Picayune native Keith Frierson always dreamed of opening a nice place for people to enjoy a good meal and lively entertainment.
That dream was realized on April 30, when he opened The Plantation Bar and Grill in his hometown.
In 1976, Frierson graduated with a landscape construction degree from Mississippi State University. He has since worked at the University of Southern Mississippi and John C. Stennis Space Center. Since 1997, he has owned his own consultant management business.
“I like working for myself and I feel there’s a need for good clean entertainment in a smoke free environment in Picayune,” Frierson said. “We offer daily lunch specials as well as two unique sandwiches that aren’t offered anywhere else in Picayune.”
Those unique sandwiches include Papa’s Pullet and Pork and the Cuba, Frierson said, which are crafted by chef Reuben Hanberry.
Hanberry, also a Picayune native, said he has worked in a kitchen most of his life. He attended culinary school at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park. He has cooked at Mr. Gatti’s, Magnolia Coffee House, the Vail Marriott in Vail, Colorado and most recently, was the sous chef at Hook Gulf Coast Cuisine in Pass Christian.
“We are starting small with the menu, which allows us room to grow,” Hanberry said. “I like the challenge of trying different things.”
Frierson’s front house manager is Julie Timmons.
“They have got a lot of restaurant experience,” Frierson said.
Hungry guests can choose from a variety of daily lunch specials including red beans and rice, chicken and sausage gumbo, hamburger steak and sautéed shrimp pasta salad.
The Plantation’s menu also includes salads, sandwiches and a children’s menu.
The restaurant can seat about 80 people at a time, Frierson said. The Plantation features a bar, where bartenders serve specialty mixed drinks.
There are four pool tables, one foosball table, dart machines, a jukebox and video games located inside the facility.
Every week, Frierson hosts a family night, karaoke night and live entertainment on the weekends.
“Our different types of sandwiches are unique and our family night is a standout,” Frierson said. “It’s a nice, classy roomy atmosphere. So far, we have had a great response from word of mouth. We have a good crowd for karaoke and live music nights. It’s steadily growing every night.”
The Plantation Bar and Grill is located at 217 S. Curran Ave.
Food is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the bar is open until 2 a.m. The Plantation is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and snacks will be available. The business is closed on Sundays.
Carryout meals are available during grill hours, Frierson said.
After 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, only adults 21 and older are allowed inside, Frierson said. Each Wednesday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. is family night, where children can participate in karaoke activities.
Karaoke is held every Friday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and live music every Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Frierson said.
For an up-to-date list of daily lunch specials and live entertainment, follow the restaurant through Facebook at The Plantation Bar and Grill.
For more information, contact staff at 769-926-2324.