Weidmann's Restaurant facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Weidmann's Restaurant
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Weidmann's in 2018
Location in Mississippi
Location	108-210 22nd Ave, Meridian, Mississippi
Built	1870
Part of	Meridian Downtown Historic District (ID06001249)
Designated CP	December 18, 1979

Weidmann's Restaurant is a very old and famous restaurant in Meridian, Mississippi, USA. It first opened its doors way back in 1870. This special place is part of the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It's a key part of the Meridian Downtown Historic District.

History of Weidmann's Restaurant

Weidmann's Restaurant was started in 1870 by Felix Weidmann. He was an immigrant from Zurich, Switzerland. Before opening the restaurant, Felix was a chef on a big ocean liner. He first called his new business the European House. It was both a restaurant and a hotel.

Early Years and Family Ownership

Felix Weidmann also got involved in other hotel businesses. He opened the International Hotel in 1884. After Felix passed away in 1885, his son, Phillip Weidmann, took over the restaurant. Phillip moved the restaurant to a new spot. He renamed it "Taft and Weidmann's."

During World War I, the restaurant moved for two years. It went to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to be closer to soldiers at Camp Shelby. Later, the restaurant moved back to Meridian. In 1923, it returned to its first and current location on 22nd Avenue. Phillip's son, Henry Weidmann, became the owner after Phillip died in 1927.

Famous Moments and Traditions

In 1935, a big celebration happened at Weidmann's. It was for Fred and Al Key. They set a world record for staying in the air for 653 hours and 34 minutes. This record was not broken until 1973!

The restaurant stayed in the Weidmann family for a long time. Gloria Chancellor and her husband took over in 1989. They were great-great-grandchildren of the founders. The family owned the restaurant until the 1990s.

Weidmann's is the oldest restaurant in the state of Mississippi. It became famous for many things. People loved its special black bottom pie and peanut butter crocks. The walls were covered with many interesting pictures. The restaurant still has its original lunch counter. There is also a "treasure chest" filled with candy. This is given to children who show good manners.

Changes and New Owners

In 2001, a company called Southern Cast Products bought the restaurant. Weidmann's closed later that year for a big renovation. They spent about $20 million to update the building. The main entrance was moved. Two new banquet rooms were added upstairs.

Challenges and Reopening

After the renovation, Nick Apostle leased the restaurant. He also owned Nick's Restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi. Nick ran Weidmann's until 2004. Then, the general manager, Willie McGehee, and others took over.

Around 2008, the restaurant faced tough times. This was during the Late-2000s recession. Many local companies stopped paying for their workers' dinners. This meant fewer large groups could eat at Weidmann's. To help, a local group asked people to eat there often.

Despite these efforts, the restaurant closed on April 17, 2010. But it did not stay closed for long! In June of the same year, Charles Frazier bought the lease. He was the manager of Crescent City Grill. Frazier wanted to bring back the restaurant's classic feel. He planned to serve many of the old Weidmann's menu items.

Frazier reopened the restaurant in late July. He added hardwood floors and brought back the lunch counter. He even rehired two former employees. This helped make the restaurant feel like its old self again.