Jackson Free Press

El Mezquite Bar and Grill has opened at 4240 Robinson Road (in the former El Chico site) near Metrocenter Mall. Luther and Magda Reyna own the new restaurant.

"El Chico was more Tex-Mex," Luther Reyna said. El Mezquite will offer a more authentic Mexican cuisine with a different approach.

The Reynas plan a grand opening in a couple of weeks. "I want the waiters to iron all the kinks out first," Magda Renya said.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. For information, call 769-251-0745.

Best Fried Chicken

A recent Yahoo Travel article names Two Sisters' Kitchen one of the top 10 best fried-chicken restaurants in the United States. The restaurant opened in June 1989 in a historic two-story home that was built in 1902. Two Sisters' Kitchen (707 N. Congress St.) is only open for lunch, 11a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday through Friday. For information, call 601-353-1180.

Juicy Drama Opens

Juciy Drama, a women's clothing store, opened Oct. 22 in Magnolia Marketplace in Flowood. It moved from Dogwood Plaza. Merchandise includes dresses and accessories, such as quirky headbands and novelty earrings. As part of its opening campaign, Juicy Drama is searching for a model. Anyone interested should submit portfolios by this Friday, Nov. 11. The new store is at 5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 300, Flowood. For information, call 601-672-3240.

State Businesses Get $163.9 M in Government Contracts

Mississippi businesses got more than $163.9 million in federal government contracts and modifications between Oct. 1, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2011. The U. S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) and HUBZone programs certified these businesses in an effort to allow small businesses to receive a fair share of the procurement pie.

Firms in designated HUBZones received $91,274,942 in sole source and competitive contracts in Mississippi. Also, small disadvantaged firms certified in SBA's premier 8(a) program secured $72,630,146 in contracts.

SBA's 8(a) program helps small disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace. The HUBZone program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. Both programs encourage more diversity in the marketplace and help struggling companies succeed and learn to stand on their own.

Mississippi has 47 firms in the 8(a) program and 235 certified companies in the HUBZone program. The agency wants to increase the number of firms and types of industries in these programs, according to a news release.

SBA also introduced its Women-Owned Small Business certification program on Feb. 4, 2011, aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses. To be eligible, a firm must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women.

For information about procurement certification programs, call 601-965-4378 or visit SBA's website.