our story
Since 1997 Ajax Diner has been serving Oxford’s finest Mississippi cuisine. Southern comfort food is our specialty. Chicken and dumplings, fried catfish, Mississippi pot roast, meatloaf, country fried steaks, along with an array of burgers and poboys are just a few of the standards.
Named after founder Randy Yates’ grandfather, A.J. Ajax was his nickname when he was his fraternity’s kitchen steward. A.J bragged that people came from all over campus to eat his food. A.J was also well known for his hospitality at the Neshoba County Fair. The late night sing he directed is named after him to this day. Ajax’ awnings and Christmas tree lights are fashioned after the family’s fair cabin. It’s that Mississippi hospitality that Ajax brings to the Oxford square that keeps people coming back again and again.
After 27 outstanding years of operation, Randy passed the torch to local hospitality expert Clay Scruggs. Clay purchased the business in April of 2024 with clear goals to keep Ajax going strong in all its original glory.
Ajax has been voted Oxford’s best plate lunch every year since opening. It has also been voted best restaurant several times, and twice has won Oxford’s Best of the Best. Mississippi Magazine readers have three times now voted Ajax as the best plate lunch in the state. Let’s also mention Ajax made it on Southern Living’s list of The South’s Most Legendary Restaurants!
Join us for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. First come, first served – no reservations! We are located on the west side of the Oxford Square, in the bright yellow building.
