Video: Hidden Treasures — Proffitt’s Porch

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Just a couple of miles outside of the city is a well kept secret, serving what some say are the best red beans and rice in Columbus. Proffitt’s Porch is one more hidden treasure in Northeast Mississippi.

“The view is beautiful and just the cheese, all the cheese they put on the sandwiches is awesome, I love it.  I really don’t have room for dessert because it’s just so good,” said nine-year-old Cayden Pitts, a Proffitt’s Porch fan.

“I come here more than once a week usually, for the atmosphere to be out by the lake and the water. The people are so nice here and the food is phenomenal,” said Betsy Reed, a Proffitt’s Porch regular.

“I usually get the red beans and rice but since it’s summer time I tried the seafood on french and it was really good,” said customer Haley Abrams.

It’s a well kept secret in Columbus, and a favorite of locals. With a view of Officer’s Lake and a relaxing environment, at Proffitt’s Porch it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but the restaurant is only a few miles from town. The Proffitt family has been serving their famous red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, sandwiches and homemade desserts for 28 years.

“I had a typical freshman year at Mississippi State in 1984, but my dad decided I needed to do construction work the next year. So we built this place in 1985. We figured if it didn’t work it would be a nice camp house, and we’ve been working ever since,” said Campbell Proffitt.

Customers come from miles away to treat themselves to chocolate chess pie and strawberry cheesecake. Many become regulars.

“We’ve got people that have been coming out here for 28 years. They’re really more like a member of the family and they get to be such close friends. But the other amazing thing is, everyday I come to work I see someone I’ve never seen before, and I think how do they know about the restaurant? But obviously through word of mouth in Columbus, my customers advertise for me,” Proffitt said.

Proffitt’s Porch is a family business and the employees are part of the family as well.

“I’ve raised a bunch of them. A lot of the employees worked here in the past when they were young, and then they come back when they’re middle aged and work again. It’s just a joy to spend time with these people,” Proffitt said.

Proffitt’s Porch is located on Officer’s Lake Road. It’s closed on Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.