From Business School to the Kitchen

Lansdale's path to the kitchen was not a straight line. He holds a business degree from Millsaps College and an architectural degree from Mississippi State, credentials that point toward structured careers far from the heat of a kitchen. But in 2006, while working at Bon Ami in Maywood Mart, Lansdale found himself at the crossroads of a job at a restaurant or a career as a restaurateur. He gravitated toward desserts, something he genuinely loved making, and discovered that cooking could be more than a paycheck. What began as a modest setup in Highland Village's courtyard slowly evolved into a lunch spot, laying the foundation for what would become Crazy Cat Eat Up's long standing and devout patronage.

While Bon Ami was not Lansdale's first kitchen job, it was far from a traditional culinary training ground. With George Foreman grills and an electric skillet, it functioned as a classic lunch spot, emphasizing freshness and quality over flash. The limitations of the space shaped his philosophy early. If the product was not worth the price, it did not belong on the plate. If it was not good, do not make it. That straightforward belief still anchors his approach today.

Learning by Watching

Rather than point to a single mentor, Lansdale credits observation and experience. He learned by watching the people around him in kitchens like Iron Horse Grill, Oby's in Starkville, Walker's Drive-In, and Bon Ami, absorbing lessons from each place and every cook he worked beside. He also cites, with a slight laugh, that watching Paula Deen's TV show has been an influence, particularly in understanding comfort food and the emotional pull of familiar flavors. For Lansdale, learning came from paying attention and keeping an open mind.

Witnessing Jackson's Culinary Evolution

A Corinth native, Lansdale has called Jackson home since 1987. He has seen the city's food culture change dramatically. Where the metro area once leaned heavily on the hardy classic flavors of catfish and steak, today it offers a depth and diversity that rivals many larger cities. According to Lansdale, the quality of food available in Jackson now stands shoulder to shoulder with anywhere else, a shift he has been proud to witness and contribute to.

Building a Jackson Institution Through Consistency

Crazy Cat Eat Up became a staple in the Jackson culinary scene through reliability. Lansdale is quick to deflect attention from himself. He admits he is not always the most outgoing person, but he is unwavering about putting forward an honest product with good food and a good atmosphere. If Crazy Cat does not serve its customers well, someone else will, and that reality keeps standards high.

Lansdale believes in respecting the menu rather than constantly reinventing it. Longtime guests know what they love, and he does not assume he knows better than the customer. That respect has helped Crazy Cat remain consistent while still feeling alive and current.

Good Food Without the Poetry

When it comes to cooking philosophy, Lansdale avoids poetry. For him, the goal is simple. If it does not taste good, why bother? He believes making good food is not complicated, as long as standards remain high and the team shares that commitment. He speaks proudly of his core group of employees, crediting them with helping maintain quality day after day.

Desserts still hold a special place in his heart. Lansdale loves making sweets, particularly his chocolate cake with cooked frosting and his cobbler, both recipes passed down from his grandmother. These dishes carry flavor, memory, tradition, and a sense of home that resonates deeply with diners.

Life Outside the Kitchen

Outside the kitchen, Lansdale keeps things simple. He sleeps when he can, works in the yard, and eats at other restaurants. He acknowledges he is not as young as he used to be, but his commitment to the craft remains steady.

For aspiring chefs in Jackson, his advice is honest and unromantic. The work will be hard. You cannot take your eye off the ball. As an owner, presence matters. The rewards can be real and deeply satisfying, but they are earned through consistency, attention, and showing up every day.

At Crazy Cat Eat Up, that quiet dedication is evident in every plate. Lansdale's story is not about overnight success or culinary theatrics. It is about building something dependable, feeding a city well, and proving that good food, done right, still matters in Jackson, Mississippi.