Dr. Crystal Sanders established Ms. Ann’s Catering in 2015. She started the business to honor her late grandmother, who left her mark with her down home cooking style. “We were looking for ways that we could help her legacy live on, and the restaurant was our way of sharing her recipes with the world,” says Sanders. As the catering business grew, the family sought a more permanent location for Ms. Ann’s Catering and an event space they could rent out for large gatherings.
At the time, there was only one other Black-owned event venue in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Sanders and her father ultimately chose to purchase land and build a venue. However, the financing did not come easy. When they applied for a construction loan with their financial institution, their loan was denied. They then turned to HOPE and the loan was approved.
“I am grateful for HOPE…they gave us a chance when no one else gave us a chance,” says Dr. Sanders. Ms. Ann’s Catering now has a home and is staffed by 11 family members. “My grandmother would be proud that she has two businesses now that will be a part of our family for generations to come.”