Wayne Lee's — Local services in Lucedale

This place is absolutely awesome. It's one of those "everything you need and nothing you don't" kinda stores. There's plenty of parking, it's close to everything else near downtown Lucedale, they have fresh produce, a deli area, baked goods, toiletries, and generic brands that don't break the bank which is especially important in this economy.

I was on the hunt for ingredients to make a lasagna casserole for Christmas Eve and a breakfast casserole for Christmas Day for my parents after coming to visit from Bham, and was searching frantically for sour cream. While it was sold out (I mean....it was literally Christmas Eve that I was trying to buy it, so that was totally on me), three young men pulled out all the stops to try and find it for me. They were all so sweet and gregarious!

Ended up getting a tub of plain yogurt after finding out it could be used in lieu. Then, a cashier in a Grinch outfit came by and was casually strolling up and putting random items in people's carts. She was HILARIOUS. Had me dying. 🤣 All I could think was how no one would find it funny and they'd probably try to sue or something crazy if you did that in Bham. Made me miss my small hometown in MO.

I love this place. Can't say enough great things and will always use it for my groceries when I come to visit. 🥰

Update:

Sorry to have to do this, but I came in here looking for stuff for a Thanksgiving meal this year and everything in the meat dept was expired. Expired sausage, expired ham, and worst of all? Some meats looked expired because of the packaging but conveniently had no expiration date visible whatsoever. I've been told the owner's related to "Lucedale royalty." Makes sense. Otherwise, this place woulda been closed down for health code violations in any other town where nepotism...

Great local grocery store.

The history

Wayne Lee first started in the grocery business in his hometown of Columbia, MS as a 13-year-old bag boy and delivery boy. He later became a butcher and started his own store in 1939, but the meat shortage during World War II brought him offers to move.

In 1942, Wayne Lee moved to Pascagoula, MS. Over the next couple of years, he operated two different meat markets. Mr. Lee opened his first grocery and market in Pascagoula located in the Bozo's seafood building on Ingalls Avenue. After a couple of years, he sold the business and moved back to Columbia, MS. In 1953, Wayne and Nita Lee returned to Pascagoula and purchased the store on Telephone Road. In 1974, Mr. Lee built a new 25,000 square foot store behind the original store on Telephone Road. Mr. Lee's reputation for quality meats and customer service led to continued growth. In November of 1978, Mr. Lee opened his second location in Lucedale, MS. Wayne Lee's reputation as the "Home of Choice Beef" spread throughout the George and Jackson County area and beyond.

Perry Wayne Lee, Wayne Lee's son, joined the business in 1971 as a bag boy and has enjoyed seeing the business grow. Mr. Lee unexpectedly passed away in December of 1978 and Perry Wayne Lee then became president of the company. Perry Lee remains dedicated to his father's original vision and mission for the stores, which was based on excellent customer service and high-quality meats and produce. Through his similar work ethic, Perry and his family strive to keep Wayne Lee's legacy alive.

Grillin And Chillin With...

I love having an alternative to Walmart in my town. Above that is the great selection of meats that are often on sale that can't be beat. The prices of most things are slightly higher but worth it to avoid Walmart! I love to buy the shrimp from the cooler! The only thing I can think of that could be better is to have a dedicated freezer for the shrimp instead of just an ice chest. Once in a while I have to pass on shrimp because fresh frozen shrimp is dumped on top of not so fresh ones. They are labeled as being from Texas and the quality is so much better than what is imported into the Walmart freezers. Buy local! Visit...