Mississippi News
Loaded Lettuce: a hearty, healthy alternative
Loaded Lettuce — a hearty, healthy alternative
In the Deep South, folks tend to fry everything. The list of fried items is like a rendition of legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar belting out a litany of Sunday soul food dishes — “beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb,” and everything else from A to Z, including okra, fish, chicken, pickles, and, yes, even watermelon.
Visit outdoor events like the Mississippi State Fair or any backyard cookout, and load up on fried oreos, turkey legs, funnel cakes, alligator, Snickers candy bars and even Kool-Aid.
All that fried food is quick to make, tasty and inexpensive. But, the far-reaching results — Mississippi ranks at the top of the nation in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
“In this area, you don't have to go far to find fast-food. And, more often than not, it's something fried,” said Christopher Deans III, operator and co-owner of Loaded Lettuce, located in the Westland Plaza restaurant in west Jackson. “It's not just the fast-food restaurants, even the convenience stores and gas stations offer something deep fried.”
Deans III is a former teacher at Provine High School in Jackson. Raising his growing family on a teacher's salary convinced him to go full-time with the business. His former students work at the restaurant, and he hires from the community with plans to open a second restaurant near Jackson State University.
Loaded Lettuce opened in September 2021, and is the brainchild of Deans' father, Christopher Deans, Sr., a local physical therapist. The business was first called Simply Salad, but trademark issues resulted in the change to Loaded Lettuce.
“My dad has been in health care for over 20 years. He's seen the long-term effects of an unhealthy diet, a bad diet,” said Deans. “He gets you after you've had that stroke, so he knows. And he cares. Loaded Lettuce is the result of his caring.”
“Here at Loaded Lettuce, we offer a nutritious alternative. Our goal is to bring a hearty, healthy, and convenient choice to the community,” Deans explains. “Our customers tell us that we are a breath of fresh air,” he says with a huge smile.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day
SUMMARY: Seniors at Hatley High School have been preparing for life after graduation with the help of a career coach for at least two years. Students like Madison Case participated in internship programs that allowed them to gain real-world experience and make a difference in their community. The career coach, Amie Prewett, works with juniors to help them define their goals and interests, providing job shadowing opportunities, college visits, and internships. The partnership between the school and local organizations like Monroe Strong has been instrumental in guiding students towards their desired career paths. The success of the program was evident in the positive feedback from students and parents.
The post Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic
SUMMARY: The 6.2-mile Gordo Bypass project in Alabama has two phases: the grade and drain phase completed in 2023, and the base and pave phase expected to start this year. The project aims to improve safety, mobility, and commerce for motorists in West Alabama. Once finished, US-82 will have four lanes from the Mississippi state line to Tuscaloosa. The project is expected to cost around 63 million dollars and will increase the capacity of Highway 82 while decreasing heavy truck traffic through Gordo. Local residents see opportunities for growth and development with the completion of the bypass.
The post Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville
SUMMARY: The MSU baseball game kicks off Super Bulldog Weekend in Starkville, drawing huge crowds and selling out hotels. Paige Hunt, Director of Tourism, highlights the economic benefits for the city, with visitors spending money and leaving tax dollars behind. Local businesses, like Campus BookMart, are gearing up for the rush of customers. Despite the busyness, store clerk Pam Minyard enjoys the excitement of game weekends and the community coming together. In addition to baseball, the football team will host its spring game. Overall, Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic growth and excitement to Starkville.
The post Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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