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Local family that operates a farm now also runs a spot for pizza, wings, and ice cream in Newton
Sometimes the best ventures begin with a little faith and a lot of family. For the May family of Chunky, Mississippi, that’s exactly how G-Daddy’s came to be.
For years, Michael “G-Daddy” May dreamed of opening a restaurant at the family’s Lazy Acres farm, a place already well known in the region for agritourism, seasonal events, and family-friendly fun. But Cathy, his wife, who managed all the food operations at the farm, wasn’t keen on the idea of running a full-time restaurant on top of their existing commitments. The dream stayed on the back burner—until an unexpected opportunity appeared.
In December 2023, Michael noticed that Mr. Mike’s Frozen Yogurt, a beloved local spot, had gone up for sale. At first, it felt like a long shot. When the business sold that spring, the family accepted it just wasn’t meant to be. But fate had other plans. One afternoon, after a casual lunch meeting, Michael came home with surprising news: the deal had fallen through, and Mr. Mike wanted to know if they were still interested.
After much discussion—and no shortage of nerves—the Mays took the leap. For Mikayla, the decision was especially life-changing. She chose to leave behind her teaching career, a job she loved, to take on the role of general manager at the new family restaurant. “It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew this was something special we could build together,” she shared.
The name G-Daddy’s came naturally. That’s what Michael’s granddaughter, Ryn, calls him, and it felt like the perfect tribute. “Our business is unique because it’s truly family owned and operated,” Mikayla explained. “On any given day, you’ll find one of us here—me running the restaurant during the week, Dad working Sunday lunch, and Mom covering weekdays or Saturdays. There’s nothing better than eating at a place where you see the owners making your food and serving it to you.”
Opening a restaurant in a small town hasn’t come without its challenges. “We had to figure out how to balance our menu,” Mikayla said. “Not everyone wants pizza and wings every day, so we’ve worked hard to create variety. On top of that, none of us had prior experience in the restaurant industry. It’s been a steep learning curve, especially with so many articles out there saying this is the toughest economic time to open a restaurant.”
But despite the odds, the family has leaned into the joy of building relationships with the community. They’ve formed connections with locals and travelers alike, and many of their regulars have become like extended family. “Some of them don’t even order anymore—I already know their favorites,” Mikayla said with a smile. “They just come in and ask for their usual. That kind of connection makes the long hours worth it.”
The menu itself has also helped put G-Daddy’s on the map. Their Meaty Monster pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, beef, and bacon, is a fan favorite, rivaled only by the Chicken Bacon Ranch. Each month, a new specialty pizza is introduced, and one of them—the Big Dill Pickle Pizza—proved so popular it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Wings are another house specialty, with sauces ranging from classic buffalo to their unique McKenzie Sauce, a mix of buffalo and garlic parmesan named in honor of local police chief McKenzie Patrick.
For Mikayla, the restaurant isn’t just about food. It’s about community, family, and teaching the next generation. “As a mom, I want G-Daddy’s to be a place that not only serves great food but also shows young people what hard work looks like. I want to create a work environment that’s positive and supportive, something they’ll carry with them wherever life takes them.”
The Mays are committed to taking things one step at a time, keeping their focus on building something meaningful for Newton. “We refuse to give up or fail,” Mikayla said. “This is just the beginning. Who knows—maybe one day there will be more G-Daddy’s.”
G-Daddy’s
📍 205 Eastside Drive, Newton, MS 39345
👨👩👧 Owners: The May Family (Michael, Cathy & Mikayla)
🍕 Signature Dishes: Meaty Monster Pizza, Big Dill Pickle Pizza, McKenzie Sauce Wings
💡 Experience: A family-run pizzeria where community and comfort food come together
🌟 Mission: To serve fresh, flavorful meals while building lasting connections and inspiring the next generation
Open daily 11:00AM – 8:30PM
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