The Crew Behind Ajax Diner, Good Eats

Ajax Diner dishes up plates of comforting soul food on the Courthouse Square in Oxford. Its tin roof awning, brightly painted façade, and colorful strings of lights welcome a steady stream of hungry diners. Exuberant folk art watches over the rustic dining room as patrons linger over sweet potato casserole, jerk rubbed pork chop, tamale pie, and other tasty dishes. While these surroundings are familiar to many, few patrons ever see the kitchen, the source of their meal. Owner Amy Crockett was kind enough to invite me into the back where I dodged the hustle as the Friday lunch rush tapered off.

(l-r) Parks and John G. in the kitchen at Ajax Diner

Ajax's famous cornbread

(left) Bringing on the heat with Tobasco and Rotel (right) Matty Crockett checks up on the recipe for cheese dip.

Stacks of clean stoneware are stored neatly for the next dinner rush.

Trash with a smile

Health codes require a hat or headband be worn at all times.