You can’t miss The Tomato Place. It sits proud and chaotic, a collection of ideas and impulses, just south of Vicksburg on Highway 61. Its namesake banner hangs out front, along with signs for boiled peanuts, shelled pecans, fried green tomatoes, turkey legs, and more. Old iron tables and wooden stools adorn the outside, flanked by hibiscus flowers and other local flora, while paintings of fruits, vegetables, and tomato sandwiches cover the outside walls.

“Some people pass us by because they think we’re just a weird vegetable stand or something. They never come inside,” says owner Luke Hughes. “But that’s okay.”

But 20 years ago, The Tomato Place really was just a vegetable stand. Or rather a collection of vegetable stands around Vicksburg. The family would often eat tomato sandwiches for lunch while selling their produce. Time and again, customers would ask for a sandwich. After eating it, they would usually ask for another. Thus, rather than go broke giving away their food, The Tomato Place was born.

And while they still pay homage to the simple pleasures of sliced tomatoes slathered in mayo on toasted white bread—the humble foot soldier of Southern summertime lunches—their menu has grown to include so much more, including po’boys, dinner plates, hamburgers, and salads. Plus an entire section devoted to tomato sandwiches and BLTs. 

Their fried green tomato BLT is a near perfect rendition—tangy, crunchy, creamy, and sweet. Luke and his daughter Mallory suggest getting it on pumpernickel with some sliced avocado.

Inside, there’s local produce for sale, along with pies and pound cakes drizzled in fresh cream, preserves, pickles, bags of pecans, and more. Throughout the afternoon, regulars come in to stock up on supplies and travelers stop to grab lunch or a quick snack to take away. Like so much of the South, it’s warm and familiar here amidst the chaos. It feels like you’ve stumbled upon something timeless, generous, and giving.