News Summary
The Beacon Restaurant, a beloved establishment in Oxford, Mississippi, announced its closing date for May 10, 2025. Renowned for its Southern hospitality and hearty meals, it has been serving the community since 1959. Owner Tony Mize confirmed the news, expressing gratitude for the support from patrons over the years. As the closing date nears, the restaurant invites customers to visit one last time, reflecting on its rich history and the cherished memories built within its walls.
Oxford, Mississippi
The Beacon Restaurant, one of Oxford’s beloved dining establishments, will close its doors on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after more than six decades of service. This popular breakfast and lunch spot has been a staple in the community since it first opened on April 15, 1959.
Owner Tony Mize confirmed the closing on Friday morning and announced the news on the restaurant’s social media platform on April 24, 2025. The Beacon is located on Heritage Drive and is renowned for its Southern hospitality and flavorful home-cooked meals, including the signature dish, the “Big Bubba” hamburger steak.
The restaurant has operated under the stewardship of the Mize family, founded by Tony Mize’s parents, Flem and Charlene Mize. With its rich history in the community, Beacon has attracted generations of customers seeking hearty meals and friendly service. As the official closing date approaches, the restaurant will continue to serve patrons from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, inviting the community to visit and bid farewell in its final days of operation.
In the lead-up to the announcement, there had been rumors regarding the restaurant’s potential closing circulating since the previous year. Despite the speculation, many customers expressed their sorrow at the official confirmation of the closure. Staff members voiced their gratitude to loyal customers who have supported the establishment through the years.
As Tony Mize prepares for retirement after a long and dedicated career at the Beacon, he reflects on the hard work and commitment that has sustained the restaurant throughout its history. The announcement has been met with reflections of nostalgia and appreciation from the Oxford community, many of whom have created cherished memories over meals shared at the iconic venue.
The message shared by the restaurant also conveys a sense of hope for the future, suggesting that “when God closes one door, He opens another,” indicating a positive outlook despite the impending closure.
In its six-plus decades of service, the Beacon Restaurant has become an integral part of Oxford’s culinary landscape. As it prepares to close, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of locally-owned eateries that foster community ties and offer a taste of home-cooked comfort.
With a legacy of delicious food and warm hospitality, the Beacon will be missed by many and will leave a lasting imprint on both the hearts of those who dined there and the history of Oxford.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle – The Beacon to Close
- Wikipedia: Oxford, Mississippi
- DJournal – Beacon Coffee Club Looks Back
- Google Search: Beacon Restaurant Oxford
- NBC Connecticut – Rescue from Flooded Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Restaurant History Oxford
- WTNH – Firefighters Rescue in Oxford
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- DJournal – Oxford’s Oldest Restaurant to Close
- Google News: Restaurant Closures Oxford
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
