County Road 11: Finding a home, success in the U.S.

Mimmo's restaurants in Quitman, Laurel and Meridian are very popular, especially for those who love Italian food.

The owner and head chef has enjoyed great success since moving from Italy to the United States. He realized a life-long dream.

Mimmo Rendina came to the United States 11 years ago in hopes of achieving the American dream. He met his eventual wife, Jenny, a year later. The two moved to her hometown of Quitman, Miss., and in February 2015, the couple opened Mimmo's Italian Restaurant.

"It was a blessing from God since we opened on February 11, 2015, and (we've) been very busy from then," Rendina said.

Mimmo's in Quitman became so successful that he opened another restaurant in Laurel a couple of years ago, and more recently, opened a bistro in downtown Meridian.

"He came here with the American dream of taking a small business and growing that business with a strong work ethic and an excellent chef," said Becky Watkins, president of the Quitman Women's Club.

Despite his successful business and the birth of two children, something was still missing from his life, and that was American citizenship. Well, Rendina recently took care of that, becoming an official citizen of the United States. He also received a very special present from the Quitman Women's Club.

"We were able to obtain a flag that had flown over the White House and then we worked to have it as a presentation for him," said Watkins.

"When they give it to me, that gift, I cried like a little baby," said Rendina. "That touched my heart. I know the flag is being given to me by people that fight for this country, that sacrifice for this country and giving for me the day was an honor and it makes me happy."

From southern Italy to south Mississippi, Rendina is truly living out the American dream, one great Italian dish at a time.

"I'm here. I'm American. I'm in the United States. Got two kids who are American. My wife is American and I'm parked over here now," said Rendina.

Mimmo's currently has three locations and he hinted he could be adding another in a year or two.

For more information, you may call 601-557-9006 or visit Mimmo's Facebook pages by clicking the attached links.