Neighborhood Business Highlight: Proud Larry’s
Who doesn’t love a slice of pizza, a cold beer and live music? Scott Caradine knew this to be true and sought to create a spot in Oxford that offered just that. Now almost 30 years later, Proud Larry’s is still offering its pizza, beer and live music and is busier than ever!
Scott Caradine and two friends opened Proud Larry’s in 1993 with the idea of bringing pizza by the slice, live music and a good beer selection to Oxford. It was intended to be a spot for both the college crowd and locals. In 1997, Lisa Caradine, Scott’s wife, became partner and began running the office, handling the payroll and all office management. With the birth of their two children in 1999 and 2004, they began to shift their business model to cater to families of Oxford, retirees and still target the Ole Miss college market.
The live music scene is incredible. Many bands have Proud Larry’s on their resume, including Kurt Vile, Jason Isbell, Cedric Burnside, Elvis Costello, The Black Keys and Alabama Shakes, just to name a few. Proud Larry’s does an outstanding job of highlighting the local music scene as well, like the Kudzu Kings, Bill Perry, Jr., Damein Wash, Aaron Hall and University of Mississippi Jazz student and faculty groups, to name a few.
We ask our Neighborhood businesses how the Oxford and Lafayette county real estate market affects them. Scott shared, “The local real estate business impacts our restaurant in such a healthy way! When people are moving to Oxford, whether they are retirees or young families, they always look for places to connect, and that generally means searching out restaurants and entertainment venues where they feel comfortable, especially with their young children. We love building long time clients by feeding and entertaining people that are new to the Oxford market, as well as maintaining relationships with customers we have hosted for many years. We have always felt being part of the community, connecting with all ages and demographics, has helped us maintain steady growth throughout 29 years of business.”
We are grateful to Proud Larry’s for providing that special place to connect, eat, drink and enjoy live music! Stop by 211 South Lamar Blvd from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm any day but Sunday. You’ll be glad you did!
Neighborhoods close by: South Lamar Historic Residential, Van Buren Village, Dell Condos, Harrison Square, Inmon House