With business down, Gumbo Pot is making adjustments to survive the crisis

Like other restaurant owners, Gumbo Pot proprietors Donna and Perry Boyd have had to adjust because of COVID-19 restrictions. With their dining room closed, they have shifted their focus to take-out services and delivery options, but it’s a far cry from where they were just a few short months ago.

“Our business is off about 75 percent,” Perry Boyd said. “We have no catering to speak of on the books. Our take-out business is about on track where it normally is.”

The Boyds have begun targeted delivery to specific areas. Tuesday evening, they delivered to Eagle Lake. Wednesday was Clinton. Port Gibson and Rolling Fork will be the next two locations. This allows customers to order from the menu and pick up at a designated point. Delivery call times are staggered to accommodate social distancing. The Gumbo Pot will add grocery and meat items for delivery soon, including fresh-cut steaks.

The Boyds are looking forward to welcoming diners back into the restaurant.

“When we are allowed to re-open, our customers will see some changes,” Boyd said. “The area which has been the entry area will be designated for to-go pick up. We will have some items for sale there as well. The other side will have dine-in. Because of distancing requirements, we are going to lose several seats.”

Boyd added that he is discontinuing the buffet but will have options to take its place.

The Boyds have used the downtime to give their place a fresh coat of paint and make some other cosmetic changes.

They are also grateful for the public’s continued support.

“This is hard economically on us all,” Perry Boyd said. “I have a lot invested here and appreciate the loyalty of the people in this area.”

To find out more or place an order, call the Gumbo Pot at 601-501-1441, or visit their website or Facebook page.