Mayflower Café reopens, Fenian’s closes shop

• A Jackson institution is being given new life by the think tank behind the acclaimed Elvie’s, while another Jackson establishment prepares for closure.

Shortly after the highly anticipated reopening of the Mayflower Café in downtown Jackson, a popular Irish pub, Fenian’s, announced its impending closure.

Hello, Mayflower

The iconic Mayflower’s new owners, Hunter Evans and Cody McCain, welcomed a full house when it officially reopened Monday. The 89-year-old restaurant on West Capitol Street was open for lunch and serves weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., based on availability. Reservations are recommended for dinner, which is served Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Emily Hartman told WLBT News she was lucky to get a booth Monday. “When I walked through the door, my childhood came back to life,” the Jackson native said. “I have really fond memories of being here.”

Evans, 34, a chef and recent 2024 James Beard Award nominee, bought The Mayflower in April with McCain, the general manager. The two are the think tank behind another standout Jackson restaurant, Elvie’s in the Belhaven neighborhood.

The Mayflower underwent renovations throughout the summer, refreshing the interior and menu while maintaining its original charm.

They added a new bathroom, an improvement over the old one that required a walk outside and a flight of stairs. “Our goal was to … keep the classic nostalgia,” said Evans, who also owns Elvie’s with McCain.

“We’ve heard a lot of stories about this place,” McCain told WLBT News. “We’re both from Jackson and grew up in downtown Jackson where we often ate… we wanted to take the opportunity to continue telling those stories and create them for the next generations.”

Oysters, steak, gumbo and gulf shrimp are back. Fried green tomatoes with comeback sauce are a special appetizer. Today’s daily special: braised brisket with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and green beans for $13.95.

New to the program: cocktails and wine.

Third-generation owner Jerry Kountouris closed the restaurant in 2022 after 87 years of family ownership. It was a staple of downtown Jackson life and was featured in The Help and Ghosts of Mississippi.

Goodbye, Fenians

One day after the Mayflower officially reopened, employees at Fenian’s Pub on Fortification Street in Jackson posted a farewell letter on Facebook. Within an hour of posting, nearly 600 people responded, about 200 had commented, and 369 had shared the news.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Fenian’s Pub after serving this incredible community for nearly 28 years,” the Fenian’s Pub team wrote. “Since opening our doors, we have been honored to be a place where friends gather, memories are made and the spirit of Jackson is celebrated. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty, laughter and friendship have meant the world to us. Although this chapter is coming to a close, the memories we shared will last a lifetime. Thank you for being a part of the Fenian’s Pub family.”

“So sad,” added Greg Pigott. “It was great singing karaoke there.”

Billy Smith said Fenian’s “kept me sane while my wife was at UMMC for several months for cancer treatment.”

Sherry Cothren recalled: “I enjoyed many periods of my life there.”

“I remember throwing up in the corner here,” added Ashley Dorsey.

Some people blamed the difficult business climate in Jackson for the closure.

“Great job Jackson! Keep it up! You’ll be a lifeless, smoking crater in no time,” posted Marty Robertson.

Opened in November 1996, Fenian’s Pub & Restaurant celebrated Irish and Celtic heritage. Its name comes from Finn McCool, the leader of a legendary band of warriors who was said to be “a giant of a man who possessed all the knowledge in the world. It is said that he sleeps beneath Dublin and will awaken in Ireland’s worst hour of need.”

The Irish Pub, a popular place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, is also a full-service restaurant.

“Our last day is Tuesday, September 10th,” the post concluded, “so come along and enjoy one more hearty meal, strong drinks, and a few more greetings!”