Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint

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Jeff Good and Daniel Blumenthal, Owners of Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint of Jackson, Mississippi, built a business from the ground up by being focused, fearless and fun.  The pair are best friends from high school who opened the 250-seat pizza restaurant and ice cream scoop shop in 2007 after operating two other successful restaurants in Jackson.

Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint offers signature pizza/pasta dishes, signature flavor ice creams, alcoholic/ nonalcoholic beverages, and a full dessert menu.  

Jeff Good and Daniel Blumenthal received the SBA 2013 Mississippi Small Business Person(s) of the Year award by the Mississippi District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Jeff and Dan employ more than 200 Jackson residents between their three restaurants and give generously to many causes each year. They represent the gold standard of a successful business in the jobs they provide, tax revenues they generate, and the selfless contributions to their community.  Both men are extraordinary entrepreneurs who work hard each day to ensure the best value and experience for their customers.

Jeff and Dan’s selection was based in part on Sal and Mookie’s staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and past financial reports, innovations of product or service, and a response to adversity.

The business received a SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan from Trustmark Bank in 2011 to obtain more favorable financing terms. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff and Daniel were able to obtain funding for their business under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance to sustain the business due to a loss of revenue. This afforded a resumption of employment for employees who were furloughed during the pandemic. In 2021, SBA introduced the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This program aided restaurants, bars and other food service businesses impacted by COVID-19. Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint received RRF funding to help the restaurant during the pandemic.

 

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.