Gina’s Looking for New “Place” to Call Home

JONESBORO, Ark. — Gina’s Place, somewhat of a Jonesboro food institution, is looking for a new “place” to call home.

Serving up some great Southern food and a healthy dose of community, Regina McKay has been working in this kitchen since 1983. Originally, Ann’s Restaurant, owned by McKay’s mother, Gina took hold of the spatula shortly after her mother retired in 1997.

On Tuesday, McKay’s world came crashing down when she received notice to vacate by February 28. The owners of the building, East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, served termination of lease letters to all of the tenants in Fountain Square on Highland Road.

The news left McKay devastated. “We’ll have to close in the middle of February to get everything out,” McKay said with tears in her eyes.

“It’s okay. It’ll work out. God’s got us. I know that God’s got it, but it’s just too much at one time right now,” McKay continued.

The news did not sit well with diners at Gina’s Place either.

“Gina and her mom and family have run this place for, I guess, close to 50 years here. I know it’s a business, but if the community would just kind of rally around and try to help her find a place. She serves a lot of people here, almost like a mission field,” said long-time customer Perry Smith.

“A lot of older folks rely on this place for a good meal,” Smith continued.

Cliff Hutson described McKay as “like family.”

“We’ve all been coming here for several years, so she needs to find her a spot to continue on with what she’s doing,” Hutson told NEA Report.

Smith chimed in, mentioning how McKay closes Gina’s Place every year around Christmas so her employees can enjoy the holidays with their families. The restaurant will be closed from December 20 through January 4.

“When they come back, people just need to come in here and blow her up with business to help her move,” Smith said.

Adam Fraize has fond memories of Ann’s Restaurant and then, Gina’s Place, dating back to when he first arrived in Jonesboro for college in 1995.

“It’s an interesting thing for the community. It’s kind of like one of the little hole-in-the-wall restaurants that we all tell everyone about,” said Fraize.

He continued, “It would be a shame if we lost it because everyone is in a hurry these days to put in an interesting restaurant like What-A-Burger or places like that. Where do we have anything like a cafe hanging around these days?”

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Arthur Nash was shocked by the news.

“That just blows my mind,” said Nash. “Finding another spot is going to be difficult, and I hate that because I love this place. That’s devastating, but I know God can move in miraculous ways and help them find a place soon,” he continued.

NEA Report reached out to the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. Executive Director, Melissa Prater explained the reason behind the decision to divest of the old building.

“We had an opportunity to sell the property and put the money back into our programs, such as our home and community-based services for senior care,” Prater explained.

Because of the age of the building, Prater said, “It’s becoming more of a burden to keep up and harder than if it were a new property.”

“They’ll take down the buildings and come in with a blank canvas,” Prater said of the prospective buyers.

McKay says the move is going to be difficult, especially in today’s economy. Her loyal clients have been sending suggestions.

“They don’t realize. McAllister’s rents for $4,100 a month, plus utilities and everything,” McKay explained. McKay says her current rent is less than half of that amount, and her utilities are paid.

McKay is keeping the faith because she is not ready to hang up her apron just yet. She is actively looking for solutions, even if that means cutting down on her space, meaning fewer customers could dine at Gina’s place.

“I know God’s got us,” McKay said, again throwing her burden upon the Lord, and though she doesn’t know what’s next, McKay is dedicated to helping the Jonesboro community, one plate at a time.