including pontoon and jet ski enthusiasts, with easy access to the river, allowing them to dock and enjoy downtown amenities without having to trailer their vessels. A TAPESTRY OF ECONOMIC CATALYSTS AND COMMUNITY HOTSPOTS Greenwood’s economic landscape is dynamically shaped by cornerstone businesses and innovative attractions that drive employment and tourism. As the food capital of Mississippi, it goes without saying that Greenwood’s restaurants are a core part of both its visitor appeal and economic momentum. “Our restaurants are key. We have one called Fan and Johnny’s, and their Chef is Taylor Ricketts, and she was a James Beard nominee. So, her food is superb... I mean, you don’t get the everyday blue plate special hanging at Johnny’s. You get different, unique dishes that are delicious.And so people come from everywhere to eat at Fan and Johnny’s,” Mayor McAdams explains. In addition to Fan and Johnny’s, Mayor McAdams speaks on several other notable eateries, like the renowned steak and seafood at Giardina’s, a thirdgeneration restaurant located in the Alluvian Hotel, and the authentic Italian cuisine at Serio’s. However, numerous other businesses within Greenwood’s business ecosystem contribute to its overall success. A monumental presence is the Viking Range Corporation, whose headquarters and manufacturing plants are located right in Greenwood. Viking’s impact also extends beyond manufacturing; its world-renowned cooking class is so popular that slots are booked years in advance, drawing visitors from across the globe. “Those classes are usually closed in a matter of seconds. People always call me and ask ‘Hey, can you get me into the Viking cooking class, and I always say ‘Look, I’m sorry, I might be the mayor, but I couldn’t get Jesus into a Viking cooking class,” Mayor McAdams jokingly expresses. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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