A Personal Reflection on Our Journey Back to Where We Belong

— Eight years ago, Mouth of the South faced a challenge no business owner could ever fully prepare for: a fire that destroyed our restaurant and forced us to rebuild everything from the ground up. Today, I’m here to share where we are now—stronger, more focused, and more committed than ever to serving the community that’s supported us through it all.

I’m Ryan Ernst, the owner and creator of Mouth of the South. And while the fire may have changed the course of our business, it never changed the heart of what we do. And after everything we’ve been through, we’ve come out the other side with that commitment stronger than ever.

The fire was a turning point. We lost our original location, had to shift partnerships, and made some tough decisions along the way. But as challenging as it was, I never lost sight of what we set out to do—to bring real Southern flavors to this community with love, care, and hospitality.

Now, after years of navigating change and rebuilding, I’m excited to say that we are finally back to our roots. Mouth of the South is now fully back under my ownership and leadership. We’re back to the concept that started it all, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you again.

This isn’t just a return; it’s a rebirth. We’ve faced setbacks, but each one taught us something invaluable about what it means to be a part of this community and what it takes to truly serve it. We’ve always been about more than just food—we’re about creating a place where everyone feels welcome, and that’s something we’ll never lose sight of.

We wouldn’t be here without your continued support. And for that, I am beyond grateful.

Thank you for being part of our journey. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Ryan Ernst