This October, the Mississippi Department of Health has green-lit 24 new restaurants and dining operations to begin service across the state. Leading the charge is celebrated chef‐entrepreneur Alex Eaton, who is expanding his footprint with a fresh Mexican concept in Jackson’s Highland Village.
Eaton’s New Mexican Venture: La Presa Taqueria
From Mediterranean Roots to Mexican Flare
Chef Alex Eaton—also the force behind Aplós Simple Mediterranean in Jackson and Ridgeland—will debut La Presa Taqueria in Highland Village. Drawing on his reputation and culinary range, Eaton aims to bring a bold, Mexican-inspired dining experience to the local scene.
Background & Partnership
Eaton, co-owner of The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, holds a Business Administration degree from Mississippi State University (class of 2007). Although the restaurant has not officially opened, he anticipates that everything will fall into place in the coming week.
Teaming with long-time restaurant operator Cristian Rodriguez, Eaton plans to open La Presa right across the courtyard from Aplós, occupying the former LaCour space, which closed recently.
Vision & Brand Personality
La Presa aims to deliver an energetic, approachable dining atmosphere grounded in authenticity, culture, and creativity. Eaton told the Clarion-Ledger:
“If that space ever became available, I would go after it. We helped reshape the courtyard community space, so opening now just feels right.”
He describes the brand as playful, lively, and full of movement—a spirited vision for exceptional Mexican cuisine in Jackson, crafted with flavor, structure, and pride.
The name La Presa, Spanish for “the prey,” draws inspiration from moments Eaton shared outdoors with his sons; it captures the brand’s playful energy.
Guest Experience & Layout Highlights
- No reservations will be taken; instead, a wait list system allows customers to stroll Highland Village while awaiting a table.
- The atmosphere is intended to be fun, mischievous, and kinetic.
- Amenities include a hidden patio ideal for happy hours or game-day gatherings, and a second bar inside the kitchen to speed up margarita service and reduce congestion.
Other Approved Restaurants & Food Units
Below is a list of additional dining businesses recently approved by the Mississippi Department of Health—some mobile, some storefronts—that are eligible to open soon:
| Name | Format | Location / Base | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary BBQ | Mobile | 308 Hawthorne Ave., Madison | Licensed |
| Grab and Cast Outdoors | Mobile | 1405 Section Road, Terry | Licensed |
| Lorens Colombian Kitchen | Mobile | 718 Versailles Dr., Ridgeland | Licensed |
| Brother’s Almanza | Mobile | 137 Yandell Rd., Canton | Licensed |
| Pavilion Coffee Shop | Café | 2500 N State St., Jackson (UMMC WPB Pavilion) | Licensed |
| Old Fannin Nutrition | Tea shop | 1679 Old Fannin Rd., Suite C, Flowood | Licensed |
| Baptist Memorial Rehab Dining | Hospital Dining Option | 1520 Highland Colony Pkwy, Madison | Licensed |
| Jerk City Grille 2 | Mobile | 1290 E County Line Rd., Ridgeland | Licensed |
| Rib Lovers BBQ | Mobile | 412 Cherry Hill Dr., Madison | Licensed |
| Grub 2 Go Kitchen | Mobile | 4855 N State St., Jackson | Licensed |
| Baskin Robbins | Shopfront | 1054 Gluckstadt Rd., Suite B, Madison | Licensed |
| SupremFish | Eatery | 3000 Highway 80 E, Pearl | Licensed |
| Cups & Espresso Café | Café | 1450 W Government St., Suite D, Brandon | Licensed |
| El Potro LLC | Restaurant | 1200 E County Line Rd., Suite 1416, Ridgeland | Licensed (formerly Tastee) |
| (Another location) | — | 613 Old Jackson Rd., Madison | Licensed |
| Twilight | Restaurant | 3040 Livingston Rd., Jackson | Licensed |
| Stadium Market | Market / Dining | 352 E Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson | Licensed |
| Vera’s Visions / Trends | Mobile | 672 Forest Ave., Jackson | Licensed |
| Roll’n Chef Kitchen & Catering | Mobile | 2750 N Siwell Rd., Suite G, Jackson | Licensed |
| Embassy Suites Bar | Bar / Dining | 200 Township Place, Ridgeland | Licensed |
| Supermart 3 | Convenience / Food | 1012 Hugh Ward Blvd, Suite B, Flowood | Licensed |
| Groovy Munchies | Mobile | 276 Byrd Rd., Florence | Licensed |
| Club BB LLC | Dining | 3006 N State St., Jackson | Licensed |
Each of these operations has obtained the necessary license from the Department of Health but may not yet be open for service.
Conclusion
Alex Eaton is poised to enrich Jackson’s dining landscape with La Presa Taqueria, a vibrant and authentic Mexican concept emerging in Highland Village. Backed by his experience and a dedicated partnership, Eaton’s new restaurant aims to balance creativity with accessibility, offering a lively new destination for locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, across Mississippi, 23 additional dining projects now hold health department approval—signaling a broader surge in culinary growth statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes La Presa Taqueria different from Eaton’s previous restaurants?
La Presa will bring a Mexican flavor and energy, contrasting with Eaton’s earlier Mediterranean concept (Aplós). It’s designed to be lighthearted, bold, and rooted in cultural authenticity.
When is La Presa expected to open?
Although no exact opening date is confirmed, Eaton anticipates that preparations will be complete and the restaurant ready to launch within the next week or so.
Will La Presa accept reservations?
No, reservations won’t be available. Instead, La Presa will use a wait list system, allowing guests to walk around Highland Village while they await a table.
