The Baked Pork Chop, turnip greens, baby carrots and cornbread are just a few of the daily special options. Photo by Rob Roedel.
Category: Let’s Eat

The Eating Essentials

Gina's Place

2005 E. Highland Drive, Suite 109

Jonesboro

(870) 910-3900

eatatginas.com

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 6:30-9:30 a.m.,

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Gina McKay and her brother purchased their mother’s restaurant in 1997.
renaming it Gina’s Place. Photo by Rob Roedel.

Usually when a restaurant changes names, it means a new owner has entered the picture. However, the story at Gina’s Place in Jonesboro has an interesting twist.

The McKay family opened Ann’s Place in 1983. In 1997, Regina (Gina) McKay and her brother, Vernon, bought the restaurant from their mother, Ann. In 2012, Gina renamed the restaurant, Gina’s Place. A very nice homage to the restaurant’s former and present name is present above the entryway door of the restaurant, which has been at the same location for 41 years and doubled its seating in 2000.

Gina and her team take great pride in treating guests like family. I was told that some guests visit the comforting and welcoming establishment every day.

Daily special selections include four meats, more than a dozen vegetables and a roll or cornbread. My visit was on a Wednesday, when the meat options included a Baked Pork Chop, Chicken and Dumplings, Meatloaf and Fried Ham. Featured veggies were mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, whole kernel corn, baby carrots, potato casserole, pinto beans, macaroni and tomatoes, purple hull peas, turnip greens, cooked cabbage, potato salad, coleslaw and tossed salad.

Gina’s Place is known for its comforting daily
specials like Chicken and Dumplings. Photo by Rob Roedel.

The first plate I sampled featured Chicken and Dumplings, purple hull peas, potato casserole, green beans and a roll. Enjoying the warm comfort of Gina’s cooking, I felt like I was back at my grandma’s house. The second plate consisted of a breaded Baked Pork Chop, turnip greens, baby carrots and cornbread. The presentation was appetizing, and everything was seasoned perfectly. My third sampler plate included meatloaf, baby carrots and a classic summer side of macaroni and tomatoes. The meatloaf was good, and the “mac and tomatoes” were yummy.

The regular menu offers sandwiches, fresh, hand-patted hamburgers and salads. The Chef’s Salad with Grilled Chicken was very tasty and served in a huge bowl.

Gina was kind enough to bring me slices of homemade Chocolate and Peanut Butter pies. I still can’t decide which one I liked best, as both were spot-on. It was a great way to round out my meals. Other homemade desserts include Coconut Pie and Chocolate Cake.

The homemade Chocolate Pie at Gina’s
Place is spot-on. Photo by Rob Roedel.

If you are a breakfast lover, then Gina’s has you covered. The crowd favorite is the Garbage Plate, a mammoth specialty incorporating two cooked-to-order eggs, ham, bacon, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheese, shredded hash browns and sliced jalapeños.

While talking to Gina, she shared many stories that showed her sincere love of her business and the relationships established among longtime customers and friends.

Stop by and see the team at Gina’s Place in Jonesboro. You will enjoy the experience.