Mr. Munchies opening sit-down location

Mr. Munchies is opening a sit-down restaurant at 214 Line St., in the former Tootie’s Country Buffet location.

The restaurant will host a soft opening later this month, with a grand opening set for June 19.

Ronderick Clemons, an Army veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division for 10 years, originally launched Mr. Munchies in 2021 while living in Colorado.

At the time, he was running his own barbershop when he suffered a pulmonary embolism that landed him on the lung transplant list.

Clemons said it caused major issues, and after battling depression while sitting at home watching food show networks, he decided to try out some recipes.

“I figured the least I could do was to have a meal ready for my wife when she came home from work and when my kid got out of school,” he said. “It made me try different genres of food.”

Inspired by cooking for his family and encouraged by the positive feedback to the photos he posted on Facebook, Clemons launched a food truck in Colorado. He became a Harley Davidson ambassador, catering events at various dealerships, and also served food at Colorado State University Rams athletic events.

After moving back to Philadelphia, Clemons worked at Harry’s Barber Shop while continuing to run his food truck for a year. Eventually, he opened a drive-thru location near Vowell’s Marketplace.

“We had success, but I knew that some people wanted to have a place to get away from home and sit down to eat a meal,” Clemons said. “This location became available, and I couldn’t pass it up—it seemed like a good fit.”

With the new sit-down restaurant coming soon, Clemons now plans to convert the former drive-thru into a breakfast spot that will serve coffee and biscuits, while the main location will focus on lunch and dinner.

Clemons said he is planning to serve “big things” for a buffet on Sundays. He offers soul food, seafood, American classics like burgers and wings, pasta, and more.

“I have a large array of different things I can cook sort of all mashed up into one,” he said. “People like the idea of having hot cooked food—nothing is under a heat lamp.”

Among the most popular items are his Buffalo Lemon Pepper Fish Sandwich, Oklahoma Onion Burger, and Catfish Etouffee.

Clemons said his customers often help guide the menu, have taken a liking to his wings, and his seafood has almost tripled his revenue.

He attributes much of his attention to detail and consistency to his military background, particularly his experience in aviation, where precision is critical.

“I’m very analytical and look at the small things,” Clemons said before pointing out a wobbly table he’s since fixed. “When you look at a brochure on food, everything has to look like what we advertise or show you—you eat with your eyes first.”

He also emphasized the importance of hospitality, especially in times when many people are choosing to cook at home.

“If they are going to spend their money with me, I have to under promise and over deliver to make sure they get their money’s worth,” he said.

With Mr. Munchies’ tagline being “Food that you crave and staff that makes you feel like you matter,” Clemons wants every guest to feel welcome.

“If we can sit down and share a meal, you will learn so much about other people,” he said. “If we can all socialize in one place that’s inclusive of everybody, I think it will change the community and make us tighter.”

Clemons envisions the restaurant as a comfortable space to enjoy good food and unwind. He plans to show ball games and include an indoor bar.

“I never meet a stranger,” he said. “When you get that connection with people it’s the best feeling in the world. People fall in love with the food and that feedback is so rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Clemons has ambitions to turn Mr. Munchies into a franchise. But for now, he’s working out the kinks and deciding whether to install a menu board and bring food to guests or offer full table service.

The right side of the building will be available to rent for private parties and events. He also plans to continue offering takeout and keep his food truck running for off-site events.

“I want to be a fixture in the community for the long-term and provide great food and service,” Clemons said. “I care about the overall experience.”

For more information, call (601) 650-5410 or visit the Mr. Munchies Facebook page. A website is also currently in the works.