Espresso bar, bistro and small-batch bakery can all be found inside the walls of the newest edition to downtown Clarksdale. Yazoo Pass is bringing new food and beverage items to the area as well as a feeling of growth and community.

Owner Meri Tenhet dreamed about opening a place just like Yazoo Pass for over five years. Her experience as a creator in the fancy foods business called Mississippi Madness, as a specialty cake baker, a trained chef and a caterer has prepared her to lead the way in this new venture. The day after Thanksgiving, Yazoo Pass opened its doors and along with co-owners John and Robin Cocke, the dream became a reality.

“Yazoo Pass is introducing new choices to Clarksdale including a frozen yogurt bar,” said Tenhet. Available all day, customers serve themselves as they choose their flavor/s, toppings and syrups. Tenhet said, “Yogurt is versatile and delicious as a fruit parfait for breakfast, a sweet treat after lunch or as an activity with the kids after school.” And Tenhet insists that depending on the toppings you choose, it is a healthy option with non-fat and no-sugar-added products.

Another new offering is the espresso bar with a full list of beverages. The baristas will blend up traditional coffee house options, frappes or smoothies. With warm colors on the walls and a clean aesthetic, enjoy those drinks in the cozy atmosphere where you can relax in the booths, couch area, or at the community table. Complimentary wireless internet is also offered.

In addition to frozen yogurt and espresso, Yazoo Pass has full breakfast and lunch menus, a large fresh make-your-own salad bar, and a grab-and-go cooler stocked with salads, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. Tenhet is focusing on offering the freshest ingredients, from the homemade salad dressings to the handcrafted sandwiches. Soups made daily in-house, various quiche options, and a scrumptious array of pastries to accompany those coffee drinks round out the appetizing menu.

But Yazoo Pass is more than just a new restaurant. Tenhet believes it is part of a larger community revitalization effort for downtown Clarksdale. Tenhet said, “I want it to be a place that brings people together.” She is hoping to give back to the community in presence and location, with food and beverage offerings new to the community, and in charitable ways.

During this economic climate, it is refreshing to see new businesses open. With fresh ingredients, new options and friendly, welcoming atmosphere, people will be flocking to Yazoo Pass.

Yazoo Pass is open Mon-Sat, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm and located at 207 Yazoo Ave. Clarksdale, MS. DBJ