Nissan Cafe Reopens at the Two Mississippi Museums Under John Tierre Hospitality

Lunch at the Two Mississippi Museums gets a fresh start on October 16, when John Tierre Hospitality takes over the Nissan Cafe. Here’s what’s on the menu, when to go and who’s in the kitchen.

Credit: MDAH

The Nissan Cafe at the Two Mississippi Museums (Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History) reopened October 16, with John Tierre Hospitality as the new operator. The menu has soups, salads, sandwiches and a rotating daily blue plate. The cafe is open Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Soups, Sandwiches and Blue Plates

John Tierre says the menu will be different from what came before, with the same quality diners know from Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues on historic Farish Street. Burgers, chili dogs and other kid-friendly picks are on the menu for the many young visitors who tour the museums each year. The chef-driven side of the menu shows up in the daily specials, including blue plates like pork chops, baked chicken, chopped steak, barbecue ribs and blackened catfish and red beans and rice. There’s no frying here. Most dishes are made on site in a large commercial oven that handles cornbread, baked chicken and hot chicken. John calls the new setup a good drill for his staff, a chance to work outside their everyday routine. For dessert, there are fresh-baked cookies and Cheesecake Factory products.

On-site chef Bryan Myrick leads the kitchen. “We move together, we’re a team,” John says.

Tierre

Building on a Strong Foundation

The cafe keeps its name thanks to a Nissan endowment, part of a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Two Museums. Chef Nick Wallace of Hen & Egg ran the space before, and John credits him with laying the blueprint. “We’re just here to follow,” he says.

Lunch First, Then the Museums

John wants downtown workers to know the cafe is an easy lunch-break option, not just a stop for museum guests. On Sundays, museum admission is free, so lunch can turn into an afternoon exploring the Two Mississippi Museums.

Ribbon cutting Nissan Cafe October 2026 featuring a large group of about 20 people

Author

Paul Wolf

Paul is the Director of Destination Storytelling at Visit Jackson, managing the website, Soul Sessions podcast, and travel journalism initiatives. Drawing on three decades in communications, he brings expertise in writing, photography, video, and podcasting to showcase what makes Jackson special. When he's not working, Paul enjoys running, exploring the local food scene — great craft beer, coffee and BBQ.

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