Jackson Jambalaya

The man opened some really good restaurants. He seemed to have the touch and will be missed. RIP Bill.

Have enjoyed many of his places. Always staffed with kind folks, and good food. I had no idea, however, that I ate at the TGIFs where he started back in high school when visiting Jackson. It was a happening place in the 70s. Well done, Mr. Latham. Family has always enjoyed his restaurants.

bill was a legend in the restaurant business here.

Sad day. Bill Latham was a creative restaurateur whose impact went beyond Jackson. I still enjoy eating at Amerigo all these years later. He hasn't been involved there in decades, but it's longevity is a testament to his concept. RIP, Mr. Latham.

His Legacy: Friday's, The Dock, Sundancer, Scrooges, Amerigo, Table 100, Babalu, Five Guys, Super Chix what else? Every Restaurant he has was a winner. Babalu was until the partnership pushed him out and then went broke.

Didn't he and Malcolm White open (or manage) Oliver's in Highland Village?

He also started Char iirc

Grew up in the same small town as him. Very sad to such and impressive man gone too soon, but he will surely be missed.

He was my first boss at my first job at Amerigo's, he will be missed.

Amazing that as successful, in the business, as he was, he wasn't Greek, Italian, Irish or Cajun. This not a slam, just an observation.

Nobody pushed him out of Babalu. He got his money out before the investors lost all of their money. Very nice guy, but facts are facts.

wild bills caddallic grill was one of his places in maywood mart in the late 70s early 80s. it was a hopping joint. he was a genius in the restaurant and bar business. and thats one tough business. he will be missed. him and al roberts made a great team.

Great restaurateur!!! Opened Wild Bill’s Cadillac Bar and Grill with the bucking Bull after “Gillies” opened in Houston Texas. I was a freshman medical student and bartended for him - The early summer of 1979. Wild Bill’s had largest alcohol sales in the state of Mississippi following the movie Urban Cowboy was released with John Travolta. - Memories- Great man! RH

OK my bad. I thought they wanted to expand too fast , he said no, so they voted him out, then he proved correct and they all lost their ass, save him.

I did not know Bill Latham well but in all of my business interactions with him Bill Latham was always a very straight shooting ethical man. I respected him greatly.

4:36 was a first year medical school student who bartended on the side? I am impressed with 4:36!

"Early Summer of 1979"...as a member of the entering class of '79...RH was noting the Summer before classes started Aug '79, or was mentioning the Summer after finishing Frosh Year and we all had Summer Break between 1st & 2nd years...that was THE final Summer Break as the remainder of UMC's schedule kept us occupied through end of 4th year. Between Frosh & Soph years back then, I was a lifeguard during the day at the Broadwater Beach, and a bartender at "Ever Lovin' Saturdays" at night. Working (so-called) two jobs that Summer allowed me to sharpen my 'communication skills' and I totally loved it. Met all kinds of nice people in various states of dress/not-so-dressed and intoxication/sobriety, many just looking for conversation & connection, and some looking for more. I did my best to provide comfort. ELS's was on Hwy 90 in Gulfport, and the Broadwater was (then) the gem on the beach in Biloxi. Good times.

What was the name of the restaurant also in Maywood Mart in the late 1970s/early 1980s. The owners were also a husband/wife pair. I want to say the last name was Marley & I think the wife's name was Dana. The guy could sing almost identical to Johnny Cash.


What were those names???

You may be thinking of Marney’s Home Cookin’, run by Ben & Dana Marney. It wasn’t in Maywood Mart, though. I believe it was in Triangle Mart. Last I heard Ben & Dana are still married, for over 50 years now.

The name of the club was Marney’s, and the name of his band was Ben Marney and Home Cooking. There are some videos on YouTube.