Iconic Tico's Steakhouse opening new location. See where
The iconic Tico's Steakhouse in Ridgeland has long been known for it dedication to perfecting the dining experience.
Now, another city in Mississippi, Oxford, will get to experience the Tico's way very soon.
Jackson-native Parker Guy, who will be the manager of the new location, said he and Jack Hoffman, the son of the legendary owner Tico, will be able to open along Oxford's East Jackson Avenue on the weekend of Valentine's Day.
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Tico’s in Ridgeland has been around for nearly 30 years on County Line Road. It is always packed with lawmakers during the legislative session and die-hard fans year-round. It is also the go-to place for PGA players during the Sanderson Farms Classic every Fall just around the corner at the Country Club of Jackson.
Tico’s has long been known for sticking to what it knows best: steaks. Sure, there’s a choice of seafood and appealing appetizers and sides, but it’s the lineup of ribeyes, filets and the restaurant’s mammoth 24-ounce porterhouse that packs ‘em in.
Guy, a Jackson Academy and Ole Miss graduate, cut his teeth in the restaurant business at the original Tico's. He said Jack and Tico have wanted to open a location in Oxford for some time. Jack, who has been running the Ridgeland location for some time, will continue to do that but will help with the Oxford location as well.
"Everything just kind of made sense as for the time," Guy said. "The deal was right for the restaurant in Oxford. We pulled the trigger in November, and we finally got the keys in mid-December."
Guy said they are remodeling the location with a modernized vision of the iconic original.
The first day of the remodel, unfortunately, coincided with the winter storm that came through two weeks ago.
"That kind of delayed us, but we have been putting in some very long days to make up for the delay and get caught up," Guy said. "But it has gone really well. We need to get our broiler in and finish up some things, get some meat from Chicago in, and we should be ready to go, assuming there is not another winter storm. Cross your fingers."
The new location will be near the federal courthouse and across the street from the restaurant St. Leo. A couple of other restaurants that have given that location a try, including the Mesquite Chophouse and Yugo. Tico's took over the lease from Yugo's.
"We hope to be open here for a long, long time," said Guy, who has strong ties to Jackson as well as Oxford and Ole Miss. His grandfather, Louis Guy, won a national championship with the Johnny Vaught-coached Rebels in 1960 and then went on to the NFL before having an orthodontics career in Jackson. "I definitely love the City of Jackson. I just love Oxford a little bit more and can't wait to get Tico's started here."
Guy said that while there will be cosmetic changes and differences between the Ridgeland Tico's and the Oxford Tico's, there won't be change in the business formula.
"There will be changes, a little fresher looking and more modern decor, and definitely things have been done the old-school way that has been a success in Ridgeland for a very, very long time, but we want to modernize a few things," Guy said. "At the same time, we have the same playbook as back home. It is a family atmosphere with great food. You come in for a great steak, a healthy alcohol pour and a great time."
Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Tico's Steakhouse opening new location in Oxford MS
