All are hopeful one of Vicksburg’s most beloved restaurateurs will make a full recovery after suffering a stroke Friday night.

Rowdy Nosser, owner of Rowdy’s Family Restaurant and Taco Casa in Vicksburg, suffered a stroke Friday evening after an event at his restaurant. Rowdy’s Mississippi Mud Pie was featured on the Inspiration channel’s “State Plate” television show, hosted by recording artist Taylor Hicks. Rowdy’s hosted a viewing party for the show.

Nosser was taken to the Merit Health River Region emergency room and was airlifted soon thereafter to University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

His son, Regan Nosser, who has taken over operation of the family’s restaurants, said Nosser is getting the best medical care possible.

When Rowdy arrived in Jackson, he had surgery to relieve pressure from a bleed in his brain, Regan said.

“He is sedated and unconscious. Doctors are keeping him sedated because they don’t want any more trauma to the brain,” Regan Nosser said. “We are praying for a full recovery, but we know it will be a very long road.”

In the meantime, Regan said it’s business as usual at Rowdy’s and Taco Casa.

Regan, 26, grew up in his father’s restaurants. Since graduating from Ole Miss with a degree in management, he has been working in the commercial wealth management industry in New Orleans.

“It was always my dad’s wish that I come back to the restaurant. While the timing was unexpected, it’s what he always wanted and I’m happy to be here,” Regan said.

“It’s business as usual. There have been no hiccups.”

Rowdy’s will also be featured on Oct. 24 on the Travel Channel, as will Solly’s Hot Tamales in Vicksburg and three Jackson restaurants. That show was filmed here in January, Regan said.

“We just want to bring a level of comfort to the community and make sure all know nothing has changed here. We are still offering the highest level of quality in our food and service. Our aim is to make Rowdy proud in his absence.

“And we want our employees to know their jobs are safe. Our restaurants will continue to operate just as they have been operating all along,” Regan said.

The family has been overwhelmed and is thankful for the many calls and texts and messages of support from the community, he said. Anyone wishing to send a card to Rowdy is asked to do so through the restaurant, and his family will make certain Rowdy receives it.

Unfortunately, Rowdy cannot receive visitors at the hospital right now.

“We appreciate all of the prayers, but there is no sense going to the hospital. No one except family is allowed to see him and only at select visiting times,” Regan said.