchia.
Coming off an extremely slow week, both owners are grateful for the timing of the first DeSoto County Dining week and are happy to be able to safely serve their community again.
"I hope that the word is out, and people are going to get out and support local this week and every week,” said Belenchia.
"Shop local, support local on everything. So many great restaurants in DeSoto county Dining week, so check them all out,” said Tatum.
DeSoto County Dining Week started on Saturday, Jan. 22 and ends on Saturday, Jan. 27.
For a full list of participating businesses and deals, click here.