Since she was 8, Kathy (Buffy) Cole has loved cooking.
“I stood on an old chair next to the stove with my grandmother and I haven’t stopped since,” she said. “I’ve been married for 30 years and hooked my husband with my homemade spaghetti.”
The mother of four, along with her husband Bryant, recently purchased Deb’s Pizza Inc. in Poplarville and aim to bring their own Cajun flair to the restaurant’s menu.
The pair, originally from Houma, Louisiana, made a home in Poplarville about two years ago, she said.
“We had been coming to eat here since and love the food,” Cole said. “Former owner Deborah Anderson asked us about purchasing the place for about year. She was ready to retire. I love to cook; it’s my passion.”
Deb’s Pizza has been operating in Poplarville for the past 17 years and so the Coles will continue to serve Deb’s recipes.
Everything is made to order including appetizers, which include cheesy bread, seafood Parmesan dip and swamp fries, which are topped with roast beef, cheese and jalapenos.
The pizzas, which range in size from 8 to 18 inches, can be topped with a variety of toppings including chicken bacon ranch, bacon cheeseburger, chicken alfredo, Hawaiian chicken and taco.
For those looking for less carbohydrates, guests can choose from items such as lemon pepper tilapia and bun-less cheesesteak.
Patrons who want a sandwich can choose from roast beef, philly cheesesteak, club and muffaletta.
The menu also includes a variety of pasta items, such as spaghetti, fettuccine and crawfish confetti.
Pizza pockets and a salad bar are also available to order at Deb’s. A bean soup and shrimp and corn soup will soon be added to the menu.
For dessert, patrons can choose between a chocolate chip pizza or an apple dessert pocket, which is a cinnamon apple filled pizza pocket topped with cream cheese icing.
There are 12 employees at Deb’s, including the Coles and their son Brandon.
“All of our employees stayed on after we bought the restaurant,” Cole said. “I love the people here in Poplarville. They are amazing, friendly and just like our family. We want Deb’s to be a place for everyone to get together and enjoy a good meal and atmosphere.”
Deb’s Pizza Inc. is located at 950 S. Main St.
The restaurant is open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Deb’s is closed on Saturdays.
The full menu is available for take-out, Cole said.
Contact staff by phone at 601-795-2277 and learn more about Deb’s through Facebook at Debs Pizza.