In McComb, Mississippi, The Dinner Bell restaurant has become a hub for social connection, thanks to its giant lazy Susans. Owner Andre Davis has witnessed strangers become lifelong friends over family-style meals served on four large circular tables that seat up to 15 people each.
The rotating tables encourage interaction among diverse customers, from European tourists to locals, including water treatment plant workers, church groups, and even British actor Hugh Bonneville. “We’ve had people sitting together that had nothing in common but the table they were sitting at,” Davis said.
Regular customer Wayne Dyson, who has visited for 40 years, appreciates the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. “We've met doctors, lawyers, teachers. And find out that most people are all good people,” he said. During a recent lunch, Dyson and his wife bonded with a group of strangers, including Justin Monistere, who was celebrating his sister's graduation. Monistere noted that the meal was the first since childhood where no one used a phone.
The family-style dining tradition in Mississippi dates back to the early 20th century, evolving along railroad tracks to serve large groups. Charles Morgan, former owner of the now-closed Revolving Tables Restaurant in Mendenhall, recalls his family's establishment opening in 1915. While many such restaurants have closed, a few remain.
Davis acknowledges that the format isn't for everyone, but it has led to remarkable outcomes, including a widower and widow who met at the restaurant and later married. “It's been hilarious, some of the people that have ended up sitting beside each other. You couldn't do it on purpose, you couldn't plan it, and you couldn't make it up,” he said.
