Melvin Richardson and his sister Jacqueline Wolfe are the owners and operators of J&W Fish Hut at 1323 Harrison St. in Vicksburg. The restaurant opened on Nov. 6, 2024.

Richardson said business has been good, and that the locals in the neighborhood where the restaurant is located have been very supportive.

“The neighborhood treats me real well… they buy plenty from us all the time,” he said.

Richardson grew up in Vicksburg. He moved away in 1982 when he joined the U.S. Army. He was a combat medic and was deployed during the first Gulf War.

After 12 years in the military, he worked for Veteran’s Affairs for 26 years; first in Houston and then in Jackson, Mississippi.

Richardson purchased the restaurant’s building in 2017.

He said the only other fish establishment nearby is Boston Supreme, meaning he saw a market for his product. His favorite dish served at J&W Fish Hut is the buffalo ribs, a southern delicacy that consists of the rib meat of a buffalo fish.

“You have some younger people come in here and say, ‘What’s a buffalo rib?’ They don’t know. I say ‘Well you’ll like them if you try them,’” he said. “But most older people, they’ve heard of them.”

He also said that he is mindful of his price point.

“We’re not trying to get rich off of one plate or one person. People don’t have a lot of money to spend. You have to look at that,” he said. “The majority of people that come in say, ‘Y’all’s price is real reasonable.’”

All dinners come with two sides, and sandwiches come with french fries. And the menu isn’t just limited to fish. Chicken and pork chops are also an option.

Currently, the eatery is take-out only; however, Richardson said he has plans for renovations that will allow for both indoor and outdoor seating.

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.