Cater's opening new restaurant at MCM-Meridian

The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian is partnering with Cater’s Market, a locally-owned restaurant and café, to bring a one-of-a-kind culinary experience to its eight-acre campus on 22nd Avenue.

The new restaurant, “Cater’s at the Museum,” will offer healthy and convenient food options just a few steps away from the museum and down the street from the new Lauderdale County government complex and sheriff’s department.

Cater’s at the Museum will be located at the former round bank building on the MCM-Meridian campus and is currently undergoing renovations. The new restaurant is expected to open its doors in January 2024.

The partnership between MCM-Meridian and Cater’s Market, a staple in north Meridian, was formed through a shared vision of bringing quality grab-and-go food services to the growing downtown Meridian area.

“We are so excited to open our third restaurant location in partnership with the museum,” said Jamie Cater, owner of Cater’s Market, which opened in 2006. “We look forward to offering unique items for the children and families visiting the museum as well as the surrounding businesses.”

MCM-Meridian is proud to partner with local businesses, such as Cater’s Market, to promote economic growth and workforce development in Meridian, officials said. Partnerships like this help develop a strong and vibrant downtown that serves as a hub for tourism and community well-being.

“Our state-of-the-art museum attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country, and we take pride in contributing to the economic growth of Meridian,” said Barbara Zeller, MCM-Meridian’s executive director. “We are excited to announce our plans to expand our campus with a new restaurant which we believe will attract more locals and tourists to our city. It was a natural fit to partner with Cater’s Market, keeping in line with our health and nutrition initiative.”

Not only is this new partnership exciting for museum guests and staff, it’s also an added value for tourists traveling through the state.

“With tourism being the fourth largest industry in our state, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, in Meridian and Jackson, strives to provide excellent experiences as the state’s largest educational institution for children and top-rated tourist attraction for families,” said MCM President Susan Garrard. “Through innovative projects and partnerships, MCM is proud to contribute to the economic growth by increasing tourism revenue and creating new job opportunities.”

Operating hours and menu options for Cater’s at the Museum will differ from its full-service restaurant locations in North Meridian and Starkville. The official opening date, operating hours, and menu options will be announced in the coming weeks.