A Legacy of Vision and Integrity: Remembering Mr. Greg Kenola Price

By ReJohnna Brown Mitchell

JA Contributing Writer

In Mississippi, certain names carry a quiet, enduring power. Muhammad Ali had his ring. Aretha Franklin had her voice. Barack Obama had his vision. And Greg Kenola Price – known to all simply as “Mr. Price” or just “Price” – had his community.

Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Mr. Price’s story is one of steadfast work ethic, deep faith, and an unshakable belief in the dignity of honest labor. After Alcorn State University, he answered the call of service to his country by enlisting in the United States Army Financial Corps, where he served honorably.

When his military service ended, Mr. Price returned home to Petal, Mississippi, carrying with him the discipline and leadership that would define the rest of his life. He began his civilian career with Jitney Jungle Grocery Stores, quickly distinguishing himself as a man of integrity, fairness, and innovation. Recognizing his potential, Jitney Jungle moved him to Jackson, Mississippi, where he became a store manager and spent a decade leading with excellence.

From there, Mr. Price joined Sack & Save on Northside Drive, managing the store for numerous years. His presence was transformative – he built trust not only with his employees but also with the families who shopped there. When Sack & Save eventually closed its doors, Mr. Price and the district manager, Kenneth Leaks, refused to let their years of experience and community connection fade away. Instead, they made history by opening New Deal Grocery, the first African American–owned grocery store in the City of Jackson.

It was at New Deal that Mr. Price introduced one of his most impactful ideas – the “Pick 5.” This innovative program allowed customers to choose five preselected meats for a special price – $9.99 or $19.99 depending on size – making meal planning more affordable and convenient for working families. The Pick 5 was an instant success, drawing customers from across Central Mississippi and becoming a model for community-centered retail.

Even when the national economic crash – when “the banks were too big to fail” – forced many small businesses to close, Mr. Price’s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. When New Deal closed, he pivoted and opened Cash and Carry, a specialty grocery and supply store that catered to local eateries and small food businesses. From Dana’s and Sugar’s to Maxine’s Old Country Kitchen, Stamps Burgers, Two Sisters, Magic Spot, Sylvia’s, Peaches, and the Green Light Inn, Mr. Price provided the supplies and support that kept small restaurants, daycares, nursing facilities, food trucks, churches, and school fundraisers thriving.

Through Cash and Carry, he became a lifeline for small business owners – the quiet backbone behind many of Jackson’s most beloved local kitchens. His dedication, reliability, and kindness earned him a reputation that stretched beyond commerce; he was a mentor, a problem solver, and a man whose word still meant something.

Mr. Price expanded his vision even further when he restored and revitalized Taylor’s Candy Company, originally founded in 1956 and known as the oldest candy store in Jackson, Mississippi. Under his leadership, Taylor’s regained its place as a cherished neighborhood landmark, reminding a new generation of the sweetness of tradition, pride, and community entrepreneurship.

His success continued with another proud milestone: securing and fulfilling the contract to provide concessions for all Jackson State University football games and events at Veterans Memorial Stadium. For years, his team ensured that fans, families, and alumni could enjoy every game day with the same warmth and professionalism that defined everything he touched.

Those who knew Mr. Price will remember not just his accomplishments, but his humility. He led quietly, believed deeply in giving others a chance, and measured success not by profit but by people. His legacy lives on in every entrepreneur he encouraged, every employee he guided, and every family he served with honesty and care.

In every sense, Mr. Price was a man of purpose – a builder of businesses, a mentor to many, and a friend to all. His story reminds us that greatness isn’t only found in headlines or history books; sometimes, it’s found in the aisles of a neighborhood store, in a handshake, and in a life well lived.

As one of many he mentored, this writer can say that Mr. Price respected all his patrons and supporters with sincere dignity. He was a man of his word. He loved his family and was devoted to making a difference in the community he served. His impact will live on – not just in the businesses he built, but in the countless lives he touched.

Mr. Greg Kenola Price – a true Mississippi original – will never be forgotten.