Perry and Donna Boyd, owners of the Gumbo Pot, wanted to share their Louisiana family recipes and heritage with Vicksburg. As a result, they opened up Bayou Market Place in early December and the response has “really overwhelmed us,” said Donna Boyd.

“Business has been really good. The support from Vicksburg has been phenomenal,” Boyd said.

Bayou Market Place, located at 3428 Halls Ferry Road, features Louisiana Cajun cuisine catered toward busy people and families to make their busy lives easier, as well as gatherings.

A specialty of the market place is quick and easy frozen pre-made to-go casseroles.

“We are truly trying to be for the working Mom and people who are busy,” Boyd said. “We can also cook it for them in our oven so they can go home and dinner is ready.”

Many of the items that are found in the market are hand-me-down family recipes, according to Boyd.

“It’s a lot of the family recipes we like to eat. My sister, Michelle, has always made the best lasagna casserole and also chicken salad. My Mom makes the best pecan pie and a vegetable soup,” Boyd said. “Everyone has added their touch and it’s been special to us sharing our recipes.”

Donna Boyd said her husband, who has that Cajun background, comes over from the Gumbo Pot and makes the crawfish pies and etouffee.

The take-out market also has a wide variety of sandwiches, including New Orleans muffulettas, salads, seafood, desserts and Cajun spices.

“We have everything you need to make different seafoods and gumbo, or whatever you want to do,” Donna Boyd said.

And currently, they have Gambino king cakes in stock. She said they’re also gearing up for the Super Bowl.

“We are your party connection,” Boyd said. “We have anything you need for your party from five people to 500 people.”

As part of their giving back to the community, the owners have also installed a “Blessing Box” outside in front of the business that is filled with crackers, peanut butter, canned goods, toiletries and other staples, free for the taking for those in need.

“God has blessed me and my family in so many ways and I hope and pray that people who need something will use it,” Boyd said. “It’s like a pay it forward type of thing.”

Bayou Market Place is open Monday through Saturday from 10-7 and is closed on Sunday.