GRAMERCY — Earline Nabor’s grandchildren affectionately call her “Ma.” Terrence Hayes, Nabor’s partner in the kitchen and in life, earned the nickname “Jew-Maica” as a child because his family’s heritage is rooted in the Caribbean islands.

Together, they formed Ma’Jewz Eatery, a new River Parishes restaurant serving up home cooked soul food and seafood for families to enjoy.

Located at 234 E. Main Street in Gramercy, Ma’Jewz recently celebrated its soft opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A grand opening featuring door prizes, live entertainment and special menu prices will take place Nov. 2.

Red beans and rice, gumbo, lima beans, specialty fried ribs and smothered turkey necks are among the featured foods at Ma’Jewz Eatery. Other menu selections include fried, baked and BBQ chicken, shrimp fried rice, crawfish bisque, in-season boiled and fried seafood and po-boys.

Nabor found a passion for cooking at just 9 years old. Using recipes and techniques passed down from the previous generation, she began cooking for her siblings as a teenager while their mother was busy at work.

After she and Hayes got together three years ago, they tossed around the idea of getting into the restaurant business. Lease opportunities fell through in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes, but when the Main Street Gramercy location came up for sale, it was an opportunity they could not pass up.

“About eight months ago, an opportunity came to get a building,” Hayes said. “We just went for it. We’re going to try our hand in some good soul food cuisine and some good seafood with good family recipes.”

He considers the restaurant to be a blessing from God.

“He opened all of the doors for us to have this,” Hayes said.

Above all, Nabor wants Ma’Jewz Eatery to be a family oriented place where guests can kick back and relax. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. TVs placed inside the restaurant are perfect for the big game, and specially commissioned murals of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers on the back wall bring life to the space.

“It’s unique because it’s been nothing but love from the beginning when we met,” Nabor said. “We just want people to come and feel the atmosphere. Bring your kids and relax.”

Hayes said top-notch customer service is a priority.

“Wherever you come from, St. John, St. James, you’re going to get great customer service in a loving atmosphere with the best soul food and seafood in town,” Hayes said. “Come out and see us. We have very good prices.”

Restaurant hours are from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ma’Jewz will be closed on Sunday.

For more information, call 225-417-7127 or find Ma’Jewz Eatery on Facebook.